To America: Personal Reflections of an Historian by Stephen Ambrose
Reviewed by Vicki CarverStephen Ambrose was a well known historian who wrote more than 25 books relating to different historical people and events. He is well known for several books concerning World War II, Eisenhower, Nixon, Lewis and Clark, and American foreign policy.
The last book that Ambrose wrote before his death in 2002 is titled To America: Personal Reflections of an Historian. The book is actually a collection of essays covering a wide variety of topics such as The Battle of New Orleans in 1812, the building of the transcontinental railroad, the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt and the lives of Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon.
Many interesting events are explained in To America. For example, The Battle of New Orleans was fought in 1812 after the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed. Ulysses S. Grant did not really want to be president after the Civil War but felt a strong obligation to help his county through reconstruction. Eisenhower was a major force in the Allies’ success in World War II and beyond. His ascent to the presidency followed a wave of success in helping to reconstruct Europe after the war.
The bravery exhibited by our American soldiers was explained in several chapters dealing with the war both in Europe and the Pacific. Ambrose believed we owe our freedom to the men and women who worked so hard to guarantee the Allies’ success. Ambrose’s admiration for these people was evident.
Ambrose did not want to write about Richard Nixon but eventually agreed to. With time and research Ambrose grudgingly learned to respect Nixon in spite of the scars of Watergate. Ambrose believed that Nixon did some good as president. Most of the people interviewed for the books on Nixon were very supportive of him as a person and a president.
To America could be read in its entirely or randomly by selecting chapters of interest. It provides a useful reading experience for anyone who is interested in history.