The Birth of America by William R Polk
In this concise history of Colonial America, celebrated scholar William R. Polk traces the growth of a national character and spirit of independence, from the arrival of European colonists in the New World to the eve of the American Revolution. The Birth of America emphasizes the basic flaw of colonialism, an essentially parent-child relationship; eventually any child wants to break free and live an independent life. The Revolution, therefore, was a logical step in the evolution of the United States. As John Adams wrote, "This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution."
William R. Polk taught Middle Eastern history and politics and Arabic at Harvard until 1961, when he became a member of the Policy Planning Council of the U.S. Department of State. In 1965, he became Professor of History at the University of Chicago, where he established the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. His many books include The Birth of America and Understanding Iraq. "Packed with impeccable scholarship and insightful analysis." -- Kirkus Reviews
William R. Polk studied at Harvard and Oxford and taught at Harvard until 1961 when President J. F. Kennedy, McGeorge Bundy, director of the National Security Council, and Under Secretary of State, Chester Bowles put him on the newly reorganized Policy Planning Council. There he was responsible for much of Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. He was one of three members of the Crisis Management Committee during the Cuban Missile Crisis; headed the American task force that helped to end the Algerian war; and later he negotiated the Egyptian-Israeli cease fire on the Suez Canal. In 1965, the resigned to become Professor of History at the University of Chicago where he founded the Middle Eastern Studies Center, and subsequently was President of the Adlai Stevenson Institute of International Affairs. He is author of scores of essays and 17 books on world affairs. In 2012, he organized and chaired the conference on Affordable World Security that has been called the best meeting of its kind ever held in Washington.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780060750909 |
| ISBN 10 | 0060750901 |
| Title | The Birth of America |
| Author | William R Polk |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Harper |
| Year published | 2006-04-11 |
| Number of pages | 416 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |