About this item
Highlights
- In Scientific Americans, Susan Branson explores the place of science and technology in American efforts to achieve cultural independence from Europe and America's nation building in the early republic and antebellum eras.
- About the Author: Susan Branson is Professor of History at Syracuse University.
- 304 Pages
- History, Modern
Description
About the Book
"Scientific Americans examines the place of science and technology in American culture and the development of national identity from 1776 to 1876. Americans promoted inventions such as steam engines and civic projects such as water systems that articulated their national aspirations and pushed domestic industry to the forefront of progress"--Book Synopsis
In Scientific Americans, Susan Branson explores the place of science and technology in American efforts to achieve cultural independence from Europe and America's nation building in the early republic and antebellum eras. This engaging tour of scientific education and practices among ordinary citizens charts the development of nationalism and national identity alongside roads, rails, and machines.
Scientific Americans shows how informal scientific education provided by almanacs, public lectures, and demonstrations, along with the financial encouragement of early scientific societies, generated an enthusiasm for the application of science and technology to civic, commercial, and domestic improvements. Not only that: Americans were excited, awed, and intrigued with the practicality of inventions.
Bringing together scientific research and popular wonder, Branson charts how everything from mechanical clocks to steam engines informed the creation and expansion of the American nation. From the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations to the fate of the Amistad captives, Scientific Americans shows how the promotion and celebration of discoveries, inventions, and technologies articulated Americans' earliest ambitions, as well as prejudices, throughout the first American century.
About the Author
Susan Branson is Professor of History at Syracuse University. She is author of These Fiery Frenchified Dames and Dangerous to Know.
