Don't Know Much About HistoryWho really discovered America? What was "the shot heard 'round the world"? Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: Did he or didn't he? From the arrival of Columbus through the bizarre election of 2000 and beyond, Davis carries readers on a rollicking ride through more than 500 years of American history. In this updated edition of the classic anti-textbook, he debunks, recounts, and serves up the real story behind the myths and fallacies of American history. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 7
Page 21
... remained convinced that a faster route to China was waiting to be found and that the New World was just an annoying roadblock—although Spain was proving it to be a profitable one—that could be detoured. Some tried to go around the top ...
... remained convinced that a faster route to China was waiting to be found and that the New World was just an annoying roadblock—although Spain was proving it to be a profitable one—that could be detoured. Some tried to go around the top ...
Page 23
... remained the quest for treasure, and the charter spoke of the right to “dig, mine, and search for all Manner of Mines of Gold, Silver, and Copper.” On December 20, 1606, colonists—men and boys—left port aboard three ships, Susan ...
... remained the quest for treasure, and the charter spoke of the right to “dig, mine, and search for all Manner of Mines of Gold, Silver, and Copper.” On December 20, 1606, colonists—men and boys—left port aboard three ships, Susan ...
Page 26
... remained in Jamestown for only two years before setting off on a voyage of exploration that provided valuable maps of the American coast as far north as the “over-cold” lands called North Virginia. In 1614, he had sailed north hoping to ...
... remained in Jamestown for only two years before setting off on a voyage of exploration that provided valuable maps of the American coast as far north as the “over-cold” lands called North Virginia. In 1614, he had sailed north hoping to ...
Page 27
... remained a day-today affair while political intrigues back in London reshaped the colony's destiny. Virginia Company shareholders were angry that their investment was turning out to be a bust, and believed that the “Magazine,” a small ...
... remained a day-today affair while political intrigues back in London reshaped the colony's destiny. Virginia Company shareholders were angry that their investment was turning out to be a bust, and believed that the “Magazine,” a small ...
Page 30
... remained Catholic. Others felt that the Church of England was too “popish” and wished to push it further away from Rome—to “purify” it—so they were called Puritans. But even among Puritans strong differences existed, and there were ...
... remained Catholic. Others felt that the Church of England was too “popish” and wished to push it further away from Rome—to “purify” it—so they were called Puritans. But even among Puritans strong differences existed, and there were ...
Other editions - View all
Don't Know Much About® History [30th Anniversary Edition]: Everything You ... Kenneth C. Davis No preview available - 2020 |
Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American ... Kenneth C. Davis No preview available - 2004 |
Common terms and phrases
Allied Amendment American American Voices army attack attempt battle became become began beginning believed bomb British brought called carried charges Civil colonial command Congress Constitution Court created death decision Democratic early economic election England Europe fear federal first forces France French George German going Hoover House Indians Island issue Italy Japan Japanese Jefferson John June killed land later leader lives major March military million move named needed Nixon North office Pacific party peace person political popular President question remained Republican Roosevelt seemed Senate September ships slaves South southern Soviet term tion took troops turned Union United Vietnam Virginia vote wanted Washington West White White House women York
Popular passages
Page 605 - The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice President, shall be the Vice President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office...
Page 453 - I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
Page 434 - In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
Page 213 - I do not expect the Union to be dissolved, I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction ; or its advocates will push it forward till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new, North as well as South.
Page 139 - Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you, in the most solemn manner, against the baneful effects of the .spirit of party generally.
Page 616 - If the Congress, within twentyone days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office...
Page 125 - It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean George Washington themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.