Revolts, Protests, Demonstrations, and Rebellions in American History

America has a long history of rebellions extending back before 1776. Revolts have taken place because of economic hard times, the denial of civil rights, racism, sexism, and classism. Studying the reasons for and results of these uprisings provides a window into the life of the American body politic—and what moves the American people to action. This three-volume work traces the history of revolts and rebellions from the colonial era to the 20th century.

Revolts, Protests, Demonstrations, and Rebellions in American History: An Encyclopedia details the history of popular actions from the colonial era to the 20th century. Each event in the three-volume encyclopedia is covered by an overview entry that details who was involved, why the revolt took place, what happened, and what the aftereffects were. Shorter subentries provide further detail on the important people, places, events, and ideas that were a part of the action. By presenting both the broad themes and the specifics, the encyclopedia enables readers to gain a general knowledge of the event or drill down to acquire a greater understanding.

Features and Highlights

• 71 chronologically arranged entries detail the revolts and uprisings that have shaped the history of the United States, with 2-5 subentries that drill down into those histories
• Each entry includes an overview essay, followed by entries on related people, groups, organizations, ideas, and places, along with select primary sources
• Contributions come from a distinguished group of American historians from across the nation and across historical disciplines
• One volume is comprised entirely of primary source documents
• Illustrations and photographs show events discussed
• Looks at the American experience through the lens of the popular movements that have been the lifeblood of change throughout the nation’s history
• Examines each incident or event in a parallel way, covering the historical context for the event; the main people, groups, and ideas behind the event; the history as it played out; and the ramifications of the event
• Includes both well-known, large conflicts such as the Rodney King riots and smaller, lesser-known events like the Ludlow Massacre
• Provides students an ideal work through which to find the detailed history of specific events and understand the history of popular action throughout American history

Review: Revolts, Protests, Demonstrations, and Rebellions in American History

“Danver’s encyclopedia stands out among the many reference works focused on American social history…This unique encyclopedia, with its well thought-out organization, is a welcome addition to the large body of American social history encyclopedias. It is recommended.” – Reference and User Services Quarterly, Fall 2011