Years of Decision

This outstanding volume tells the story of American politics during the 1890s, a fascinating, exciting, and turbulent period in American history. Focusing on national events and figures, it traces the decade's party battles and the development of a national party system. The 1890s was a critical decade, marking the passage between an older era and a new period in history. Beginning with the presidential election in 1888 and ending with the assassination of President McKinley in 1901, this book examines those twelve years during which something recognizable as modern America took shape. Cities, factories, science, and technology were changing the country, and it was faced with the awesome challenges of growth, political struggles, depression, war, social and economic turmoil, a sense of world power, and imperial responsibilities. Politics was the period's fascination, its mass entertainment and participatory sport. Analytical and interpretive, this book does not take sides. It explores those volatile and dynamic years of decision and their critical political importance with an accurate and appreciative eye. It was a remarkable and exciting time and its story is well told in this fine book.