Description

What is the main argument, or thesis, of the book? Identify the central political, social, cultural, religious, and intellectual controversies of the year 1831. What major events does Masseur highlight, and how do they support the thesis of the book? How does Masur use the solar eclipse as a framework for discussing what Americans thought of the great controversies of that year? Why does Masur argue the year 1831 was a turning point? Did he make a convincing case? Why or why not?