ABSTRACT

Now in its second edition, New York State: Peoples, Places, and Priorities is an accessibly written book that explores the ever-shifting dynamics of New York State history in a single volume.

The text is organized both chronologically and topically, balancing political, economic, social, and cultural history. It discusses key figures, groups, movements, and controversies, upstate and downstate. Each chapter is divided into teachable, digestible sections that examine the major developments and challenges of that period, with timelines and lists of online resources to aid student understanding. The new edition brings New York State’s history into the present with coverage of recent political and economic developments, the Covid-19 pandemic, immigration, and global warming. Throughout the book, material was added concerning the American Revolution, the Civil War, women’s rights, and environmental justice. Artwork, maps, charts, and textboxes illuminate the state’s rich history. Analytical questions accompanying figures and texts encourage deeper engagement with the past.

Designed for undergraduates, this book is a concise and updated account of New York State’s history over the centuries, with a wealth of resources to benefit students and instructors alike.

chapter 1|8 pages

Introducing New York State

chapter 2|27 pages

Borderlands

Pre-History to the 1690s

chapter 3|31 pages

From Colony to State

1690–1790

chapter 4|32 pages

The Empire State

1790–1830

chapter 5|35 pages

The Maturing State

1830–1865

chapter 6|35 pages

The Booming State

1865–1900

chapter 7|31 pages

The Progressive State

1900–1928

chapter 8|31 pages

The Activist State

1929–1954

chapter 9|32 pages

The Stressed State

1954–1975

chapter 10|37 pages

The Resilient State

1975–2022