Key American Literature Works and Their Impact

These flashcards cover key American literature works, their authors, publication dates, and their significance or themes.

A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies

Critique of Spain’s policies in the New World by Bartolome de las Casas, published in 1542.

Poor Richard’s Almanack

Publication containing many famous sayings by Benjamin Franklin, first published in 1732.

Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God

A sermon by Jonathan Edwards, delivered in 1741, during the Great Awakening.

Common Sense

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine that argued for colonial separation from England, published in 1776.

The Wealth of Nations

Work by Adam Smith advocating for free market economic policy and 'laissez-faire' approach, published in 1776.

The Federalist Papers

Series of essays by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay aimed at supporting the ratification of the Constitution, published in 1787.

The Last of the Mohicans

Novel by James Fenimore Cooper set during the French and Indian War, published in 1826.

The Liberator

Publication by William Lloyd Garrison that called for the immediate abolition of slavery, starting in 1831.

Democracy in America

Book by Alexis de Tocqueville based on observations of American society published in 1835.

McGuffey Readers

Literature including moral messages used in American school curriculum prior to the Civil War, published in 1836.

North Star

Publication by Frederick Douglass that contributed significantly to the abolitionist movement, first published in 1847.

Civil Disobedience

Essay by Henry David Thoreau defending citizens' right to disobey unjust laws, written in 1849.

The Scarlet Letter

Novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne dealing with Puritan morality and sin, published in 1850.

Moby Dick

Classic novel by Herman Melville exploring man vs. nature, often called the Great American Novel, published in 1851.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Highly influential novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that accelerated the abolitionist movement, published in 1852.

Walden

Transcendentalist work by Henry David Thoreau critiquing society during the Market Revolution, published in 1854.

Leaves of Grass

Collection of Walt Whitman’s free verse poetry, influential to future poets, published in 1855.

The Impending Crisis of the South

Novel discussing the negative impact of slavery on poor southern whites, published in 1857.

Das Kapital

Work by Karl Marx discussing the concept of Marxist socialism, published in 1867.

Ragged Dick

Novel by Horatio Alger depicting a classic rags-to-riches story, popular during the Gilded Age, published in 1868.

Progress and Poverty

Sociological examination of wealth and poverty in American society during the Gilded Age by Henry George, published in 1879.

A Century of Dishonor

Book by Helen Hunt Jackson criticizing America's policies regarding Native Americans, published in 1881.

Dynamic Sociology

Book by Lester F. Ward advocating that humans/government can change the laws of nature, published in 1883.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain’s acclaimed novel considered a classic example of American Regionalism, published in 1884.

Looking Backward

Novel by Edward Bellamy envisioning a socialist utopia in the future, popular during the Gilded Age, published in 1887.

The Gospel of Wealth

Essay by Andrew Carnegie discussing the meaning of wealth, published in 1889.

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History

Book by Alfred T. Mahan advocating for a larger United States Navy to enhance global power, published in 1890.

How the Other Half Lives

Essay by Jacob Riis featuring photography to expose urban slum conditions during the Gilded Age, published in 1890.

History of the Standard Oil Company

Article by Ida Tarbell exposing John D. Rockefeller's business practices, written by a muckraker in 1904.

The Jungle

Novel by Upton Sinclair revealing poor working conditions in meatpacking plants, leading to consumer protection laws, published in 1906.

Principles of Scientific Management

Book by Frederick Taylor that outlined the efficiency model of production known as Taylorism, published in 1911.

The Great Gatsby

Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald critiquing materialism of the Roaring Twenties, published in 1925.

The Grapes of Wrath

Novel by John Steinbeck about a family of 'Okies' fleeing to California during the Dust Bowl, published in 1939.

Silent Spring

Book by Rachel Carson criticizing pesticides which launched the modern environmental movement, published in 1962.

The Feminine Mystique

Work by Betty Friedan that greatly influenced the modern women's rights movement, published in 1963.