Stamped From The Beginning: A Comprehensive Examination of American History Through Stamps

Stamps, those unassuming slivers of paper adorned with intricate designs and iconic figures, possess an extraordinary power. They transcend their primary function as postage and evolve into captivating chronicles, narrating the triumphs, tribulations, and defining moments that have shaped the American story. Stamped From The Beginning embarks on an enthralling journey, unearthing the hidden tales embedded within these postage-sized canvases.

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

by Ibram X. Kendi

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3880 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	594 pages

FREE

The Birth of a Nation

The saga begins with the very inception of the nation, as evidenced by the iconic stamp issued in 1976 to mark the bicentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This stamp, adorned with a stirring depiction of the signing of the seminal document, captures the spirit of revolution and the audacious aspiration for self-governance that gave birth to the United States of America.

Expansion and Manifest Destiny

As the fledgling nation expanded westward, stamps chronicled the relentless pursuit of Manifest Destiny. The 1904 Lewis and Clark stamp immortalizes the intrepid explorers' journey across the vast expanse of the Louisiana Purchase, symbolizing America's insatiable hunger for territorial expansion.

Civil War and Reconstruction

The bitter conflict of the Civil War left an indelible mark on the nation's history, and stamps bore witness to the struggle for unity and equality. The Emancipation Proclamation stamp, released in 1963 to mark the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln's momentous declaration, serves as a powerful reminder of the fight to abolish slavery.

Industrial Revolution and Immigration

The Industrial Revolution transformed the nation's landscape, and stamps captured the transformative power of innovation. The Transcontinental Railroad stamp, issued in 1869, celebrated the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, a testament to American ingenuity and the westward expansion of commerce.

World Wars and the Rise of Superpower

As America emerged from the crucible of World Wars I and II, stamps reflected the nation's newfound global stature. The World War II stamp, issued in 1945, immortalizes the iconic image of American soldiers raising the flag at Iwo Jima, a poignant symbol of America's triumph and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

Civil Rights and Social Movements

The Civil Rights Movement and other social movements of the mid-20th century ignited profound societal transformations, which were also documented on postage stamps. The Martin Luther King Jr. stamp, issued in 1979, pays homage to the iconic civil rights leader and his unwavering fight for racial equality.

Space Race and Technological Advancements

America's relentless pursuit of scientific and technological advancement was also chronicled on stamps. The Apollo 11 stamp, released in 1969, captures the exhilarating moment when humankind first set foot on the moon, a testament to American ingenuity and the boundless possibilities of human endeavor.

Contemporary Issues and Cultural Shifts

In recent decades, stamps have continued to serve as a mirror to society, reflecting contemporary issues and cultural shifts. The climate change stamp, issued in 2015, brings attention to the urgent threat of global warming, demonstrating the power of stamps to raise awareness and spark dialogue about critical societal challenges.

Stamped From The Beginning is an enthralling chronicle of American history, told through the captivating lens of postage stamps. These unassuming pieces of paper have emerged as invaluable historical artifacts, providing a vibrant and accessible window into the nation's past. By deciphering the stories embedded within these postage-sized canvases, we gain a deeper understanding of the triumphs, tribulations, and defining moments that have shaped the American experience.

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

by Ibram X. Kendi

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3880 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	594 pages

FREE