Guide to the Study of American History

, especially in the Tudor and Stuart periods, is perhaps the best preparation for American history ; but mediajval and modern European history better precede than follow American history. Hence the careful study of American history is not likely to begin earlier than the Sophomore or Junior year ; and should always be preceded by some subject more remote. For graduate work American history is very convenient because the materials are everywhere about us and the field is little explored. It has also a close connection with the study of American government and economics, and therefore with current events. But no one can be fitted to be a specialist in American history who has not also a good all-round training in the general subject, and thus is able to compare intelligently the history of other countries with that of his own. § 5. Educative Value. The same warning might be given to the student of other fields than American : no country furnishes in itself a sufficient lesson, â?? and the systematic study of the history of any nation which has really contributed to the world's political thought is educative in itself, and prepares the student to appreciate the history of other lands. In its effect on the mind American history is distinctly to be commended. The principal reasons for the study of history are that it trains the memory, is a steady practice in the use of materials, exercises the judgment, and sets before the student's mind a high standard of characte...