Dartmouth and the World: Religion and Political Economy circa 1769

Junior and senior scholars explored the systemic conditions facing those seeking to found a new college two hundred fifty years ago for the 250th anniversary of Dartmouth College. The book Dartmouth and the World examines the religious beliefs and the emerging thought world of political economy of contemporaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press

For the 250th anniversary of the founding of Dartmouth College, the Political Economy Project at Dartmouth brought together a distinguished group of junior and senior scholars to delve into the systemic challenges faced by those who sought to establish a new college two and a half centuries ago.

In the Atlantic world at the time of Dartmouth's founding, a complex interplay of political, economic, and religious factors shaped the prevailing conditions. The religious landscape was particularly dynamic, with the Rev. Samson Occom of the Mohegan nation and the Rev. Eleazar Wheelock of Connecticut, two individuals from vastly different backgrounds, meeting during the Great Awakening of the early 1740s. Their unlikely encounter led to the establishment of a new school in the northern woods in the 1760s.

How contemporaries mediated their agendas through their religious beliefs and the emerging thought world of political economy was a central theme of Dartmouth and the World. This volume departs from traditional commemorative volumes, offering a rich and diverse exploration of these topics.

The book delves into the political and economic context of the colonial era, examining the influence of European powers, such as Britain and France, on the development of North America. It also explores the role of religion in shaping society and culture, particularly in the context of the Great Awakening.

The book also examines the social and economic dynamics of the early Dartmouth College, including the challenges faced by the founders in establishing a new institution in a remote and challenging environment. It explores the role of the college in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the region, as well as its impact on the development of American education.

In addition to its historical analysis, Dartmouth and the World also offers contemporary perspectives on the legacy of Dartmouth College. The book includes essays by leading scholars and experts on various topics related to the college, including education, politics, religion, and social justice.

Overall, Dartmouth and the World is a valuable contribution to the study of American history and culture. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the factors that shaped the founding of Dartmouth College and its enduring impact on the world.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 231 x 154 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781683933199