'pursuit of Happiness'

'Pursuit of Happiness' examines the changes that take place between the Glorious Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. It focuses on the development of knowledge in all spheres and the effect of such in what is referred to as the Enlightenment. It then demonstrates how new ideas lead to new expectations and demand for change.

'Pursuit of Happiness' begins with Peter the Great having taken control in Russia, the conflict that develops in Europe resulting in the creation of the Grand Alliance against Louis XIV's expansion of power, and the growing divide between America and Great Britain. It traces the development of the ideas of the Enlightenment to their application in the American colonies as well as the spread of imperialism by Britain in India. The application of knowledge to industry is explored and the advantages to Britain's increasingly powerful position in Europe. The educated, articulate middle class in most countries strives for a sharing of power but is frustrated in its desire to gain more political rights. There is a growing consciousness in Britain and, to some extent in America, of the travesty of slavery and the slave trade. The book ends on a more optimistic note when America declares its independence.

Daisy Drews graduated from Columbia University with a B.A., M.A., and M.Phil. in history. Having taught history and political science at both the high school and college level, she has written three history books in a novel way to be enjoyable to read, to integrate social/artistic/political/economic/intellectual change, and be historically accurate: Carpe Diem, Is Paris Worth a Mass?, and Chaos to Order. She has also written a political pamphlet called Uncommon Sense. She may be contacted at daisyddrews@gmail.com.