Backcountry Crucibles: The Lehigh Valley from Settlement to Steel

Studies in the Eighteenth Century and the Atlantic World

by Jean R. Soderlund (Editor), Catherine S. Parzynski (Editor)

Book by

349 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Backcountry Crucibles provides an excellent look at the Atlantic influences in Pennsylvania during its colonial development and how those played out into its modern character. The book takes a look at the immigration that came to Pennsylvania and how its character via both culture and religion shaped the local area and the differences that proved shocking for those who might visit. The treatment of women under the Moravians is shown to be equitable by the standards of the time and even the treatment of the Indians vis a vis Canada was a major shift in policy from European powers. The authors provide an excellent bibliography along with each of these sections for those who want to look further and there is a wealth of primary sources reprinted in the book to aid in the understanding of the times. As settlement continued the authors present information related to industrial developments, markets and the effects of the great Awakening on the surrounding countryside. Bethlehem was one of the early industrial centers of the colonies and although it would lose its prominence to the rise of Delaware it remained a case study even into the birth of the United States as a model of industrial society.
The last part of the book focuses on the political and economic development of the Lehigh Valley. The early republican character is looked at through the ownership of local newspapers and the rise of local political clubs. More interesting is the work that is done on the Canal, Bethlehem Steel, and the rise of the social elite at the Saucon Valley Country club. Bethlehem remained on the forefront of economic development through the rise of the Canal for anthracite and coal delivery as well as the development of the Lehigh railroad which led to the formation of Bethlehem Steel. Under the leadership of Charles Schwab Bethlehem Steel would become the second largest producer of steel in the United States. One of the most interesting chapters in the book focuses on the dichotomy between the wealthy classes and the working classes in Bethlehem. Due to its size Bethlehem provides the perfect example of a industrial microcosm and the Saucon Valley Country Club is a way to assess social standing and wealth in addition to the distribution of houses around town.
Overall it is a thoroughly enjoyable book and provides great insight into the character of the area for those who are looking at its local development.