From William Penn's treaty with the Indians, to the suffering of troops at Valley Forge, the gallantry at Gettysburg, and the early development of the petroleum industry, Pennsylvania has often been at center stage in the evolution of the nation. Yet despite this record, the historical literature on the state is not as well known as that of many other states. This volume will remedy that deficiency by assessing the vast wealth of materials on the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the Keystone State. In a series of historiographical chapters, each devoted to a specific chronological period, the contributors present a thorough and informed analysis of the most important and significant literature, thereby providing a useful companion to printed bibliographies.

Comparing Virginia and Pennsylvania, Majewski explains how slavery undermined the development of the southern economy.