''The family has always been the cornerstone of American society. Our families nature, preserve and pass onto each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish, values that are foundation for our freedoms. In the family, we learn our first lessons of God and man, love and discipline, rights, and responsibilities, human dignity and human frailty. Our families give us daily examples of these lessons being put into practice. In raising and instructing our children, in providing personal and compassionate care for the elderly, in maintaining the spiritual strength of religious commitment among our people-in these and other ways, America's families make immeasurable contributions to American's well-being. Today more than ever, it is essential that these contributions not to be taken for granted and that each of us remember that the strength of our families is vital to the strength of our nation."-
President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan
"Family 1. a) The servants of a house or establishment b) the household c) the retinue of a nobleman or grandee d) the staff of a high military officer e) a troop, school. 2. The body of persons who live in one house or under one head, including parents, children, servants, etc. 3. The group of persons consisting of the parents and their children, whether actually living together or not; in a wider sense, the unity formed by those who are nearly connected by blood or affinity. 4. Those descended or claiming descent from a common ancestor; a house; kindred; lineage." (Source: Oxford English Dictionary)
Index
1. Introduction
2. The Early ages and the Colonial era
2.1. Pilgrims
2.2. Puritans
2.3. Colonial Williamsburg
2.4. Afro- American families
3. The family transformed 18th century
4. The family in the 19th century
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
7. Annexes
1. Introduction
There has never been just one