The author of American Nations examines the history of and solutions to the key American question: how best to reconcile individual liberty with the maintenance of a free society The struggle between individual rights and the good of the community as a whole has been the basis of nearly every major disagreement in our history, from the debates at the Constitutional Convention and in the run up to the Civil War to the fights surrounding the agendas of the Federalists, the Progressives, the New Dealers, the civil rights movement, and the Tea Party. In American Character, Colin Woodard traces these two key strands in American politics through the four centuries of the nation’s existence, from the first colonies through the Gilded Age, Great Depression and the present day, and he explores how different regions of the country have successfully or disastrously accommodated them. The independent streak found its most pernicious form in the antebellum South but was balanced in the Gilded Age by communitarian reform efforts; the New Deal was an example of a successful coalition between communitarian-minded Eastern elites and Southerners. Woodard argues that maintaining a liberal democracy, a society where mass human freedom is possible, requires finding a balance between protecting individual liberty and nurturing a free society. Going to either libertarian or collectivist extremes results in tyranny. But where does the “sweet spot” lie in the United States, a federation of disparate regional cultures that have always strongly disagreed on these issues? Woodard leads readers on a riveting and revealing journey through four centuries of struggle, experimentation, successes and failures to provide an answer. His historically informed and pragmatic suggestions on how to achieve this balance and break the nation’s political deadlock will be of interest to anyone who cares about the current American predicament—political, ideological, and sociological.
Details e-book American Character
🗸 Author(s): Colin Woodard
🗸 Title: American Character: A History of the Epic Struggle Between Individual Liberty and the Common Good
🗸 Rating : 4.5 from 5 stars (226 reviews)
🗸 Languange: English
🗸 Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
🗸 Supported Devices: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about American Character by Colin Woodard
This thought-provoking work of non-fiction explores the mysteries of the human mind, delving into the complexities of consciousness and perception. Drawing on the latest scientific research, the author sheds light on the inner workings of the brain, offering fascinating insights into what makes us who we are. Engaging and accessible, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the workings of the human mind.
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This beautifully illustrated cookbook is a culinary journey around the world, showcasing a diverse array of delicious recipes from every corner of the globe. From exotic street food to traditional home-cooked meals, each dish is a celebration of the rich tapestry of global cuisine. With its mouthwatering photographs and easy-to-follow recipes, this book is a must-have for any aspiring chef.
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Delve into the pages of this captivating novel, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur in a mesmerizing tale of magic and adventure. Set in a world where anything is possible, the story follows a group of unlikely heroes as they embark on a quest to save their kingdom from darkness. With its richly imagined world and engaging characters, this book is sure to enchant readers of all ages.
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