Political History of the USA

Bruce Kuklick is Nichols Professor of American History, Emeritus, at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. He is the author of books in American diplomatic, political, intellectual, and sports history.

‘This is the best one-volume, one-author textbook on US history available today. Kuklick takes us on a vibrant journey through American history in a textbook that excels with its engaging narrative and bold perspectives. He guides us from the European political, philosophical, and religious influences on the early Republic to the global imprint of American culture and geopolitics today. This is a fascinating tale that puts people at the center, from the first migrants of the Ice Age to the polarizing politicians of the present. This book offers a compelling exploration that resonates with students and provides food for thought for all readers.’

• Introduction Part I Religious Longings 1 The Impact of the Europeans, 1494–16762 North American Colonies, 1632–1732Part II The Revolution and the Constitution3 The Colonies in the Empire, 1651–17744 War and Order, 1775–1787 5 The Culture of Politics, 1788–1826Part III Irrepressible Conflict6 Experiments in Republicanism, 1783–1832 7 Nationalism, Sectionalism, and Slavery, 1820–1861 8 Lincoln and the Civil War, 1858–1865Part IV Republican Ascendency 9 A Novel Elite, 1865-189610 The New Empire, 1890–1917 11 Progressive America, 1900–1920 12 Modern Capitalism, 1919–1933Part V The Rise and Fall of American Liberalism13 A Cosmopolitan New Deal, 1933–194514 Cold War America, 1945–196315 The Sixties, 1954–1969 16 Liberalism in Decline, 1969-1988Part VI America After the Cold War17 Cultural Conquest and Cultural Division, 1988-2016 18 The Age of Trump, 2009-2024ConclusionSuggestions for Reading and StudyAcknowledgmentsIndex