A Political History of the USA: One Nation Under God

(Paperback, 3rd edition)

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Description

Exploring the history of US politics from the first European contact with the New World in 1492, up to the 2024 presidential elections, this book is an engaging account of Americas development from colony to world superpower. Using religion as a central theme to navigate through this vast topic, it moves beyond the realm of political parties, leaders and ideologies to understand how politics has intersected with the individual and societal hopes, fears and values which have underpinned US political culture and theology.

Taking the reader from colonial times and the constitution through the civil war, the New Deal, the Cold War and into contemporary America, A Political History of the USA offers a compelling yet balanced account of US political, cultural and religious history, ideal for undergraduate students of US history and politics.

New for this edition:
- Updated discussion on the constitution to understand recent events such as the overturning of Roe v Wade
- Three new chapters on 1972 to the 2024 election covering topics such as the COVID pandemic, the rise of China and the Ukraine War
- Additional material on race and gender, through the eyes of African Americans and women
- Expanded discussion on the rise of social media and politization of cable news
- New timeline of major events

Reviews

Praise for previous editions:

'A readable and provocative political history of the United States that puts religion and culture at the heart of the narrative.'

* Andrew Heath, University of Sheffield, UK *
'It might seem miraculous for a relatively short textbook by a single author to treat the entire political history of the United States with comprehensive thoroughness alongside lightly-worn learning and sparkling wit. But miracles do happen, and Bruce Kuklick has done it. The first edition of A Political History of the United States was excellent as a succinct but authoritative account of American history from the colonial period to the present. The revisions for this edition have made the book even better.' * Mark Noll, University of Notre Dame, USA *
How refreshing it is to encounter a textbook distinguished by a very un-textbook-like capacity to say what is most important about this or that historical episode rather than just covering what everyone else covers. This is a wonderfully analytic, sharply formulated book that will give students direct access to what they most need to know. * David A. Hollinger, University of California, Berkeley, USA *

Author Bio

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.