Description
Discover the essential read, *The Politicians and the Egalitarians,* by renowned historian Sean Wilentz. This thought-provoking work explores the pivotal role that party politics has played in America's ongoing struggle against economic inequality. In this captivating 384-page book published by W W Norton & Company in 2016, Wilentz reveals the dual foundations of American political history: a profound commitment to egalitarian ideals and the necessity of partisanship in achieving social progress.
Wilentz argues that America was founded on a strong belief in equality, where the extremes of wealth and poverty posed a threat to the republic. The collaboration of politicians and grassroots movements has been crucial in securing significant victories throughout history, from the Civil War to the New Deal. This book provides a fresh perspective on influential figures like Thomas Paine, Abraham Lincoln, and W. E. B. Du Bois, illustrating how they navigated the complicated landscape of American politics to champion egalitarian causes.
This game-changing exploration challenges conventional wisdom about the relationship between politics and social change, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American history, political science, or social justice. Enhance your understanding of America's political landscape and its historical evolution with this insightful book.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780393285024.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780393285024
Year: 2016
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 384
Description:
One of our most eminent historians reminds us of the commanding role party politics has played in America™s enduring struggle against economic inequality.
"There are two keys to unlocking the secrets of American politics and American political history." So begins The Politicians & the Egalitarians, Princeton historian Sean Wilentz™s bold new work of history.
First, America is built on an egalitarian tradition. At the nation™s founding, Americans believed that extremes of wealth and want would destroy their revolutionary experiment in republican government. Ever since, that idea has shaped national political conflict and scored major egalitarian victoriesÂŻfrom the Civil War and Progressive eras to the New Deal and the Great Society”along the way.
Second, partisanship is a permanent fixture in America, and America is the better for it. Every major egalitarian victory in United States history has resulted neither from abandonment of partisan politics nor from social movement protests but from a convergence of protest and politics, and then sharp struggles led by principled and effective party politicians. There is little to be gained from the dream of a post-partisan world.
With these two insights Sean Wilentz offers a crystal-clear portrait of American history, told through politicians and egalitarians including Thomas Paine, Abraham Lincoln, and W. E. B. Du Bois”a portrait that runs counter to current political and historical thinking. As he did with his acclaimed The Rise of American Democracy, Wilentz once again completely transforms our understandin
Wilentz argues that America was founded on a strong belief in equality, where the extremes of wealth and poverty posed a threat to the republic. The collaboration of politicians and grassroots movements has been crucial in securing significant victories throughout history, from the Civil War to the New Deal. This book provides a fresh perspective on influential figures like Thomas Paine, Abraham Lincoln, and W. E. B. Du Bois, illustrating how they navigated the complicated landscape of American politics to champion egalitarian causes.
This game-changing exploration challenges conventional wisdom about the relationship between politics and social change, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American history, political science, or social justice. Enhance your understanding of America's political landscape and its historical evolution with this insightful book.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780393285024.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780393285024
Year: 2016
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 384
Description:
One of our most eminent historians reminds us of the commanding role party politics has played in America™s enduring struggle against economic inequality.
"There are two keys to unlocking the secrets of American politics and American political history." So begins The Politicians & the Egalitarians, Princeton historian Sean Wilentz™s bold new work of history.
First, America is built on an egalitarian tradition. At the nation™s founding, Americans believed that extremes of wealth and want would destroy their revolutionary experiment in republican government. Ever since, that idea has shaped national political conflict and scored major egalitarian victoriesÂŻfrom the Civil War and Progressive eras to the New Deal and the Great Society”along the way.
Second, partisanship is a permanent fixture in America, and America is the better for it. Every major egalitarian victory in United States history has resulted neither from abandonment of partisan politics nor from social movement protests but from a convergence of protest and politics, and then sharp struggles led by principled and effective party politicians. There is little to be gained from the dream of a post-partisan world.
With these two insights Sean Wilentz offers a crystal-clear portrait of American history, told through politicians and egalitarians including Thomas Paine, Abraham Lincoln, and W. E. B. Du Bois”a portrait that runs counter to current political and historical thinking. As he did with his acclaimed The Rise of American Democracy, Wilentz once again completely transforms our understandin