Discover a profound exploration of America in the twentieth century with this brand new trade paperback (ISBN: 9780691173276) from Princeton University Press. In this compelling account, Gary Gerstle delves into the intricate tapestry of American society, questioning whether the United States embodies a true social melting pot or if citizenship is subtly reserved for those of specific ethnicities. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, Gerstle examines the conflicting ideas surrounding civic and racial nationalism, shedding light on how these forces have shaped American identity.

The book chronicles pivotal events from the Spanish American War, where Theodore Roosevelt championed his diverse Rough Riders, to the struggles of marginalized communities during the Civil Rights Movement. Gerstle's analysis reveals the complexities of American ideals, illustrating the tension between the principles of inclusion and the entrenched Anglo-Saxon cultural dominance. An essential read for anyone interested in understanding America's diverse evolution, this book illuminates how perceptions of race and ethnicity continue to resonate in contemporary society.

Enjoy free shipping on this item available at Smartfox NZ. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Delve into this essential historical narrative today and enhance your library with a vital perspective on American history.

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: 9780691173276
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2017
Publisher: Princeton University Press


Description:


This sweeping history of twentieth-century America follows the changing and often conflicting ideas about the fundamental nature of American society: Is the United States a social melting pot, as our civic creed warrants, or is full citizenship somehow reserved for those who are white and of the "right" ancestry? Gary Gerstle traces the forces of civic and racial nationalism, arguing that both profoundly shaped our society. After Theodore Roosevelt led his Rough Riders to victory during the Spanish American War, he boasted of the diversity of his men's origins- from the Kentucky backwoods to the Irish, Italian, and Jewish neighborhoods of northeastern cities. Roosevelt's vision of a hybrid and superior "American race," strengthened by war, would inspire the social, diplomatic, and economic policies of American liberals for decades. And yet, for all of its appeal to the civic principles of inclusion, this liberal legacy was grounded in "Anglo-Saxon" culture, making it difficult in particular for Jews and Italians and especially for Asians and African Americans to gain acceptance.
Gerstle weaves a compelling story of events, institutions, and ideas that played on perceptions of ethnic acial difference, from the world wars and the labor movement to the New Deal and Hollywood to the Cold War and the civil rights movement. We witness the remnants of racial thinking among such liberals as FDR and LBJ; we see how Italians and Jews from Frank Capra to the creators of Superman perpetuated the New Deal philosophy while suppressing their own ethnicity; we feel the frustrations of African-American servicemen denied the opportunity to fight for t