"American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America" by Colin Woodard is a comprehensive exploration of the regional cultures that have shaped North America since the 18th century. Woodard divides North America into 11 ethnocultural nations, each with its own unique origins and characteristics, providing a different perspective on American history. The book delves into the historical development of these nations, their alliances, conflicts, and how they have influenced the political landscape of the United States. Woodard's writing style is informative and thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of American history and the ongoing impact of these regional cultures.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is both informative and engaging, making complex historical ideas accessible to a general audience.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative underscores the persistent cultural divides in North American history, revealing how historical events are shaped by these regional cultures.

Setting:

The setting encompasses North America, with an emphasis on the origins and developments of various cultural regions.

Pacing:

The pacing varies significantly, with some sections deeply detailed while others feel hurried towards the conclusion.

History has tended to portray the native peoples of the Americas as mere extras or scenery in a Western drama dominated by actors of European and African descent. Because this book is primarily concer...

Genres:

Topics:

cultural origins

geopolitical influences

regional conflicts

historical narratives

political ideology

cultural analysis

regionalism

historical contextualization

Notes:

The book discusses eleven rival cultures that shaped North America, rather than focusing solely on political boundaries.

Colin Woodard argues that understanding these cultures is key to interpreting historical and modern conflicts in the U.S.

Yankeedom, one of the cultures described, values education and community over individualism.

The Deep South culture is characterized by its aristocratic roots and a reliance on hierarchical social structures.

Woodard suggests that cultural identities have persisted since the original European settlement, influencing current political divides.

The Civil War is portrayed as a conflict between distinct cultural identities, not just a North vs. South battle.

Woodard emphasizes the impact of early settlers' values on today's political landscape and societal norms.

The book reveals the historical significance of regions like El Norte and New France, which are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Woodard introduces the idea that culture, not geography, plays a significant role in shaping collective identity in North America.

Certain cultural groups, like African Americans, are noted as victims but their significant historical influence is not fully explored in this context.

From The Publisher:

A New Republic Best Book of the Year

The Globalist Top Books of the Year

Winner of the Maine Literary Award for Non-fiction

Particularly relevant in understanding who voted for who in this presidential election year, this is an endlessly fascinating look at American regionalism and the eleven "nations" that continue to shape North America

According to award-winning journalist and historian Colin Woodard, North America is made up of eleven distinct nations, each with its own unique historical roots. In American Nations he takes readers on a journey through the history of our fractured continent, offering a revolutionary and revelatory take on American identity, and how the conflicts between them have shaped our past and continue to mold our future. From the Deep South to the Far West, to Yankeedom to El Norte, Woodard (author of American Character: A History of the Epic Struggle Between Individual Liberty and the Common Good) reveals how each region continues to uphold its distinguishing ideals and identities today, with results that can be seen in the composition of the U.S. Congress or on the county-by-county election maps of any hotly contested election in our history.

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About the Author:

Colin Woodard is a New York Times bestseller writer-historian, and journalist who has reported from more than fifty foreign countries and six continents. A longtime foreign correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor and The San Francisco Chronicle, he is a reporter…

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American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America

Colin Woodard