Books matching: impact on american society
23 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America' by David Hackett Fischer explores the cultural impact of four waves of British immigration to the US, covering puritans in New England, cavaliers and tenant farmers in the Chesapeake Bay, Quakers in the Delaware region, and borderers in the backcountry. The book delves into how these distinct cultures have influenced and continue to shape the American character and societal conflicts. Fischer's writing style is lauded for being both scholarly and engaging, bringing historical anecdotes to life and providing a thorough examination of the British subcultures that played a pivotal role in shaping America.
THIS BOOK is the first in a series, which will hopefully comprise a cultural history of the United States. It is cultural in an anthropological rather than an aesthetic sense—a history of American fol... 'Many Are the Crimes: McCarthyism in America' by Ellen Schrecker delves into the era of McCarthyism, starting around 1940 and extending for almost two decades. The author explores the relentless search for Communists and leftists, the exaggerated security threats, and the unyielding suppression of political dissent during this period. Schrecker provides a wide-ranging look at the politically repressive atmosphere of McCarthyism, highlighting the societal-wide assault on American ideals of freedom of thought, speech, and assembly. chronicles the impact of McCarthyism on various aspects of American society, from Hollywood to labor unions, and examines the personal toll on individuals who were pursued and persecuted by investigative bodies.
The author's writing style is detailed and informative, offering a chronological narrative that roams freely across the era to describe specific aspects of the anti-communism movement. Schrecker provides insights into the broader implications of McCarthyism, beyond the mere factual details of investigating committees and legislation. sheds light on the role of the FBI in investigating claims of Communist membership and the tactics used to suppress political dissent, painting a vivid picture of the era of McCarthyism and its lasting impact on American society.
Eric Foner's "Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution 1863-1877" is a comprehensive examination of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The book delves into the political, social, and economic complexities of the time period, highlighting the struggles faced by freed slaves, the violence against black Americans, and the failure of Reconstruction to bring about lasting change. Foner's writing style is detailed and thorough, drawing on extensive research to provide a nuanced understanding of the historical events and their impact on American society.
ON January 1, 1863, after a winter storm swept up the east coast of the United States, the sun rose in a cloudless sky over Washington, D.C. At the White House, Abraham Lincoln spent most of the day w...- #4
Save:'Dog Soldiers' by Robert Stone is a novel set during the waning years of the Vietnam War era, focusing on a drug deal gone wrong involving journalist John Converse and his friend Hicks. The story delves into themes of betrayal, corruption, and the dark underbelly of society, portraying a group of morally ambiguous characters caught up in a dangerous and spiraling situation. The writing style is described as descriptive, gritty, and capturing the essence of the post-Vietnam era with a mix of thriller and existential meditation elements.
THERE WAS ONLY ONE BENCH IN THE SHADE AND CONVERSE went for it, although it was already occupied. He inspected the stone surface for unpleasant substances, found none, and sat down. Beside him he plac... - #5
Save:'Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-69' by author Stephen E. Ambrose is a fascinating history that delves into the planning and construction of the transcontinental railroad. The narrative focuses on the race to lay tracks from both termini of the railroad, culminating in the joining at Promontory, Utah. Ambrose weaves together elements of politics, finance, fraud, and intrigue, providing a detailed account of this monumental undertaking. is described as an engaging read that offers insight into the challenges faced by those involved in building the railroad, while also highlighting the significant impact it had on American society during the 19th century.
AUGUST 13, 1859, was a hot day in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The settlement was on the western boundary of the state, just across the Missouri River from the Nebraska village of Omaha. A politician from th... "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" by Studs Terkel is a collection of oral histories from individuals who lived through the Great Depression in the 1930s. The interviews range from touching to depressing to amusing, providing a wide perspective on the era. Terkel interviewed a diverse range of people, including the rich, poor, young, old, politicians, and ordinary citizens, offering insights into how the Depression shaped American society. reflects on the social turbulence of the 1960s while looking back at the 1930s, highlighting the individual experiences and perceptions of the time.
THIS IS A MEMORY BOOK, rather than one of hard fact and precise statistic. In recalling an epoch, some thirty, forty, years ago, my colleagues experienced pain, in some instances; exhilaration, in oth...- #7
Save:'Seven Events That Made America America' by Larry Schweikart is a conservative perspective on key moments in American history. The author delves into pivotal events such as Martin Van Buren's idea of political parties, the Dred Scott decision, the Johnstown flood, Eisenhower's heart attack, rock and roll breaking through the iron curtain, Reagan's military intervention in Lebanon, and Obama's media coverage. Schweikart's writing style is praised for being balanced, providing historical facts, and offering a unique take on familiar historical events. is commended for shedding light on lesser-known facts and sparking discussions on the impact of these events on American society.
'Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs: A Journey Through the Deep State' by Kerry Howley explores the complex and often troubling nature of surveillance and the so-called "Deep State" in America, particularly in the context of events following 9/11. The narrative intertwines the story of Reality Winner, a whistleblower, with broader themes of government overreach and the personal toll of political actions on individuals. Howley's writing style is characterized by a unique and vivid descriptive approach that often resembles the narrative arc typical of television storytelling, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
The book delves into the lives of those affected by the deep state and the bureaucratic systems that govern American life, revealing the frightening realities behind surveillance practices. Howley’s prose is described as tight and clear, effectively humanizing the subjects while asking significant questions about the ethics and efficacy of these surveillance methods. The narrative invites readers to reflect on the implications of living in a society where personal privacy is increasingly compromised, and the consequences that arise from such systems.
- #9
Save:Adam Hochschild's 'American Midnight' delves into the tumultuous period of US history from 1917 to 1921, covering events such as the lead up to the American entry into World War I and the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. The book sheds light on the intolerance towards dissent and foreigners, drawing parallels to the political climate in America today. Through detailed storytelling, the author explores themes of political repression, racism, xenophobia, economic distress, and social dislocation during this forgotten crisis in democracy's history.
Hochschild's writing style in 'American Midnight' is captivating and enthralling, offering a well-researched starting point for readers to understand a controversial and troubling period in America's past. The book not only provides a historical account of events but also serves as a warning about the future, urging readers to acknowledge the country's past while highlighting the implications for the present political landscape.
'The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America' by George Packer is a narrative journey over the past 30 years of economic and social history in America. Packer weaves together the stories of various individuals to showcase the changes in American society, highlighting winners and losers, and how society has evolved over the years. The book delves into the impact of globalization, reactionary government policies, income inequality, and the concentration of power and wealth in fewer hands, painting a raw and intimate portrait of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans.
Packer's writing style in 'The Unwinding' is reminiscent of John Dos Passos's experimental novels, where he combines real people's stories with newspaper clippings to create a novel-like narrative. The book reads like a story, immersing the reader in the characters' lives and evoking emotions of anger, despair, and hope as it explores the societal changes that have led to the current state of America.
I want to have a frank talk with you tonight about our most serious domestic problem. That problem is inflation.… twenty-twenty-twenty-four hours to go / I wanna be sedated … We must face a time of na...
