American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America
• 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 during presidential elections, this is an endlessly fascinating look at American regionalism and the eleven “nations” that continue to shape North America—by the bestselling author of Nations Apart
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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Community Reviews
This book is a cultural look at the regional differences found within North America, starting with the beliefs of the peoples that moved to and established themselves in the U.S. However, the author only provides a loose or vague understanding of "The Far West", which encompasses a huge portion of North America, but has been influenced by ALL of the other regions. I do think there is much to learn and appreciate about the cultural and political viewpoints noted in this book, but don't expect much regarding much of western America.
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