Union

The Struggle to Forge the Story of United States Nationhood

By: Colin Woodard

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

By the bestselling author of American Nations and Nations Apart, the story of how the myth of U.S. national unity was created and fought over in the nineteenth century--a myth that continues to affect us today

Union tells the story of the struggle to create a national myth for the United States, one that could hold its rival regional cultures together and forge an American nationhood. On one hand, a small group of individuals--historians, political leaders, and novelists--fashioned and promoted the idea of America as nation that had a God-given mission to lead humanity toward freedom, equality, and self-government. But this emerging narrative was swiftly contested by another set of intellectuals and firebrands who argued that the United States was instead the homeland of the allegedly superior "Anglo-Saxon" race, upon whom divine and Darwinian favor shined.

Colin Woodard tells the story of the genesis and epic confrontations between these visions of our nation's path and purpose through the lives of the key figures who created them, a cast of characters whose personal quirks and virtues, gifts and demons shaped the destiny of millions.

Required Reading

This book is organized at such a high level. Its content is so important for the United States right now. Competing historians writing our history pre-, during, and post-Civil War history. Each trace the idea of who deserves, enjoys, and controls how many citizens actually have the rights promised in the Constitution of United States. One important thing— of many—covered in the book is that the confederacy lost a military battle but survived, thrived and is still alive and well (and on the streets of Portland this weekend with long guns aimed at protesters.)

Historical masterpiece

Colin Woodard impresses readers again with historically accurate accounts, riveting storytelling, and comprehensive coverage of American history.

Must read for any US Citizen

Know your history folks, it’s ugly and will upset you. Woodard is a true patriot.

Sad but true

Sad that racism is still so prevalent in the US and the world. Woodard is an amazing writer of historical truths.

A history on history, and more should seek to understand

Very well done. Not quite a sequel to "American nations," the use of biographical narratives to understand different perspectives in the history of the US was well done and approachable. If you've ever listened to another American talk about US history, especially on matters of race, and wondered why their narrative is so vastly different- this book seeks to explain why. I will be considering it's points for quite awhile yet.