Time no longer
Subtitle: Americans after the American century
By: Patrick Smith
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 2013
Language: eng
Number of pages: 231
ISBN-13: 9780300176568
Subjects: Historiography; War on Terrorism, 2001-2009; Cold War; Social aspects; Civilization; American National characteristics; Spanish-American War, 1898; History
Description: "Americans cherish their national myths, some of which predate the country's founding. But the time for illusions, nostalgia, and grand ambition abroad has gone by, Patrick Smith observes in this original book. Americans are now faced with a choice between a mythical idea of themselves, their nation, and their global "mission," on the one hand, and on the other an idea of America that is rooted in historical consciousness. To cling to old myths will ensure America's decline, Smith warns. He demonstrates with deep historical insight why a fundamentally new perspective and self-image are essential if the United States is to find its place in the twenty-first century. In four illuminating essays, Smith discusses America's unusual (and dysfunctional) relation with history; the Spanish-American War and the roots of American imperial ambition; the Cold War years and the effects of fear and power on the American psyche; and the uneasy years from 9/11 to the present. Providing a new perspective on our nation's current dilemmas, Smith also offers hope for change through an embrace of authentic history."--Publisher's website.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction : between myth and history; title: History without memory; title: A culture of representation; title: Cold war man; title: Time and time again.