Title: A History of the American People, Volume 5
Description: Woodrow Wilson, though one of the most purely progressive Presidents of the United States, was certainly not a progressive historian. His The History of the American People seldom even contains the slightest hint of disapproval with the institutional status quo of American society. This is the great paradox of progressivism in the early 20th century; although a profound engine for change, it was essentially a conservative movement.In this sense, The History remains valuable for its very unoriginality; its orthodoxy is to notions that the progressive, and later historians reacted against. Examined from today’s “global view” Wilson’s writing is at times unbalanced and unenlightened, but as an expression of the foundation for the modern era of American life, The History can hardly be more educational. That it is also thoughtful, imaginative, and beautifully written is a bonus not easily dismissed.Reconstruction is the major theme of the first half of Volume 5. Wilson attempts to discuss it in an evenhanded fashion, although he feels that its implementation suffers as a result of Andrew Jackson’s ineffective leadership.Westward expansion, economic growth and the resulting increase in population are the other major issues he addresses in this volume. The review of these elements culminates in a look at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, in 1876. Wilson contrasts the beauty of the exhibits, buildings and grounds with preference for functionality and efficiency, then prevalent in American society. Wilson claims that the effect of the Fair marks the dawn of an artistic renaissance of buildings, machinery, and consumer products in America. Wilson concludes with the observation that America is bound to continue to change as time progresses.
Subjects: History, Nonfiction