Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
In the 1850s, young men created the Republican Party to stand against and create an alternative to a government they believed promoted the interests of only wealthy elites. Over its 160-year history, Republicans have swung from this founding vision of their party to one that has espoused and promulgated the interests of elites and big businesses, why? This is the question that Heather Cox Richardson has set out to answer.
Richardson's masterful narrative charts the Republican Party and its ideology from its inception through the presidency of George W. Bush, when the power of the Movement Conservative faction peaked. Richardson demonstrates how the issue of civil rights, economic theory, and the politics of socialism and communism have affected the ideology of the Republican Party. Richardson attempts to stay neutral as she discusses these ideological shifts and their causes, but anyone who has strong political views may become agitated while reading this book. However, every American should fight through this discomfort and read To Make Men Free. Richardson does an excellent job of showing how the past has impacted and yielded our present day society and political landscape.
Richardson's masterful narrative charts the Republican Party and its ideology from its inception through the presidency of George W. Bush, when the power of the Movement Conservative faction peaked. Richardson demonstrates how the issue of civil rights, economic theory, and the politics of socialism and communism have affected the ideology of the Republican Party. Richardson attempts to stay neutral as she discusses these ideological shifts and their causes, but anyone who has strong political views may become agitated while reading this book. However, every American should fight through this discomfort and read To Make Men Free. Richardson does an excellent job of showing how the past has impacted and yielded our present day society and political landscape.
This was interesting. It started slow because it starts at the beginning in terms of American History. But, it builds in momentum and as we move through time it was satisfying to see unexpected connections to today's conflicts. I loved the way the author presented the fundamental question of American party politics as the question of the very purpose of government: is it the protection of people or of property? That fundamental dichotomy can be traced back to differences between the Declaration of Independence and Constitution and that lens is a very useful simplified way to think about what motivates the parties. Also, I have new perspective on tariffs - always an issue/tool of Republican-led governments!
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
medium-paced
I am literally begging this goddamn country to learn from its own history.
I am also begging you (yes, you) to read this book.
I am also begging you (yes, you) to read this book.
informative
medium-paced
This book was informative and infuriating. It felt like a very quick overview at some points, but mostly in a good way. It was not boring or a slog to read.
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This is an excellent read, and while I quibble with a few minor stylistic decisions, as well as some language choices that I think Richardson could've handled better with regard to racial sensitivity, the argument is sound and the history well-researched. A really important read for those looking to understand how the Republican party has gone so entirely off the rails. Turns out they've been barely clinging to the rails for a really long time.
An invaluable resource for anyone interested in GOP history.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced