A review by ksuell
To Make Men Free: A History of the Republican Party by Heather Cox Richardson

3.0

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!