The Rise of American Democracy

Jefferson to Lincoln

Ranked #73 in Mexico History

In this magisterial work, Sean Wilentz traces a historical arc from the earliest days of the republic to the opening shots of the Civil War. One of our finest writers of history, Wilentz brings to life the era after the American Revolution, when the idea of democracy remained contentious, and Jeffersonians and Federalists clashed over the role of ordinary citizens in government of, by, and for the people. The triumph of Andrew Jackson soon defined this role on the national level, while city democrats, Anti-Masons, fugitive slaves, and a host of others hewed their own local definitions. In... more

Similar Books

If you like The Rise of American Democracy, check out these similar top-rated books:


Learn: What makes Shortform summaries the best in the world?