I was in my early twenties when I first read Harvey Wasserman’s History of the United States. I was not an attentive student throughout my primary and secondary education, especially before the 10th grade. I missed much that I regret, but I also think I missed a large amount of propaganda teachings, which I do not regret. This book, which I have no memory of how I came across, helped lay the foundation for my political and historical beliefs and thoughts. And I think it time I reread it, it should be interesting.
Published in 1972, Harvey Wasserman’s History of the United States is a “bottom-up” historical account focusing on the period from the Civil War to World War I.
Synopsis
The book examines the transformation of the United States from a rural, farm-based society into an industrial world power. Rather than focusing on traditional political figures, Wasserman highlights the “hidden history” of marginalized and grassroots groups.
- The Heroes: Farmers, factory workers, labor organizers, and “Bohemian” hippies.
- The Villains: Powerful corporate “Robber Barons,” imperialists, and the influence of the Puritans.
- Key Themes: Unregulated industrialization, market crashes, and the early roots of the Progressive and Labor movements.
Reviews
The book has been praised as a foundational text for “people’s history” and remains a cult favorite for its accessible, fast-moving narrative.
Critical Perspective (Amazon): Some readers have critiqued the book for focusing primarily on European descendants and the post-Civil War era, arguing it provides only “scanty” coverage of Indigenous history prior to European invasion. .
Howard Zinn: Called it “a beautiful example of a people’s history”.
Rolling Stone: Described the book as a “pleasure to read” and an “enjoyable” romp.
Dr. Benjamin Spock: Referred to it as “riveting history”.
Reader Review (ThriftBooks): One reviewer noted it is a “real myth buster” that strips away the polished imagery of traditional historical figures to document history as it truly occurred.