Synopses & Reviews
Twentieth-Century America offers a succinct, comprehensive, and objective examination of recent American history. From Progressivism and the New Deal up to the present, Reeves covers all aspects of American history without burying students in unnecessary detail and trivia. This allows students to grasp the major developments and continuities of American history and to come away with a cohesive picture of the twentieth century. From William McKinley and the Wright Brothers to Michael Jordan and Monica Lewinsky, Reeves lays bare the whole of the twentieth century with an interpretation that strives for an unbiased and accurate presentation of the real story of American history. The author conveys vivid accounts of the changes in the political arena, public policy, popular culture, industry, economy, race, gender, and class that defined the times, and explores the great strides made in technology, living standards, working conditions, and education. He stresses social as well as political and economic history, emphasizing the roles played by all Americans--including immigrants, minorities, women, and working people--and pays special attention to such topics as religion, crime, morality, public health, national prosperity, and the media. Reeves presents both sides of controversial subjects and is careful to point out which interpretations were most strongly supported. The recommended readings at the end of each chapter have been specifically selected to appeal to students and to acquaint them with the most readable and provocative books on each era. For a clear and fascinating look at the often exciting and always important history of the United States, Twentieth-Century America is an indispensable text for all students interested in a lucid historical overview of this country's past one hundred years.
Review
"Reeves delivers a comprehensive and enlightening view of the 20th century without drowning his readers in nonrelevant detail. For the light reader to the historian - this book's a winner."--Tommy G. Thompson Governor, State of Wisconsin
"Finally, a lively U.S. history text full of facts, not polemics. With Twentieth-Century America, Thomas Reeves has given students an engaging, balanced narrative of the dramatic events, and sometimes disturbing trends, that have shaped our lives in recent times."--Kenneth J. Heineman, Ohio University, Lancaster Campus
Synopsis
As this most tumultuous century draws to a close, the need for a concise and trustworthy history is clear. Recent decades have seen the publication of American histories that are either bloated with unnecessary detail or infused with a polemical purpose that undermines their authority. In
Twentieth-Century America, Thomas C. Reeves provides a fluidly written narrative history that combines the rare virtues of compression, inclusiveness, and balance.
From Progressivism and the New Deal right up to the present, Reeves covers all aspects of American history, providing solid coverage of each era without burying readers in needless detail or trivia. This approach allows readers to grasp the major developments and continuities of American history and to come away with a cohesive picture of the whole of the twentieth century. The volume stresses social and well as political history, emphasizing the roles played by all Americans--including immigrants, minorities, women, and working people--and pays special attention to such topics as religion, crime, public health, national prosperity, and the media. Reeves is careful throughout to present both sides of controversial subjects and yet does not leave readers bewildered about which interpretations are most strongly supported or where to explore these issues more thoroughly. At the conclusion of each chapter, the author cites ten authoritative volumes for further study. The bibliographies, as well as the text, are refreshing in their lack of ideological bent. "Objectivity," Reeves suggests, "is an illusive but worthy goal for the historian."
For anyone wishing to achieve a lucid historical overview of the past 100 years, Twentieth-Century America is the best place to start.
About the Author
Thomas C. Reeves is Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside and Senior Fellow at the Wisconsin Policy Institute. The author of
The Life and Times of Joe McCarthy and the best-selling
A Question of Character: A Life of John F. Kennedy, he lives in Franksville, Wisconsin.
Table of Contents
Preface 1. By 1900
2. Progressivism and the New Deal
3. The Trials and Triumphs of Progressivism
4. The First World War
5. The Twenties
6. The Depression Decade
7. The World at War Again
8. Postwar Challenges
9. The "Best Years"
10. Era of Upheaval
11. Nixon's America
12. Years of Disillusionment
13. Dynamic Conservatism
14. Into the Nineties
15. The Close of the Century