The Idea of America: Reflections on the Birth of the United States

The exploration of American identity reveals its roots in the revolutionary ideals that shaped democracy and exceptionalism. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gordon S. Wood argues that the American Revolution is pivotal in understanding who we are today. He delves into the radical nature of the founders' aspirations, emphasizing the chasm between their era and modern perspectives on democracy. Wood's analysis highlights the founders' fears of their experiment in liberty devolving into tyranny or chaos, offering a thought-provoking examination of the nation's foundational ideas.