53 pages • 1 hour read
Michael McGerrA Fierce Discontent
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In A Fierce Discontent, Michael McGerr chronicles the rise and fall of the Progressive Movement in America from 1870 to 1920, driven by the middle class's "fierce discontent" with polarizing values and behaviors. He explores the movement's origins, class conflicts, key reform battles, and its eventual decline due to cultural backlash, using historical narratives to illustrate the era's complex social transformations. The book addresses themes including racial segregation, big business regulation, and class conflict.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Michael McGerr’s A Fierce Discontent is praised for its insightful analysis of the Progressive Era, effectively intertwining political, social, and cultural elements. Critics commend its accessible prose and thorough research but note occasional oversimplification of complex issues. Overall, it’s seen as an engaging and informative read for those interested in American history.
Who Should Read A Fierce Discontent?
A Fierce Discontent by Michael McGerr engages readers interested in Progressive Era America. Scholars and history buffs drawn to works like Eric Foner's The Fiery Trial or Jill Lepore's These Truths will appreciate McGerr's nuanced analysis of early 20th-century reform movements and their lasting societal impacts.
394
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Early 20th Century
2003
Adult
18+ years
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