60 pages • 2 hours read
A People's History of the United States
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Book Brief
729
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Various Eras
1980
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn explores American history from the perspectives of marginalized groups, emphasizing the struggles between the working class and elites since European colonization. It covers key events from Columbus's arrival to the early 21st century, arguing that traditional histories have often suppressed the voices and movements of everyday people. The book addresses themes of systemic oppression, racism, and class struggle.
Informative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
263,978 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn offers a compelling and alternative perspective on American history, emphasizing marginalized groups. Praise centers on its engaging narrative and critical viewpoint. Criticisms include perceived bias and factual inaccuracies. Overall, it is hailed for its thought-provoking content but cautioned for potential subjectivity.
Who Should Read A People’s History of the United States?
A reader who would enjoy Howard Zinn's A People’s History of the United States is typically drawn to alternative historical narratives that emphasize marginalized voices. Similar to fans of Eric Foner's Reconstruction or Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, they seek in-depth explorations of social justice, class struggle, and the complexities of American history.
263,978 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pinkerton Detective Agency
Pinkerton Detective Agency
A private security and detective agency known for its violent strikebreaking tactics during labor disputes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, Wobblies)
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, Wobblies)
A labor union that sought to unify American workers into one large union, known for its radical positions on strikes and inclusivity of diverse worker groups.
Bill Hayward
Bill Hayward
A leading figure in the Industrial Workers of the World and labor activism, advocating for militant strike tactics and facing imprisonment due to his opposition to World War I.
The Anti-Vietnam War Movement
The Anti-Vietnam War Movement
A protest movement that emerged in the 1960s, employing civil rights movement tactics initially, and later engaging in more radical actions against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Betty Friedan
Betty Friedan
An activist who, with significant organizing experience, contributed to the formation of the National Organization for Women (NOW), focusing on women's rights and issues.
Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
The 39th President of the United States, associated with a shift in the Democratic Party towards more conservative and religiously oriented policies during his administration.
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
The 43rd President of the United States, whose election marked the end of the period of policy unification, or cartelization, between major political parties in the United States.
729
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Various Eras
1980
Adult
18+ years
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