A Political History of the USA: One Nation Under God

by Bruce Kuklick

Overview

Exploring the history of US politics from the first European contact with the 'New World' in 1492, up to the 2024 presidential elections, this book is an engaging account of America's development from colony to world superpower. Using religion as a central theme to navigate through this vast topic, it moves beyond the realm of political parties, leaders and ideologies to understand how politics has intersected with the individual and societal hopes, fears and values which have underpinned US political culture and theology.

Taking the reader from colonial times and the constitution through the civil war, the New Deal, the Cold War and into contemporary America, A Political History of the USA offers a compelling yet balanced account of US political, cultural and religious history, ideal for undergraduate students of US history and politics.

New for this edition:
- Updated discussion on the constitution to understand recent events such as the overturning of Roe v Wade
- Three new chapters on 1972 to the 2024 election covering topics such as the COVID pandemic, the rise of China and the Ukraine War
- Additional material on race and gender, through the eyes of African Americans and women
- Expanded discussion on the rise of social media and politization of cable news
- New timeline of major events

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350429246
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/04/2025
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Bruce Kuklick is Nichols Professor of American History, Emeritus, at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part I Religious Longings
1 The Impact of the Europeans, 1494–1676
2 North American Colonies, 1632–1732
Part II The Revolution and the Constitution
3 The Colonies in the Empire, 1651–1774
4 War and Order, 1775–1787
5 The Culture of Politics, 1788–1826
Part III Irrepressible Conflict
6 Experiments in Republicanism, 1783–1832
7 Nationalism, Sectionalism, and Slavery, 1820–1861
8 Lincoln and the Civil War, 1858–1865
Part IV Republican Ascendency
9 A Novel Elite, 1865-1896
10 The New Empire, 1890–1917
11 Progressive America, 1900–1920
12 Modern Capitalism, 1919–1933
Part V The Rise and Fall of American Liberalism
13 A Cosmopolitan New Deal, 1933–1945
14 Cold War America, 1945–1963
15 The Sixties, 1954–1969
16 Liberalism in Decline, 1969-1988
Part VI America After the Cold War
17 Cultural Conquest and Cultural Division, 1988-2016
18 The Age of Trump, 2009-2024
Conclusion
Suggestions for Reading and Study
Acknowledgments
Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

A readable and provocative political history of the United States that puts religion and culture at the heart of the narrative. – Andrew Heath, University of Sheffield, UK

The first edition of A Political History of the United States was excellent as a succinct but authoritative account of American history from the colonial period to the present. The revisions for this edition have made the book even better. – Mark Noll, University of Notre Dame, USA

Editorial Reviews

This is the best one-volume, one-author textbook on US history available today. Kuklick takes us on a vibrant journey through American history in a textbook that excels with its engaging narrative and bold perspectives. He guides us from the European political, philosophical, and religious influences on the early Republic to the global imprint of American culture and geopolitics today. This is a fascinating tale that puts people at the center, from the first migrants of the Ice Age to the polarizing politicians of the present. This book offers a compelling exploration that resonates with students and provides food for thought for all readers.” —Jaap Verheul, Utrecht University, Netherlands

“Bruce Kuklick clearly explains complex historical topics in a few sentences. His concise and often provocative history of the United States challenges students to question assumptions and to think in clear and lucid ways about the role of religion and power in American history.” —Paul Murphy, Professor of History, Grand Valley State University, USA

“Praise for previous editions:

'A readable and provocative political history of the United States that puts religion and culture at the heart of the narrative.'” —Andrew Heath, University of Sheffield, UK

“It might seem miraculous for a relatively short textbook by a single author to treat the entire political history of the United States with comprehensive thoroughness alongside lightly-worn learning and sparkling wit. But miracles do happen, and Bruce Kuklick has done it. The first edition of A Political History of the United States was excellent as a succinct but authoritative account of American history from the colonial period to the present. The revisions for this edition have made the book even better.” —Mark Noll, University of Notre Dame, USA

“How refreshing it is to encounter a textbook distinguished by a very un-textbook-like capacity to say what is most important about this or that historical episode rather than just 'covering' what everyone else covers. This is a wonderfully analytic, sharply formulated book that will give students direct access to what they most need to know.” —David A. Hollinger, University of California, Berkeley, USA

From the Publisher