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teriboop's review against another edition
4.0
America Divided is a very thorough review of the political, social, and cultural history of the 1960s. This decade is known for being a tumultuous time of change in our nation's history. The 60s begin with a new era of democratic politics, moving away from the conservative leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The young Catholic John F. Kennedy wins the presidency taking on a new age of liberalism. Civil Rights come to the forefront spearheaded by Martin Luther King, the SCLC, and SNCC. Cuba and Vietnam are at the top of the list of JFK's foreign relations concerns. After JFK's assassination, Vice President Lyndon Johnson becomes the nation's leader and the "New Left" rises in the wake of student protests and rising tensions with Vietnam taking us into an unwinnable war. A conservative revival and the war brings another change leading to the election of Richard Nixon in the latter part of the decade. This was the decade that marginalized groups yearned to be heard and to gain equal rights for women, Blacks, Chicanos, and LGBT. This book covers it all and covers it well.
Although this book is intended as a scholarly read, for use as a text for history students, it is very readable and a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about this era. The book actually starts in the mid-50s, laying the ground with the mindset of the nation in the post-war era. It continues chronologically through the mid-70s and the resignation of Nixon after the Watergate debacle, but the meatiest part of the text centers on the 60s. It is a somewhat short book yet very thorough. The perfect resource for the 60s.
Although this book is intended as a scholarly read, for use as a text for history students, it is very readable and a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about this era. The book actually starts in the mid-50s, laying the ground with the mindset of the nation in the post-war era. It continues chronologically through the mid-70s and the resignation of Nixon after the Watergate debacle, but the meatiest part of the text centers on the 60s. It is a somewhat short book yet very thorough. The perfect resource for the 60s.
crhogan's review against another edition
4.0
I learned a lot about the 1960s with this book, I found it very informative and it even caused me to shed a few tears! However, the images that are used in the book don't always line up with what's being talked about. Often, the image would be reference 3-5 pages later and I would be left utterly confused about what was going on. That isn't a big deal, but it makes it a four star instead of five.
If you attend University of Michigan, I highly recommend Dr. Berrey's 1960s course!
If you attend University of Michigan, I highly recommend Dr. Berrey's 1960s course!
jlancasta's review against another edition
4.0
This is a pretty solid book. Looks at a lot of the huge issues in the sixties. Especially was shocked to read about the Vietnam war (to put it lightly: it was a fucking moral catastrophe)
It's weird to read about the sixties. Because in many ways it feels like I am reading a mirror that is reflecting backwards at us now. I am inclined to think our stakes are higher now than they were back then: I mean we have climate change, we have an absolutely horrible issue with immigration, we have unarmed black people being killed by police officers who consistently face no charges. We have what I see as, our current president flirting with fascism.
But nevertheless, you read about Watts, civil rights, and activist movement. It all feels so damn familiar. Hell, even reading about George Wallace, whose campaign reminds me of a certain politician who shall remain nameless, but name rhymes with Ronald Frump. I think we've just traded an immoral war for a pandemic.
We also see an origin story of modern conservatism as we know it. Pretty safe to say 1968 we see a rightward turn in this country that has been trending right of center for a long time. I think the book shows us a weird reflection of our current selves.
It's weird to read about the sixties. Because in many ways it feels like I am reading a mirror that is reflecting backwards at us now. I am inclined to think our stakes are higher now than they were back then: I mean we have climate change, we have an absolutely horrible issue with immigration, we have unarmed black people being killed by police officers who consistently face no charges. We have what I see as, our current president flirting with fascism.
But nevertheless, you read about Watts, civil rights, and activist movement. It all feels so damn familiar. Hell, even reading about George Wallace, whose campaign reminds me of a certain politician who shall remain nameless, but name rhymes with Ronald Frump. I think we've just traded an immoral war for a pandemic.
We also see an origin story of modern conservatism as we know it. Pretty safe to say 1968 we see a rightward turn in this country that has been trending right of center for a long time. I think the book shows us a weird reflection of our current selves.
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