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A review by pcdbigfoot
American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard
3.75
Interesting theory on our regional differences. The author traces back to the cultures that settled into different parts of today's US, walks us through relationships between each and the others, then the eventual alliances that have evolved.
I found most of it pretty compelling, although there are the occasionally annoying sweeping generalizations sprinkled in too. Example of the former is how the alliance between the Deep South, Tidewater (Virginia and parts of the Chesapeake), with Appalachia formed during Reconstruction (although Appalachia fought with the Union), and how it's endured. Also interesting is the distinction the author makes between the foundational beliefs in Yankee 'freedom' verses Southern 'liberty', perhaps stemming from the class composition of the early European settlers in each.
This one ticks a number of boxes for me - history, culture, sociology, politics. If you share these interests, check this one out - worth a look.
I found most of it pretty compelling, although there are the occasionally annoying sweeping generalizations sprinkled in too. Example of the former is how the alliance between the Deep South, Tidewater (Virginia and parts of the Chesapeake), with Appalachia formed during Reconstruction (although Appalachia fought with the Union), and how it's endured. Also interesting is the distinction the author makes between the foundational beliefs in Yankee 'freedom' verses Southern 'liberty', perhaps stemming from the class composition of the early European settlers in each.
This one ticks a number of boxes for me - history, culture, sociology, politics. If you share these interests, check this one out - worth a look.