For the People

American Populist Movements from the Revolution to the 1850s

By Ronald P. Formisano | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

For the People offers a new interpretation of populist political movements from the Revolution to the eve of the Civil War and roots them in the disconnect between the theory of rule by the people and the reality of rule by elected representatives. Ron Formisano seeks to rescue populist movements from the distortions of contemporary opponents as well as the misunderstandings of later historians.

From the Anti-Federalists to the Know-Nothings, Formisano traces the movements chronologically, contextualizing them and demonstrating the progression of ideas and movements. Although American populist movements have typically been categorized as either progressive or reactionary, left-leaning or right-leaning, Formisano argues that most populist movements exhibit liberal and illiberal tendencies simultaneously. Gendered notions of “manhood” are an enduring feature, yet women have been intimately involved in nearly every populist insurgency. By considering these movements together, Formisano identifies commonalities that belie the pattern of historical polarization and bring populist movements from the margins to the core of American history.

Editions of For the People

Hardcover
ISBN 9780807831724
Paperback
ISBN 9780807872628
Paperback
ISBN 9780807886106
EBook
ISBN 9780807886113
EBook
ISBN 9781469603810
EBook
ISBN 9798890881335
EBook
ISBN 9798893132571

Read an Excerpt

For the People offers a new interpretation of populist political movements from the Revolution to the eve of the Civil War and roots them in the disconnect between the theory of rule by the people and the reality of rule by elected representatives. Ron Formisano seeks to rescue populist movements from the distortions of contemporary opponents as well as the misunderstandings of later historians.

From the Anti-Federalists to the Know-Nothings, Formisano traces the movements chronologically, contextualizing them and demonstrating the progression of ideas and movements. Although American populist movements have typically been categorized as either progressive or reactionary, left-leaning or right-leaning, Formisano argues that most populist movements exhibit liberal and illiberal tendencies simultaneously. Gendered notions of “manhood” are an enduring feature, yet women have been intimately involved in nearly every populist insurgency. By considering these movements together, Formisano identifies commonalities that belie the pattern of historical polarization and bring populist movements from the margins to the core of American history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is For the People about?

For the People offers a new interpretation of populist political movements from the Revolution to the eve of the Civil War and roots them in the disconnect between the theory of rule by the people and the reality of rule by elected representatives. Ron Formisano seeks to rescue populist movements from the distortions of contemporary opponents as well as the misunderstandings of later historians.

From the Anti-Federalists to the Know-Nothings, Formisano traces the movements chronologically, contextualizing them and demonstrating the progression of ideas and movements. Although American populist movements have typically been categorized as either progressive or reactionary, left-leaning or right-leaning, Formisano argues that most populist movements exhibit liberal and illiberal tendencies simultaneously. Gendered notions of “manhood” are an enduring feature, yet women have been intimately involved in nearly every populist insurgency. By considering these movements together, Formisano identifies commonalities that belie the pattern of historical polarization and bring populist movements from the margins to the core of American history.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in For the People?

History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas

Where can I read a sample of For the People?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807831724

How long is For the People and how many pages does it have?

For the People has 328 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book For the People?

Ronald P. Formisano

Who is the Publisher of the book For the People?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

For the People is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807831724) and paperback(ISBN 9780807872628) and paperback(ISBN 9780807886106) and ebook(ISBN 9780807886113) and ebook(ISBN 9781469603810) and ebook(ISBN 9798890881335) and ebook(ISBN 9798893132571)

Where can I buy For the People online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy For the People?