About the book
Most mid-nineteenth-century Americans regarded the United States as an exceptional democratic republic that stood apart from a world seemingly riddled with revolutionary turmoil and aristocratic consolidation. Viewing themselves as distinct from and even superior to other societies, Americans considered their nation an unprecedented experiment in political moderation and constitutional democracy. But as abolitionism in England, economic unrest in Europe, and upheaval in the Caribbean and Latin America began to influence domestic affairs, the foundational ideas of national identity also faced new questions. And with the outbreak of civil war, as two rival governments each claimed the mantle of civilized democracy, the United States' claim to unique standing in the community of nations dissolved into crisis. Could the Union chart a distinct course in human affairs when slaveholders, abolitionists, free people of color, and enslaved African Americans all possessed irreconcilable definitions of nationhood?
In this sweeping history of political ideas, Andrew F. Lang reappraises the Civil War era as a crisis of American exceptionalism. Through this lens, Lang shows how the intellectual, political, and social ramifications of the war and its meaning rippled through the decades that followed, not only for the nation’s own people but also in the ways the nation sought to redefine its place on the world stage.
Editions of A Contest of Civilizations
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469660073
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469672496
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469660097
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890870179
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469660080
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890870162
Read an Excerpt
Most mid-nineteenth-century Americans regarded the United States as an exceptional democratic republic that stood apart from a world seemingly riddled with revolutionary turmoil and aristocratic consolidation. Viewing themselves as distinct from and even superior to other societies, Americans considered their nation an unprecedented experiment in political moderation and constitutional democracy. But as abolitionism in England, economic unrest in Europe, and upheaval in the Caribbean and Latin America began to influence domestic affairs, the foundational ideas of national identity also faced new questions. And with the outbreak of civil war, as two rival governments each claimed the mantle of civilized democracy, the United States' claim to unique standing in the community of nations dissolved into crisis. Could the Union chart a distinct course in human affairs when slaveholders, abolitionists, free people of color, and enslaved African Americans all possessed irreconcilable definitions of nationhood?
In this sweeping history of political ideas, Andrew F. Lang reappraises the Civil War era as a crisis of American exceptionalism. Through this lens, Lang shows how the intellectual, political, and social ramifications of the war and its meaning rippled through the decades that followed, not only for the nation’s own people but also in the ways the nation sought to redefine its place on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Contest of Civilizations about?
Most mid-nineteenth-century Americans regarded the United States as an exceptional democratic republic that stood apart from a world seemingly riddled with revolutionary turmoil and aristocratic consolidation. Viewing themselves as distinct from and even superior to other societies, Americans considered their nation an unprecedented experiment in political moderation and constitutional democracy. But as abolitionism in England, economic unrest in Europe, and upheaval in the Caribbean and Latin America began to influence domestic affairs, the foundational ideas of national identity also faced new questions. And with the outbreak of civil war, as two rival governments each claimed the mantle of civilized democracy, the United States' claim to unique standing in the community of nations dissolved into crisis. Could the Union chart a distinct course in human affairs when slaveholders, abolitionists, free people of color, and enslaved African Americans all possessed irreconcilable definitions of nationhood?
In this sweeping history of political ideas, Andrew F. Lang reappraises the Civil War era as a crisis of American exceptionalism. Through this lens, Lang shows how the intellectual, political, and social ramifications of the war and its meaning rippled through the decades that followed, not only for the nation’s own people but also in the ways the nation sought to redefine its place on the world stage.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Contest of Civilizations?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of A Contest of Civilizations?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469660073
How long is A Contest of Civilizations and how many pages does it have?
A Contest of Civilizations has 568 page(s)
Is A Contest of Civilizations part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Littlefield History of the Civil War Era
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Contest of Civilizations?
Andrew F. Lang
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Contest of Civilizations is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469660073) and paperback(ISBN 9781469672496) and ebook(ISBN 9781469660097) and ebook(ISBN 9798890870179) and ebook(ISBN 9781469660080) and pdf(ISBN 9798890870162)
Where can I buy A Contest of Civilizations online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A Contest of Civilizations from below
Where can I buy A Contest of Civilizations?