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A Brief History of America

Contradictions & Divisions in the United States from the Revolutionary Era to the Present Day

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A Brief History of America

By: Dominic Haynes
Narrated by: Jared Zak
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A Brief History of America provides an overview of the modern history of the United States of America through the lens of the two-party political system. It explores the good, the bad, the right, and the wrong of one of the modern world's greatest superpowers.

In the aftermath of the 2020 election, the world bore witness to the noxious political atmosphere in the United States and the deep divisions between its citizens. To those living in the present day, it would seem like American society is hurtling down a path of increasing incivility and polarization.

However, the cracks in the political and social lives of Americans have existed for generations, bursting open at different times throughout the nation’s history.

From the earliest disagreements between Founding Fathers to the Caning of Senator Charles Sumner just before the Civil War, the political climate in the United States has never been pleasant. There have always been two Americas: the one that claims to defend freedom abroad and the one perpetuating inequality and bondage at home.

Working from the aftermath of the French & Indian War up to the divisive climate of the present day, a pattern of progress and ensuing backlash comes into focus. Founded on the initial contradiction of a slave-holding society claiming that “All men are created equal”, the United States has continually struggled to fulfill that promise, but unquenchable American optimism and the hope for a brighter future persists with each generation struggling forward.

©2021 Dominic Haynes (P)2021 Dominic Haynes
Americas Indigenous Peoples Military United States American History War Thought-Provoking
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Listener received this title free

I got this for my kids to listen to over the summer before school started up again, and they loved it! It was nice to have in the car or to listen to in the afternoon before dinner time in place of playing with screens. I love that it's educational and fun to listen to. Highly recommend!

Great for kids and adults

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Listener received this title free

The idea that stayed with me was the gap between America’s promise of equality and the reality of slavery and exclusion. The book returns to that tension across different periods, so the present-day political divide feels connected to much older arguments rather than appearing out of nowhere. I also liked the attention given to lesser-remembered moments, especially the attack on Charles Sumner, which made the political conflict feel physical and personal.

The narration fits the material well. It keeps the timeline moving without making the history sound rushed, and the short format makes this a useful refresher when I want the broad picture.

The Founding Contradiction

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Listener received this title free

I very much enjoyed listening to A Brief History of America. I absolutely loved how the historical content was simplified, yet remained concise. I highly recommend this audiobook if you are looking, as I was, to brush up on the history of North America, and how the US came to be as it is today. I appreciated how the information was presented, which led me to understand the stories behind many modern conflicts and ideologies within the country.




A fantastic overview of US history!

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Listener received this title free

American history is one of the most exciting histories for me because my grandmother is Native American. This book gave me a summary of the most important events in America until now. If you like history, this book is for you.

Fascinating history!

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Listener received this title free

Thanks to this book our children getting better grades in history class. We try to listen to this audiobook in the car and while we going to school. It did refresh my memory also very well and we cannot wait to listen for the next episodes on this topic from the author! Definitely recommended!

The history of USA!

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