The Rise of American Democracy

Jefferson to Lincoln

By: Sean Wilentz

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

A grand political history in a fresh new style of how the elitist young American republic became a rough-and-tumble democracy.

In this magisterial work, Sean Wilentz traces a historical arc from the earliest days of the republic to the opening shots of the Civil War. One of our finest writers of history, Wilentz brings to life the era after the American Revolution, when the idea of democracy remained contentious, and Jeffersonians and Federalists clashed over the role of ordinary citizens in government of, by, and for the people. The triumph of Andrew Jackson soon defined this role on the national level, while city democrats, Anti-Masons, fugitive slaves, and a host of others hewed their own local definitions. In these definitions, Wilentz recovers the beginnings of a discontent - two starkly opposed democracies, one in the North and another in the South - and the wary balance that lasted until the election of Abraham Lincoln sparked its bloody resolution.

©2005 Sean Wilentz (P)2020 Tantor

The Rise of American Democracy — The most comprehensive political history of the early 19th century

Whether or not you agree or disagree with Wilentz’s analysis and focus on “The Democracy” as the most significant force of early 19th century American politics, his narratives and detailed authorship of this period is one of the most complete ever compiled and deserves effusive praise for his storytelling, explication of a diverse and complicated cultural, social and political landscape of early America and his overall explanation of how American society evolved between 1776 and 1861. This is a must read for any American who would like to understand the early political history of our country and the events and people who shaped it. 5/5

Sweeping

A sweeping history of the unpredictable rise of the United States’ most disturbing and laudable mess, democracy.

If you need to sleep...

This is a very informative book. However, the narration is such that it becomes monotonous. I would suggest the physical book on this one.

very good. But too many details.

I believe that it could have been done in about half the time. It's very good. But the details detracted from the overall message.