The end of the myth : from the frontier to the border wall in the mind of America
Grandin, Greg, 1962-2019
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"Ever since this nation's founding, the idea of an open and ever-expanding frontier has been central to American identity. Symbolizing a future of endless promise, the frontier made possible the United States' belief in itself as an exceptional nation--democratic, individualistic, forward-looking. Today, though, the country has a new symbol: the border wall. In [this book], acclaimed historian Greg Grandin explores the effect that constant, relentless expansion had on America's domestic politics, examining the full sweep of U.S. history--from the American Revolution to the Spanish-American War, the New Deal to the election of 2016. For centuries, he shows, the ability to move outward--fighting wars and opening markets--provided America with a "gate of escape," helping to deflect domestic political and economic conflicts. But this deflection meant that the country's problems, from racism to inequality, were never confronted directly. And now, the combined catastrophes of the 2008 financial meltdown, our unwinnable wars in the Middle East, and a deepening ecological crisis have slammed this gate shut, bringing political passions that had long been directed elsewhere back home. It is this new reality, Grandin says, that explains the rise of reactionary populism and racist nationalism, the extreme anger and polarization that catapulted Trump to the presidency. The border wall may or may not be built, but it will survive as a rallying point, an allegorical tombstone marking the end of American exceptionalism."--Dust jacket.
Main title:
Author:
Imprint:
New York : Metropolitan Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2019.
Collation:
xii, 369 pages : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm.
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages [293]-352) and index.
Contents:
Introduction: Fleeing forward -- All that space -- The alpha and the omega -- A Caucasian democracy -- The safety valve -- Are you ready for all these wars? -- The true relief -- The outer edge -- The pact of 1898 -- A fortress on the frontier -- A psychological twist -- A golden harvest -- Some demonic suction tube -- More, more, more -- The new preeĢmptor -- Crossing the blood meridian -- Epilogue: The significance of the wall in American history.
Awards:
Co-winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction
ISBN:
9781250179821
Dewey class:
973
Language:
English
Added title:
Subject:
BRN:
360437
More Information:
| Location | Collection | Call number | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaumaris Library | Adult Non Fiction - History | 973 GRA | Available |