The Workshop of Democracy: 1863–1932

by James MacGregor Burns

The second volume of Burns’s acclaimed history of America, from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the Great Depression

 

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address pointed to a new way to preserve an old hope—that democracy might prove a vibrant and lasting form of government for people of different races, religions, and aspirations. The scars of the Civil War would not soon heal, but with that one short speech, the president held out the possibility that such a nation might not simply survive, but flourish. The Workshop of Democracy explores more than a half-century of dramatic growth and transformation of the American landscape, through the addition of dozens of new states, the shattering tragedy of the First World War, the explosion of industry, and, in the end, the emergence of the United States as an new global power.  

 

 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, 20th Century, American, Politics, American History

1330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

An award-winning author of presidential and leadership studies, James MacGregor Burns was the Woodrow Wilson Professor of Government Emeritus at Williams College and Distinguished Leadership Scholar at the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park. He received his bachelor's degree from Williams College and his Ph.D. in political science from Harvard, and he also attended the London School of Economics. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he was past president of the American Political Science Association and the International Society of Political Psychology.

Reviews

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parallels abound between the Gilded Age of the latter half of the 19th century and the new Gilded Age we are living through now. But history, at least that written by James MacGregor Burns, seems to be a pendulum that swings between progressive eras and conservative eras: there are parallels between the 1920s and now as well. Burns is detailed, but not exhaustively so (this is not an academic tome); his book lacks some richness of language and tone, but he has turns of phrase and an engaging writing style that still draws you in. Be prepared for a long haul though - this isn't a short book.

[Kristin]

Leaving unfinished. When speech quoting slave-owning Southerners is printed in “standard” English and speech quoting newly-freed slaves is printed in dialect, sacrificing English words to approximate how they would sound...there is a problem. And I am left unwilling to trust the author to accurately show me the era’s history.

Not rating because I stopped reading so early in the book.

[Mark Stidham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This period of history held the largest gap for me, and I imagine I am not alone. The Civil War ends, Reconstruction begins. The gap goes until the Spanish American war followed by WW I. In the gap, we have the corruption in the Grant administration, the betrayal of Reconstruction by Rutherford Hayes, the reassertion of white supremacy in the South, the continued denial of voting rights to women, and significant European immigration. We also see the rise of the ultra wealthy captains of industry, controlling much of transportation and manufacturing. There is emergence of some worker's unions and other coalitions to challenge the wealthy.
The development of the Republican party from its anti-slavery roots into an advocate for limited government takes place, while the Democrats continue to struggle for definition, always seeming to be based in the South but forming coalitions, eventually resulting in the election of Grover Cleveland as the first Democrat since Andrew Johnson. The history of abuse and destruction of both native Americans and African-Americans are shameful. There is a development of an American ethos that is rather fatalistic. That is, the poor are responsible for their poverty. Sweat and determination brings wealth and power. Never mind that there are few if any examples of women or minorities that become powerful.
Government is recognized as uniquely capable of some achievements, most conspicuously military annexation of land. As commerce becomes more international, protective tariffs are debated as helping and hurting. There are many instances of financial booms and busts, and the country struggles with fiscal policy to address problems.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the book is the description of the rise and presidency of Woodrow Wilson. His story reminds including context reminds me of the present day with Elizabeth Warren in the role of Wilson.

[Josh Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume II is review of primarily American leadership history from WWI to the beginning of the Depression. Burns seems to adopt a more critical stance here than he did in Vol. I, which is nice. But this book, which I believe was published in the early 1980's, in its assessment of, for example, the disparate impacts of the economic policies that led to the Depression--how women and especially Black people had it worse off than others--would probably be banned from classrooms in some states for being way too "woke."

[james blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refresher course on the workings of American Democracy, 1863-1932

This outstanding work will serve as a refresher course for all students of history, especially those who have heard so much of the past. As a student of history during college days this is a two year course assembled in one very enlightening volume. It is a magnificent keeper! Do not miss this opportunity to learn more of our past!

[Heather G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough

It would be impossible to hit every important event from the Civil War to The Great Depression in any book but this book does a good job of hitting high points and some random points while still making it readable.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

Should be required reading for every high school student (and their families). I’m on to Volume 111. If you read this at bedtime, you might snooze off now & then but we all should know this rich history.

[Paul Eberhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, part of my reading for the 250th celebration of independence.

[Rod Zemke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a history text by one of America's foremost historians. If you want to know what happened, you have to read books like this one.

[Lori Tian Sailiata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in Burns' brilliant trilogy of American history, The American Experiment. Reconstruction to the Great Depression, intense territory.