The moral arc of the universe does not bend towards justice, instead, it shaped by constant and immutable forces. For McPherson, history is not on a fixed linear trajectory. His Pulitzer-Prize winning book is the sixth volume of the Oxford History of the United States series and distinguishes itself from other historical narratives in rebuking of deterministic narratives. McPherson’s text not only sets the record straight but gets his audience to think more broadly about the nature of American democracy. This poor understanding of American history is one shared by liberal politicians such as Hillary Clinton and is a product of pro-confederate propaganda. Former President Donald J Trump famously questioned the purpose of the Civil War, asking “Why could that one not have been worked out?”. The civil war irrevocably shaped America and debates during this era over race, liberty and labour continues to underlie the faultlines of American politics. It is in this context, that of a republic in crisis, in which I read James McPherson’s magnum opus, “Battle Cry of Freedom”. Yet it was their flags which were proudly brandished across the halls of Congress. On 6 January 2021, armed insurrections stormed the US Capitol building, a feat which the Confederacy could have only dreamt of. ![]() ![]() Photo Credit - Erin Schaff/The New York Times
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |