"A Patriot's History of the USA" refers primarily to the widely recognized book, "A Patriot's History of the United States: From Columbus's Great Discovery to America's Age of Entitlement," authored by Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen. Published in 2004, this work presents an interpretation of American history from a generally conservative perspective, aiming to offer an alternative to what its authors and proponents perceive as excessively critical or revisionist accounts prevalent in academia and other popular histories. Its fundamental premise is that the United States is an inherently exceptional nation founded on principles of liberty, free enterprise, and individual achievement, viewing its historical trajectory as largely positive and providential.
The book's detailed discussion emphasizes American strength, ingenuity, and moral rectitude throughout its narrative, frequently highlighting moments of national triumph and downplaying or recontextualizing instances of internal conflict, injustice, or societal failures. It positions itself as a counter-narrative, notably in contrast to works like Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States," which focuses on class struggle, oppression, and marginalized voices. "A Patriot's History" tends to celebrate the Founding Fathers and their ideals with limited critique, underscore the virtues of capitalism, and often attribute national challenges to progressive policies or deviations from foundational principles. It meticulously covers key historical periods and events, including the colonial era, the American Revolution, the Civil War, the World Wars, and the Cold War, consistently applying its central thesis of American exceptionalism and a positive national identity.
While immensely popular among a segment of the public seeking an affirming account of American history, "A Patriot's History" has faced significant criticism from mainstream academic historians. Critics often point to its selective use of evidence, its tendency towards hagiography rather than critical analysis, and its perceived ideological bias in interpreting complex historical events. Despite these critiques, the book remains a significant cultural artifact, illustrating a particular lens through which a segment of the American population views its past, emphasizing national pride and a narrative of continuous progress and principled leadership. It serves as a prominent example of how historical narratives can be shaped by specific political and cultural viewpoints.
