America: Made in Britain

The American dream is based on the belief that the US emerged from 1776 as a fully formed and unparalleled political entity without a past and with a special destiny. America: Made in Britain provides an important corrective to this received wisdom, explaining how the US was the result of political, social, economic, philosophical, and religious developments that preceded the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers by centuries. The colonists were almost entirely from the British Isles, governed by British laws, and influenced by British philosophers, economic needs, religion, wars, suppression, and political debates. The Declaration of Independence and the US constitution are marked by British philosophical, legal, and political fingerprints, and the Special Relationship between the UK and the US has roots laid before the arrival of the first Jamestown settlers in 1607.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The American Dream is a deeply held belief in the uniqueness of the United States, a nation that is seen as having emerged from the political mists of 1776 as a fully formed and unparalleled political entity, with a special destiny. However, America: Made in Britain challenges this prevailing wisdom and offers an original insight into the "Special Relationship" between the US and the UK. Author Tom Arms argues that the United States was not created overnight but was the result of centuries of political, social, economic, philosophical, and religious developments that preceded the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers. These developments continued to shape the political landscape of America throughout the colonial period and beyond. The colonists, almost entirely from the British Isles, were governed by British laws, influenced by British philosophers, and driven by British economic needs. British religion, wars, suppression, and political debates also played a significant role in shaping immigration patterns. The fight for restoring cherished British rights and liberties drove the colonists to the brink of rebellion and beyond, leading to the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, which bear the fingerprints of British philosophical, legal, and political ideas. The Magna Carta and English common law are regularly cited in US Supreme Court judgments, demonstrating the enduring influence of British law on American legal systems. This interconnectedness between Britain and America extends to contemporary Britain as well. What happened in Britain centuries ago continues to impact American life today, and the actions taken by the British in America have a profound effect on contemporary Britain. The Special Relationship between the UK and the US, which began before the Atlantic Charter, is rooted in a shared history, cultural ties, and mutual interests. It has evolved over time, shaped by events such as the two World Wars, the Cold War, and the global rise of the United States as a superpower. Today, the US and the UK are strategic partners, working together on a range of issues, from security and trade to climate change and international diplomacy. The Special Relationship is characterized by a deep mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to promoting stability and prosperity in the world. In conclusion, America: Made in Britain provides a valuable corrective to the prevailing wisdom about the US and offers an insightful perspective on the "Special Relationship" between the US and the UK. By highlighting the long-standing historical and cultural ties between the two nations, the book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship, which continues to shape the world today.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398119536