Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974

Two award-winning historians explore the origins of a divided America.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2019
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

America entered a new era of doubt and division in the middle of the 1970s, marked by significant political, economic, and social crises such as Watergate, Vietnam, and the rights revolutions of the 1960s. These events shattered the existing social order and set the stage for a transformative period in American history.

The years that followed witnessed the writing of our own lifetimes, as longstanding historical fault lines over income inequality, racial division, and a revolution in gender roles and sexual norms deepened and fueled a polarised political landscape.

In Fault Lines, leading historians Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer delve into the origins of the divisions that shape the present day, tracing them back nearly four decades. They explore how the media landscape, characterized by the rise of cable TV, the internet, and social media, echoed and amplified these fault lines, contributing to the growing sense of division in the United States.

The book offers a comprehensive and wide-angle history view of how the United States became so divided, providing valuable insights into the complex factors that have contributed to this phenomenon. It sheds light on the historical roots of contemporary social and political tensions, including the rise of conservatism, the decline of labour unions, and the changing demographics of the country.

Fault Lines also examines the role of media and technology in shaping public opinion and political discourse, highlighting how they can both exacerbate and mitigate divisions. The authors argue that the media's focus on sensationalism, polarization, and clickbait has contributed to the spread of misinformation and the reinforcement of existing biases, while technology has enabled individuals to connect and communicate with others who share their views, further dividing the country.

The book concludes by offering a roadmap for healing the divisions in American society, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and dialogue. The authors call for a return to a more civil and inclusive political discourse, where individuals are encouraged to listen to and engage with those who hold different perspectives, and where the media is held accountable for promoting a fair and balanced representation of the facts.

In conclusion, Fault Lines is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the origins and consequences of the divisions that shape contemporary American society. By exploring the historical roots of these divisions and the role of media and technology in perpetuating them, the book provides a valuable perspective on the challenges facing the country and offers a roadmap for healing and rebuilding.

Weight: 854g
Dimension: 237 x 168 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393088663