Behold, America: The Entangled History of "America First" and "the American Dream"

By Sarah Churchwell

Book Overview

A Smithsonian Magazine Best History Book of 2018

The unknown history of two ideas crucial to the struggle over what America stands for

In Behold, America, Sarah Churchwell offers a surprising account of twentieth-century Americans' fierce battle for the nation's soul. It follows the stories of two phrases -- the "American dream" and "America First" -- that once embodied opposing visions for America.

Starting as a Republican motto before becoming a hugely influential isolationist slogan during World War I, America First was always closely linked with authoritarianism and white supremacy. The American dream, meanwhile, initially represented a broad vision of democratic and economic equality. Churchwell traces these notions through the 1920s boom, the Depression, and the rise of fascism at home and abroad, laying bare the persistent appeal of demagoguery in America and showing us how it was resisted. At a time when many ask what America's future holds, Behold, America is a revelatory, unvarnished portrait of where we have been.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1541673409
• ISBN13: 9781541673403
• Release Date: October 2018
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

America First & America dream

It is interesting to follow Prof Churchwell to trace the history on America First and American dream. These two terms changes over time and may not mean the same all the time. President Trump did his homework for this presidential campaign and spin to his advantage. History showed the associations of President Wilson, Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh. America First has the background of Nazi and anti-semitic. Trump knew the term and used it in his presidency and recent campaign. If he wins in November, will he cut off any American support for Israel? As a disciple of Jesus, will he still wage war on another follower country of the other Jew -Karl Marx ? Love your neighbor and beat them if feel uneasy and threaten as neighbor go a different way and rise better. Who is the hegemon evil? Reading this book help know the history of truth in past, present and future!