Customer Reviews

A Young People's History of the United States: Class Struggle to the War On Terror (Volume 2)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I feel compelled to respond to some misinformation propagated by another reviewer regarding the book where it is stated that "...[the author] claims on page 209 that "The beginning of the Declaration of Independence says that 'We the people'..." 'We the people'? In the Declaration of Independence?"

The reviewer places the quote entirely out of context. The quote is from the last chapter, which is a prologue or summation of the book by the author. Thus, an opinion by the author is valid, and not some distortion of the historical record as implied. The author is not quoting the Declaration of Independence, he is making a point about it; which would be clear if you read it in context.

This is not a complete history but an overview of The history of the United States. It assumes that you already have a basic outline of historical events. It makes a good supplementary reader for a fifth grade level classroom, and provides an alternative perspective that can lead to healthy discussion. Is it opinionated? Yes. But why would anyone ever think that ANY book would be referred to as gospel? Let students know that there are many ways of presenting information and let them know how to approach the errors and biases that are in every text critically.

Volume One begins with Columbus, which, if we are talking about American History(obviously we are not)is a little late in my opinion, and it runs through the Spanish-american War(shouldn't that be the Cuban-Spanish-American-Filipino-Guam War?). Volume Two begins with "Class Struggle" and runs through the "War on Terror." That sequence itself reflects a distinct perspective. I think that perspective is healthy. To find yourself looking for and questioning the opinions expressed in this reader is a good thing. It is always good to know the difference between an opinion and a fact, and to know when the record reflects a strong bias. Perhaps a sense of cognitive dissonance is a positive step toward thinking through the historical record more critically, and not being too smug in your own opinions. The democratic process requires an informed society. Mr. Zinn doesn't appear to think that our children are very well informed, and I applaud his attempt to do something about it. Whether you agree with him or not, at least we should be talking about it proactively with our kids.

For an older adult who can remember the fifties, this is a history that informs me of historical currents that were not obvious at the time. For young people, this is a very readable supplement to the twentieth century US history that is taught in schools.
I highly recommend this. Further similar reading might include Loewen's Lies My Teachers Taught Me.

Greensboro, N.C. - Howard Zinn's A Young People's History of the United States: Class Struggle to the War on Terror (Volume 2) continues the landmark studies started in Volume I. Based on the internationally recognized A People's History of the Untited States, A Young People's History brings the social and political consequences of the American economic and political system on the working people of the United States. Balanced and forward looking, Volume 2 illustrates the struggles and gains that can be made by working class citizens when they work together. Zinn's views will excite the progressive Democratic community while vexing the conservative Democrat and Republican community members. Both sides can learn from both his and her stories told in these pages. Ideal for students fifth grade and up!

This book and its companion Volume 1 are the perfect introduction to US history. Based on Zinn's larger work, this focuses on a younger audience. It is informative and provides prospective that is different than the material taught in schools. Every child in the US should read these books.

I bought this two volume set to give to Alex and Ana as a gift. I had just purchases Howard Zinn's A Peoples' History of the United States for myself. I noticed these books as well and I thought that they should have these to read as they grow up. I got them home and started to read them before I launched into Howard Zinn's tome (it is over 800 pages). I couldn't put these down. I was so engrossed that I cruised right through them and I was so fired up that I decided to keep these for myself to load to friends. I was also energized to really dig into "The Big Book." Sorry, kids, I promise to order another set of these and this time I'll have them shipped directly to you!

While at times Howard Zinn puts forth interesting theories, facts occasionally get in the way. For example, he claims on page 209 that "The beginning of the Declaration of Independence says that 'We the people'..." 'We the people'? In the Declaration of Independence?

I'm not sure if this is just an issue with Rebecca Stefoff's adaptation, or Zinn's facts, but it's clearly an issue. This isn't a history book, but more a political opinion book which happens to use history to support the author's arguments.

--13 year old history buff

Every author, historian and journalist has their biases. Most try and back up there biases with facts, Zinn does not, he changes or omits facts to fit his bias.

A few examples of this are: on page 144 he states " Bush administration started two wars in four years" he is referring to the Panama and the first Iraq war. Ok, Panama, perhaps. But he started the first Iraq war? Come on, Iraq invaded Kuwait, not a whole lot of gray area there. On page 69 he states that the evidence against the Rosenbergs was week. However later evidence from the USSR archive provide that in fact they were spies for the USSR. His entire chapter on World War one is misleading, he would lead a reader to believe that WW I was about corporations trying to make a buck, he leaves out how badly Wilson wanted to stay out of the war and only after the Zimmerman letters came to light and the Germans were trying to get Mexico and Japan to attack the US did Wilson choose to go to war with the vast support of the American public.

It seems like on every other page I was amazed at the inaccuracies in this book. Bias is fine but please back it up with some sort fact.

This book presents a biased and inaccurate history of the US. In Zinn's eyes America is the source of evil in the world. This is historical revisionism and political correctness at its worst. Instead of this, I would recommend "A Patriot's History of the United States" by Schweikart.