Providence and the Invention of the United States, 1607-1876

Nicholas Guyatt (Simon Fraser University, British Columbia)

Providence and the Invention of the United States, 1607-1876
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Country
United Kingdom
Published
23 July 2007
Pages
352
ISBN
9780521867887

Providence and the Invention of the United States, 1607-1876

Nicholas Guyatt (Simon Fraser University, British Columbia)

Nicholas Guyatt offers a completely new understanding of a central question in American history: how did Americans come to think that God favored the United States above other nations? Tracing the story of American providentialism, this book uncovers the British roots of American religious nationalism before the American Revolution and the extraordinary struggles of white Americans to reconcile their ideas of national mission with the racial diversity of the early republic. Making sense of previously diffuse debates on manifest destiny, millenarianism, and American mission, Providence and the Invention of the United States explains the origins and development of the idea that God has a special plan for America. This conviction supplied the United States with a powerful sense of national purpose, but it also prevented Americans from clearly understanding events and people that could not easily be fitted into the providential scheme.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.