American Colossus by H.W. Brands

American Colossus captures the decades between the Civil War and the turn of the twentieth century, when a few breathtakingly wealthy businessmen transformed the United States from an agrarian economy to a world power.

In this grand-scale narrative history, H.W. Brands portrays the emergence, in a remarkably short time, of a recognizably modern America. Brands charts the rise of Wall Street, the growth of a national economy, the building of the railroads, and the first sparks of union life.

He paints a broad picture, putting the growth of the American economy firmly in the political and social context of the time. The book is a first-rate overview of one of the most important periods in American history, one without which the American Century could not have happened.

Main Themes:

• The transformation of America from an agrarian economy to a world power
• The rise of Wall Street and the growth of a national economy
• The building of the railroads and the first sparks of union life
• The emergence of a recognizably modern America
• The contest between capitalism and democracy

What I Liked

This book (along with all the books in the Oxford History of the United States) are brilliant, detailed, and sweeping. They are written to be the history of the United States – and the book definitely achieves that bar.

What I Did Not Like

The book is an absolute doorstop. It’s almost hard to physically hold – I ended up switching to the audiobook halfway through.

American Colossus by H.W. Brands

$17.48

In American Colossus, H.W. Brands dives into the transformative years between the Civil War and the early 1900s, highlighting how a handful of wealthy businessmen shifted the U.S. from farming to a global powerhouse. I found the book to be a fantastic overview of this pivotal time, showcasing the rise of Wall Street, railroad expansion, and the beginnings of labor movements, all set against the political and social backdrop of the era. While the depth is impressive, it’s a hefty read—so much so that I switched to the audiobook halfway through. Overall, it's a must-read for anyone interested in American history.

Pros:

• The book provides a brilliant and detailed overview of U.S. history.
• It effectively captures the transformation of America into a world power.
• The narrative places economic growth in its political and social context.

Cons:

• The book is physically heavy and difficult to hold.

Buy Now

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

01/14/2025 10:22 pm GMT