Sean Wilentz presents two key insights that reveal a much-needed vision of American political history. Firstly, partisanship has almost always been a feature of American history and has made possible its greatest social reforms. Secondly, the recent attention to economic inequality has a long history. From the founders’ generation to the present, America’s egalitarian tradition has appeared and reappeared like an underground river.
An eminent historian reminds us of the commanding role party politics has played in America’s enduring struggle against economic inequality.
