A People's History of the United States: Abridged Teaching Edition (New Press People's History)

This will give you a whole new view of U.S. history. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are not what they seem. The wealthy of our colonial times were expert in establishing a nation to replicate Feudal Europe. Safeguards were built in to keep the poor in their place.Because democracy gave power to the masses, and the wealthy knew they would be outnumbered, large private schools were established by wealthy families to create a middle class. A middle class would more likely be supportive of the wealthy. Names like Stanford, Duke, Cornell, should be familiar.Bigotry among the lower classes was also part of the design. Keeping these small groups in constant conflict, prevents unification against the upper class.Early on, it was discovered that war is good for the economy. Most of our wars were for preserving the wealth of the wealthy. The Cold War was essentially a hoax. We were told lies to believe we were at risk. This perpetuated the wartime economy. The Defense Department prospered, as well as industries that supplied it.The 'Citizens United' bill is just another piece of evidence supporting Zinn's thesis. A recent manifestation of this corrupt process is the 'Occupy' movement.

I did not read the book as I bought it for a first year secondary school history teacher. He reports that it is an excellent addition to his library and will be used along with the standard state approved U.S. history text. The stupid standardized texts that have to be taught from to prepare students for standardized tests leave little room for a teacher to get students to think outside that one book, but the suggested discussion topics and test questions sprinkled throughout the Howard Zinn book may help him do more than teach only for a good score on one standardized test. With "one size fits all" we have gotten our education programs into one hell of a big mess. but that should not come as a surprise to anyone.

It is the most amazing history text I have ever read, the facts shocked me and made me want to read more history of the involved people and eras. I am a history buff, very amateur, but it is extremely seldom that a history book is fluent, factual and readable to boot. If you are thinking of purchasing this book, do so, now. I don't write reviews, period. For me to do so, should be a huge hint at just how important this book is for anyone interested in true history. Take Care Howard Zinn, we miss you, you were a top 5% writer and I wish you were here to publish more books.

I've previously read the entire book well worth the read. It is a history of people. Not only the story of the well known but a story of regular people living through the eras. This book is about the battles and victories of the common man as well. The battle for voting rights, ending slavery, ending child labor and every progressive achievement that has been accomplished. The Abridged Teacher's guide doesn't give you the full detail as the regular book, but with the words abridged what do you expect. I would suggest this book for anybody who wishes to learn not only facts, but how those facts influenced the people of that age.

Enlightening, easy to read and understand. This is our main History Book for homeschool, I have been using it for years now as its lessons in history allow for deeper debate as the student matures and the questions require thought to answer. The information in the book is usually not found in traditional public school history books. As Zinn states in the book, "A People's History Of The United States' is biased to the people and our movements." It is especially helpful in understanding the political and economical situation of the world today. I love the bibliography, it makes doing additional research a breeze.

Howard Zinn taught history and researched over 20 years to get our real history from the Library of Congress. Our country was set up for the wealthy to be given every taxpayer dollar they can stuff into their wallets and it has continued and increased without any restraints whatsoever. Greed cannot be controlled and it has gone on so long that the politicians cannot control it even if they were not benefiting from it. We learn every war is to make more money for the wealthy and the cost of lives and injuries does not affect them, that cost is for the lower class of Americans. I recommend this book for everyone but especially for anyone who votes.

smacks of truth at every turn. What this book does in essence, is to bring to light the way history is told by the victors, to the disadvantage of all those who's lives were ruined by the manifest destiny of the bulldozer. getting, as it did, from sea to shining sea.First build up the army till it's much stronger than theirs, and then make them an offer they cant refuse. They are still doing it but they don't use carpet bags any more, It's gone digital now. Great reading.

Whether you believe in what Zinn does, or not, there is so much interesting information in this book, you are bound to learn something.If you are left wing this book and it's history will shock you, as it is nit the history we learned in grade school.If you are right wing, you need to know what the other half is reading and thinking. Knowledge is power. ;-)If my review was helpful, would you please click yes below. Thanks! :-)