A Patriot's History of the United States by Larry Schweikart & Michael Allen Summary

A Patriot's History of the United States is a comprehensive 800-page American history book covering events from Columbus's discovery of the New World through the Iraq War. Written by Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen, this #1 New York Times bestseller presents American history from a conservative perspective, emphasizing the nation's triumphs, military achievements, and the positive contributions of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen are the co-authors of A Patriot's History of the United States. They wrote this book to present American history through a patriotic lens, highlighting the courage and virtue of military heroes while defending the vital role of American businessmen and innovators in building the nation. Their approach aims to counter negative portrayals of capitalism and celebrate America's productive capabilities.

A Patriot's History of the United States is ideal for readers who love history and want a conservative perspective on American events. It's perfect for those seeking a book that will "provoke discussion" and help them view U.S. history from a patriotic viewpoint. The book appeals to readers interested in military history, the positive role of capitalism, and those who want to develop a deeper appreciation for America's achievements and character.

A Patriot's History of the United States is worth reading if you're prepared for its conservative bias and have time for a substantial commitment. Readers appreciate its comprehensive coverage from Vikings to 9/11, detailed military descriptions, and chapter timelines. However, some find parts uninteresting due to numerous names and confusing details, so it's best suited for dedicated history enthusiasts rather than casual readers seeking pure factual content.

A Patriot's History of the United States presents a distinctly conservative, pro-American bias that celebrates capitalism and military achievements. The authors defend often-demonized business leaders like J.P. Morgan, Rockefeller, and Carnegie while criticizing "progressive" leaders like Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. This perspective aims to show America as "a country built on hard work and character rather than bigotry, racism, and sexism."

A Patriot's History of the United States portrays American businessmen as heroes with personal integrity who were vital to the nation's success. The authors vindicate entrepreneurs and industry leaders, defending "the fantastic productive capabilities of capitalism" and honoring men who "enabled the United States to leapfrog past Britain and France in productivity, profitability, and innovation." They specifically rehabilitate the reputations of figures like J.P. Morgan, Eli Whitney, John D. Rockefeller, and Andrew Carnegie.

A Patriot's History of the United States provides detailed coverage of major American military conflicts, with particularly thorough descriptions of the Civil War and both World Wars. The authors excel at presenting "fast-paced" tactical descriptions and cover even minor military engagements, though Native American conflicts receive less detail. The book emphasizes how American entrepreneurs contributed to defeating Japan and Germany in World War II.

The main criticisms of A Patriot's History of the United States center on its heavy conservative bias and selective presentation of facts. Critics note it shouldn't be used as a "pure factual textbook" but rather as a perspective piece that will "provoke discussion." Some readers find parts uninteresting with "too many names to keep straight," making sections confusing. The book requires prior historical knowledge to fully appreciate its biased interpretations.

A Patriot's History of the United States structures American history chronologically across multiple major periods, from European discovery through constitutional formation, Washington's presidency to the Civil War crisis, and Reconstruction to modern times. Each chapter includes helpful timelines showing key events covered in that section. The book spans from Columbus in 1492 through the Iraq War, organizing centuries of history into digestible chapters with clear chronological progression.

A Patriot's History of the United States differs from other history books by deliberately presenting American history through a patriotic, conservative lens that celebrates the nation's achievements. Unlike traditional textbooks, it emphasizes the positive contributions of military heroes and businessmen while defending capitalism against progressive criticism. The authors aim to instill "a sense of awe at the obstacles overcome, the passion invested, the blood and tears spilled, and the nation that was built."