This was a much easier (and, for me, more interesting read) than the first in the series. I find it hard to identify with the founding fathers (what with me being a lowly woman and all), but bring on the stories from the Civil War through the Depression and I'm hooked. For some reason, the story of how Henry Ford treated his employees from other countries (spoiler: he treated them appallingly) will probably be the one thing I will remember from this book 20 years from now. Also, I found myself intrigued by the story of Woodrow Wilson and the League of Nations. Interesting sections on the 20's; the advent of newspapers, radio and film; women's suffrage (seemed a bit slim, though); and a Supreme Court as crooked and partisan as the one we have in 2023. A constant theme throughout was how Blacks continued to be treated. The next book should prove to be particularly interesting on that front. ( )

1979 The American Experiment, Volume II: The Workshop of Democracy, by James MacGregor Burns (read 22 Feb 1986) This volume covers the years from 1863 to 1932. This book was not as satisfying as the first volume. It tends to be kind of "skim-my." which wasn't noticed as much in Volume I. But it was good to read, though the author's leftist bias is rather obvious, not that I object to that. I wonder when Volume III will be published? [The American Experiment Volume III: The Crosswinds of Freedom, by James MacGregor Burns (read 29 Sep 1989)] ( )