These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore

Jill Lepore’s “These Truths: A History of the United States” is an expansive work that covers the history of the United States from its inception to the present day. It is a dense, comprehensive narrative of the forces and people that created this nation. Lepore’s goal is to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the history of the United States and the individuals who shaped its past.

At the heart of “These Truths” is the American Revolution, which Lepore portrays both as a bold stand against unjust taxation and an argument against tyranny. She describes the American Revolution as a rejection of “all inherited notions of authority and entitlement.” In other words, the revolution was less about creating something new than it was about throwing off the oppressive legacy of British colonialism.

Following on from the American Revolution, “These Truths” follows America’s development into a superpower, noting key moments in its history, such as the American Civil War, the WWI, the WWII, the civil rights movement, and more. Lepore lays out how each event affects the history of the United States, and how it has shaped the country as a whole.

While documenting America’s history, Lepore does not shy away from discussing contentious topics such as slavery, racism, and discrimination. She also includes a discussion of how the United States’ indigenes peoples were treated during the colonization of the nation. These sessions are frank, often uncomfortable, and an important look at how these issues have been dealt within America’s history.

At the same time, Lepore does not paint a rose-colored view of the United States. She pushes back against the sentiment that America is the best nation in the world, instead emphasizing that all nations have flaws, and that America is no exception. She also acknowledges when America has made mistakes and cautions readers not to romanticize the past. She also discusses industrialization, women’s rights, and the shifting demographics of the US throughout the centuries.

In addition to its comprehensive coverage of American history, “These Truths” examines some of the key philosophical ideas of the era, such as the Bill of Rights and the concept of inalienable rights. Lepore looks at how these ideas, originating in the revolutionary era, are still relevant today.

Ultimately, “These Truths” is an indispensable book for any reader interested in American history, how our nation was built, and how we arrived where we are today. Lepore provides an in-depth look at the history of the United States, focusing on the people and events that have made it what it is today. She provides a comprehensive view of America and its history, while also examining how its core values and principles remain relevant more than 200 years later.