Taking sides : clashing views on controversial issues in American history
PART 1. Colonial Society ISSUE 1. Is America Exceptional? YES: Seymour Martin Lipset, from American Exceptionalism: A Double-Edged Sword NO: Ian Tyrrell, from "American Exceptionalism in an Age of International History," American Historical Review Professor of public policy Seymour Martin Lipset describes the United States as an "outlier" because of its revolutionary origins and because statistically it is more religious, optimistic, patriotic, rights-oriented, and individualistic than other nations in the world. Professor of history Ian Tyrrell criticizes the national focus of the concept of American exceptionalism and advocates the development of a "transnational" history, which focuses upon themes of historical development common to the United States and other countries. ISSUE 2. Was Columbus an Imperialist? (part contents)