Person

Michael Kazin

Bylines

Related Excerpts

The Odds Against Antiwar Warriors

A review of Michael Kazin's "War Against War: The American Fight for Peace, 1914-1918."

The Life of the Party

In his latest book, Michael Kazin argues that the Democrats have long sought to build a “moral capitalism.” Have they ever succeeded?
Drawing of a crowd of delegates at the 1972 Democratic National Convention. (Franklin McMahon / Getty Images)

A Big Tent

The contradictory past and uncertain future of the Democratic Party.
Blue and red donkey logo of the Democratic Party.

Hope in the Desert: Democratic Party Blues

In 'What It Took to Win,' Michael Kazin traces the history over the past two centuries of what he calls ‘the oldest mass party in the world’.
Artistic painting showing President Truman (depicted with glasses) in the foreground, and a sketch of President Biden in the background. The two figures are surrounded by America's colors and stars from the American flag.

What Joe Biden Can Learn From Harry Truman

His approval rating hit historic lows, his party was fractious, crises were everywhere. But Truman rescued his presidency, and his legacy.

The War to End All Wars

The ardent but flawed movement against World War I.
William Jennings Bryan, c. 1910s.

All You Need Is Love

The complex history, career, and legacy of one of America's most popular speakers and reformers.
Collage including the Statue of Liberty, Donald Trump, and the U.S. flag.

The Habit America’s Historians Just Can’t Give Up

If fact-checking could fix us, we’d be a utopia by now.
Manifest Destiny painting by Emanuel Leutze

No, Liberal Historians Can’t Tame Nationalism

Historians should reject nationalism and help readers to avoid its dangers.
Former President Donald Trump in Selma, North Carolina

The Historians Take a First Crack at Donald J. Trump

On the promises and perils of very recent history.
Illustration of an angel symbolizing peace with her hand on the shoulder of a man symbolizing war, titled "The Messenger"
partner

Ukraine Shows We Need to Learn the History of Peace Movements to Break The Habit of War

When the war in Ukraine finally ends, will we take peace organizations and peace movements more seriously?
Pictures of people in collage form.

The Center Does Not Hold

Jill Lepore’s awkward embrace of the nation.
Zinn's book, "A People's History of the United States."

Howard Zinn’s Anti-Textbook

Teachers and students love "A People’s History of the United States." But it’s just as limited as the textbooks it replaces.
Trump speaks to auto workers.

Forget Trump – Populism is the Cure, Not the Disease

Populism is typically presented as a new threat to liberal democracy. But properly understood, it is neither modern nor rightwing.

When Dissent Became Treason

100 years ago, war proved to be a godsend for a president with no tolerance for opposition. We would be wise to heed the lesson.