Americano A short history of America - Simon Jenkins
Oct 25, 2025
Simon Jenkins, a veteran British journalist and former editor, dives into his book on American history. He discusses the unique factors that shaped the United States into a global power, highlighting the significance of compromise in the Constitution and the impact of war on federal authority. Jenkins reflects on America's moral complexities, from its treatment of Native Americans to the struggles with identity and interventionism. He also examines contemporary issues, including Trump's influence and the persistent dysfunction of Congress.
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Dual English Legacies Shaped America
- Jenkins attributes English colonial success to settlers' industrious, opinionated character and mixed social models from Virginia and Massachusetts.
- He says that dual legacy of gentry and hardworking nonconformists fed into the Constitution's compromises.
Constitution's Structural Strength
- The Constitution's durability stems from its structural compromises and checks that prevent absolute power.
- Jenkins believes those safeguards allowed a fragile union to become a global power despite recurring convulsions.
Slavery Was The Founding Fudge
- Jenkins calls slavery a persistent 'running sore' that founders fudged to create a union.
- He argues the inability to confront slavery earlier may have prevented the formation of a united nation.
