How historians tended to define “politics”

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    Over time, historians began to take a broader view of politics. They recognized that politics is not just about government, but also about the struggle for power between different groups in society. This shift was influenced by the rise of social and cultural history in the mid-20th century. Social and cultural historians examined the everyday lives of ordinary Americans, and their work helped to show that politics is not something that happens only in government halls. Another factor that has contributed to the changing definitions of politics is the increasing diversity of the American people. Historians have come to recognize that the experiences of different groups, such as women, African Americans, and immigrants, have been shaped by politics in important ways. As a result, they have expanded their focus to include the political struggles of these groups. The different definitions of politics have had a significant impact on how historians have approached and written about the nation's past. Historians who define politics in a narrow sense tend to focus on the activities of government. They may write about presidential elections, wars, or the passage of major legislation. Historians who define politics in a broader sense may examine a wider range of topics, such as social movements, cultural change, or the everyday experiences of ordinary Americans. Here are some examples of how historians have used different definitions of politics to write about American history:

• Historians who define politics in a narrow sense:
  • David McCullough's John Adamsis a biography of the second president of the United States. It focuses on Adams's political career, including his role in the American Revolution and his presidency.
  • Allen Guelzo's Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer Presidentis a biography of the 16th president of the United States. It focuses on Lincoln's role in the Civil War and his efforts to preserve the Union.
• Historians who define politics in a broader sense:
  • Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United Statesis a history of the United States from the perspective of ordinary Americans. It covers a wide range of topics, including the struggles of workers, farmers, and minorities.
  • Eric Foner's Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877is a history of the period following the Civil War. It examines the efforts of African Americans to achieve freedom and equality, as well as the resistance of white Southerners to those efforts.

The different definitions of politics have also led to different debates among historians. For example, some historians have argued that the political history of the United States has been shaped by the conflict between different economic classes. Others have argued that the political history of the United States has been shaped by the conflict between different racial and ethnic groups. These debates are important because they force us to think about the different forces that have shaped the American experience. They also help us to understand the different ways in which Americans have participated in politics throughout the nation's history. In conclusion, historians have defined politics in a variety of ways over the course of American history. These definitions have changed and varied over time for a number of reasons, including the changing nature of American society, the evolution of the discipline of history, and the different perspectives of individual historians. The different definitions of politics have had a significant impact on how historians have approached and written about the nation's past.  

Sample Answer

 

Historians have defined "politics" in a variety of ways over the course of American history. These definitions have changed and varied over time for a number of reasons, including the changing nature of American society, the evolution of the discipline of history, and the different perspectives of individual historians.

In the early years of the American republic, historians tended to define politics in a narrow sense, as the activities of government. This was likely due to the fact that the United States was a new country with a relatively small government. Historians were primarily interested in chronicling the actions of presidents, Congress, and the Supreme Court.