
THE PROMISE OF AMERICAN LIFE - BY HERBERT CROLY - New York - THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
THE PROMISE OF AMERICAN LIFE
CHAPTER I - I - WHAT IS THE PROMISE OF AMERICAN LIFE?
CHAPTER II - I - THE FEDERALISTS AND THE REPUBLICANS
CHAPTER III - I - THE DEMOCRATS AND THE WHIGS
CHAPTER IV - I - SLAVERY AND AMERICAN NATIONALITY
CHAPTER V - I - THE CONTEMPORARY SITUATION AND ITS PROBLEMS
CHAPTER VI - I - REFORM AND THE REFORMERS
CHAPTER VII - I - RECONSTRUCTION; ITS CONDITIONS AND PURPOSES
CHAPTER VIII - I - NATIONALITY AND DEMOCRACY; NATIONAL ORIGINS
In this thoughtful exploration, the author examines the deep‑rooted patriotism that shapes everyday American life. By comparing the United States’ forward‑looking optimism with the more tradition‑bound loyalties of Europe, he reveals how national faith becomes a guiding force in both public discourse and private belief. The narrative draws on observations of writers, orators, and educators who, knowingly or not, reinforce a collective confidence in the country’s destiny.
Moving beyond mere sentiment, the work argues that American patriotism uniquely blends respect for history with a vivid imagination of future possibilities. It suggests that this “promise” fuels democratic ambition, encouraging citizens to envision progress rather than cling to past glories. Listeners will find a nuanced portrait of a nation whose identity is continually reshaped by the hope that its best days lie ahead.
Language
en
Duration
~19 hours (1112K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Sandra Bannatyne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team, Produced from images provided by the Million Book Project
Release date
2004-12-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1869–1930
A key voice of America’s Progressive Era, this editor and political thinker helped shape modern liberal debate and co-founded The New Republic. His writing is best known for arguing that national purpose and democratic reform should work together.
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