Following the creation of the United States, profound disagreements remained over how to secure the survival of the republic and unite its population. In this groundbreaking account, Billy Coleman uses the history of American music to illuminate the relationship between elite power and the people from the early national period to the Civil War.
Music, Power, and Politics in the United States, 1788-1865
The exploration of American music reveals its significant role in shaping the nation's political landscape from the early national period to the Civil War. Through extensive archival research, Coleman connects elite power dynamics with the quest for a united republic, examining the creation of patriotic anthems and the purpose behind campaign songs. He highlights often-overlooked musical figures and organizations, offering a fresh perspective on how music influenced American democracy and the ongoing conflicts within it.