Ecstatic Nation

The mid-nineteenth century in America was marked by ambition and expansion, as the nation sought new territories and technological advancements while grappling with the moral dilemma of slavery. Award-winning historian Brenda Wineapple delves into this tumultuous period, highlighting the emotional and ideological conflicts that led to a devastating civil war. The narrative captures the transformation of the country from a loose confederation into a unified nation, emphasizing the profound costs of this evolution in ideals of freedom and justice.