On Hallowed Ground: A Historiographical Analysis of American History

John Patrick Diggins's 2000 book presents a contentious interpretation of American intellectual history centered on liberalism and Calvinism. The work critiques contemporary U.S. historiography, specifically targeting recent trends in women's and African American history, as well as the 1994 National History Standards. It positions Abraham Lincoln as a key philosophical figure who championed the Declaration of Independence and a labor theory of value.

Use Cases

• Analyze historiographical debates based on the description of critiques against Marxism, republicanism, and pragmatism.
• Study interpretations of American political thought based on the described blend of Lockean liberalism and Calvinism.
• Examine the role of key figures like Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson in historical narratives as described in the text.
• Investigate academic discourse on national character and foundational American ideas like individualism and the work ethic.

Strengths

• Authored by a recognized scholar, John Patrick Diggins, described as a prolific figure in U.S. intellectual history.
• Published by Yale University Press, a notable academic institution.
• The description provides a detailed overview of the book's central thesis and its place within scholarly debates.

Limitations

• The actual data content (e.g., full text, structured analysis) is unavailable; only a book description is provided.
• Row count, file formats, and column-level documentation are absent.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Yale University Press

Collection Method

Scholarly publication.

Time Range

Publication year is 2000.

Geography

United States