Sir Simon Jenkins American History and How it Delivered Donald Trump

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How did the United States travel from revolution and the ideals of its Founding Fathers to the extraordinary political upheavals of the twenty-first century and the rise of Donald Trump? How did a nation founded on liberty and democracy become the world's most powerful country, yet remain so deeply divided?Drawing on his acclaimed book A Short History of America: From Tea Party to Trump, bestselling author and commentator Sir Simon Jenkins takes us on a fast-moving journey through 250 years of American history. From independence, westward expansion and the Civil War to industrialisation, immigration, global power and the culture wars of the modern era, he explores the forces that have repeatedly divided - and reshaped - the United States.Along the way, Jenkins examines the presidents, movements and turning points that created modern America, exploring the contradictions between the country's founding ideals of freedom and equality and the realities of slavery, the dispossession of Native Americans and enduring racial divisions.He asks how themes deeply rooted in American history - distrust of government, individualism, populism, race, religion, economic inequality and resentment of political elites - contributed to the political conditions in which Donald Trump emerged.Jenkins also traces America's extraordinary rise to global dominance, its remarkable achievements in industry, science and culture, and its often uneasy relationship with the wider world. From isolationism to international intervention, he explores how a country that once sought to avoid foreign entanglements became the dominant military, economic and cultural power of the modern age. Reviewing his book, The Times praised Jenkins's "infectious enthusiasm" and his ability to draw out the most important themes in America's history.In this sweeping and timely talk, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, Jenkins explores how the country's extraordinary past helps explain its turbulent present. Was the rise of Donald Trump a dramatic break with American history, or the expression of forces that have shaped the nation since its foundation? And what does America's history tell us about its future and its place in an increasingly uncertain world?Sir Simon Jenkins is one of Britain's most distinguished journalists, authors and commentators. He was political editor of The Economist before becoming editor of the Evening Standard and subsequently The Times. He is a longstanding columnist for The Guardian and a regular broadcaster and commentator on politics, history, architecture and public affairs.He served as Chairman of the National Trust from 2008 to 2014 and was previously Deputy Chairman of English Heritage. His bestselling books include A Short History of England, A Short History of Europe, England's Thousand Best Churches, England's Thousand Best Houses and Britain's 100 Best Railway Stations. His latest books include A Short History of America and The Village in Britain. He was knighted in 2004 for services to journalism and is a Fellow of both the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Society of Literature.A Q&A Session will follow.