For the People: American Populist Movements from the Revolution to the 1850s

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The book explores populist political movements from the American Revolution to just before the Civil War, highlighting the gap between the ideal of popular rule and the reality of representative governance. Ron Formisano analyzes movements like the Anti-Federalists and Know-Nothings, revealing their complex nature that combines both liberal and illiberal elements. He emphasizes the significant role of women in these movements and challenges traditional categorizations, advocating for a nuanced understanding of populism as central to American history rather than peripheral.