Book Review A Peoples History of the United States

I recently finished the book A Peoples History of the United States 1492 to Present by Howard Zinn. You may have seen a couple of posts with quotes from the book.

This is a book that every American should read. It attempts to give you the lesser known version of American history, the alternative to what everyone is taught in school. Here is a snap shot. Zinn starts with Columbus exploiting the Indian's, moves on to the slave trade, then discussed the rise of the workers, and ends with US militarism after WWII. (With plenty of other happy topics in between)

The part of the book that fascinated me the most is the rise of the workers. My only real exposure to Unions was threw my parents. My mother worked in a furniture factory and my father worked for GE sylvania when I was growing up. Both were part of modern American union and neither had anything good to say about them. (both plants are shut down also) I won't get into a debate about unions here, except to say that back in the 1800's there was lots to fight about.

Two things stuck out to me regarding Unions. First that according to Zinn's perspective, the labor union movement came very close to turning America into a Socialist country. Secondly I am shocked at how the Federal government sided with companies during strikes. To the extent of sending militias to break up strikes often ending in blood shed.

Overall I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in American history, and the ability to read through a 688 pages.