The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels

Meacham argues that America, on a whole slew of issues related to justice and equal rights, is in a better place in the 21st century than at any other time in its history. Do you agree with that? What are some of the dangers of viewing the arc of history as one that inevitably tends toward progress?

What is the Lost Cause of the Confederacy as defined by Meacham? How does the author thread the narrative of the Lost Cause throughout the entire book? What can the lessons and ramifications of the Lost Cause teach us about our present era?

Meacham repeatedly acknowledges that many presidents were strong in action or in rhetoric on racial justice, but only given the racist context of their times. Do you believe such presidents should be celebrated? To what extent should one criticize a president whose attitudes toward racial justice are only worthy “for their time”?

Meacham attaches great importance to a president’s rhetoric. This is particularly true of his assessment of Theodore Roosevelt. Do you believe doing so is misguided? Does it potentially draw attention away from a president’s actions versus their words? Support your answer with examples from the text, from history, or from current events.

Why does Meacham argue that America came precariously close to becoming a totalitarian state in the 1930s? What evidence does he provide to make this argument? Are you convinced by it?

In what ways does Senator Joseph McCarthy resemble Donald Trump? In the Conclusion Meacham clearly draws a comparison between the two, labeling them both demagogues. Do you find this argument convincing? Why or why not?

While he acknowledges the extraordinary work of various unelected reformers, Meacham very much embraces a theory of political science that places the presidency at the center of social change. Do you agree with that theory?

Why does Meacham bracket this narrative with Reconstruction and the civil rights era? What are the narrative and thematic benefits of structuring the book in this way? What are the drawbacks, and what does it leave out?