"A Great Disorder" - Summary

Slotkin examines how the romanticized image of the Wild West, with its emphasis on rugged individualism, self-reliance, and the conquest of nature, continues to shape American identity. He argues that this myth, while central to the nation's self-perception, also carries a dark side – a legacy of violence, displacement of indigenous populations, and a disregard for environmental consequences. This legacy, he posits, manifests in contemporary debates around gun control, land use, and the role of government.

Slotkin dissects the enduring power of the Civil War in shaping American consciousness. He explores how the "Lost Cause" mythology, propagated by the defeated South, has continued to influence racial attitudes and fuel white resentment, hindering genuine reconciliation. Simultaneously, he examines how the narrative of Emancipation and the struggle for civil rights remains a potent force for social justice movements, highlighting the ongoing battle over the meaning and legacy of this pivotal period.

Slotkin analyzes the myth of World War II as America's "Good War" – a time of national unity, moral clarity, and triumph over evil. He argues that while this narrative served to solidify American global dominance, it also fostered an enduring militarism and a tendency towards interventionism. Slotkin explores how the idealized memory of the "Good War" continues to shape foreign policy decisions and public opinion, often obscuring the complexities of international relations.