H.W. Brands

The power of the American presidency rises and falls, the Cold War ends, and global terror networks present a complicated threat.

The chasm between the rich and the poor grows at the beginning of the 20th century, and a president fights for the common man against Congress and big industry.

Several presidents in a row lack vision for the future, and the office loses impact.

An eight-year war of independence followed by intense political debate produces a government by and for the people.

After the first global war ends, the economy begins to boom, America crashes into depression and World War II begins.

At the end of the devastating second global war, America emerges as a superpower and struggles against the spread of communism abroad, the effects of inequality are felt at home, and the Cold War threatens the nation with nuclear annihilation.