In the Midst of Perpetual Fetes: The Making of American Nationalism, 1776-1820

In the Midst of Perpetual Fetes examines how public celebrations and festivals shaped American national identity in the early republic period. The book focuses on political ceremonies, parades, and gatherings from 1776 through 1820. Waldstreicher tracks how both Federalists and Democratic-Republicans used festivals and celebrations to promote their visions of American nationalism. The analysis includes newspaper accounts, diaries, and political writings that documented these events and their impact on public opinion. The book examines celebrations across different regions and social groups, including how Native Americans, African Americans, and women participated in or were excluded from these nationalist displays. This local and regional perspective provides context for understanding how American identity evolved through public ritual. The work reveals the intersection of politics, culture, and identity-formation in the early American republic. Through its examination of celebratory practices, the book demonstrates how American nationalism emerged through active participation rather than purely ideological means.

Readers note this academic work provides detail on how early American nationalism developed through celebrations, parades, and public rituals. Several academic reviewers cite the book's examination of newspapers and print media as a strength. Positives from readers: - Clear analysis of how ordinary citizens participated in forming national identity - Thorough research on celebrations across different regions - Effective discussion of racial and class dynamics in public festivities Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style challenges non-specialist readers - Some sections become repetitive - Limited coverage of rural/frontier celebrations Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 5/5 (2 ratings) JSTOR: Multiple positive academic reviews Notable reader comment from Goodreads: "Important argument about the role of festivals in creating American identity, but the writing is quite dry and theoretical at times."

Parades and Politics of the Street: Festive Culture in the Early American Republic by Simon P. Newman This study examines how public celebrations and street politics shaped American political culture and identity in the nation's formative years.

The Republic in Print: Print Culture in the Age of U.S. Nation Building, 1770-1870 by Trish Loughran This work explores how printed materials and communication networks contributed to American nationalism and national consciousness.

A Nation Among Nations: America's Place in World History by Thomas Bender The book places early American nationalism in a global context by examining parallel developments in other nations during the same period.

Liberty's Daughters: The Revolutionary Experience of American Women, 1750-1800 by Mary Beth Norton This examination reveals how women participated in and experienced the creation of American national identity through social and political activities.

The Citizenship Revolution: Politics and the Creation of the American Union, 1774-1804 by Douglas Bradburn This analysis traces how the concept of American citizenship developed during the revolutionary and early national periods through political discourse and legal frameworks.

🎯 Revolutionary era Americans used public celebrations and festivals as political tools, carefully choreographing events to shape public opinion and build national identity 🔖 The book's title comes from a letter written by John Adams, who worried that Americans were too caught up in endless celebrations while neglecting serious matters of state 🌟 David Waldstreicher uncovered how early American newspapers would print detailed accounts of patriotic celebrations from other cities, creating a network of shared nationalist experiences 📚 The author reveals how marginalized groups, including African Americans and Native Americans, created their own counter-celebrations to challenge the dominant narrative of American nationalism 🎊 Public festivals in early America often featured elaborate toasts - sometimes up to 100 in sequence - each carefully crafted to communicate political messages and build partisan loyalty