Maine Historian Colin Woodard Examines America’s Growing Divide

In his latest book, Nations Apart, historian Colin Woodard reflects on the increasing divisions within the United States. Building on the insights from his 2011 bestseller, American Nations, Woodard argues that the country is not a unified entity but rather a collection of distinct regional “nations,” each shaped by their unique historical roots.

Woodard’s thesis posits that these regional identities, dating back to colonial times, have intensified and now threaten the nation’s cohesion. He states, “The single-minded pursuit of individual freedom is driving us to the brink of despotism.” Written just before the tumultuous events surrounding the 2024 presidential election, the book serves as a stark warning of the potential consequences of these divides.

Understanding America’s Regional Identities

Woodard identifies nine key “nations” that illustrate the diverse political landscapes across the country. For instance, Yankeedom, rooted in New England, continues to emphasize community values reflective of its Puritan beginnings. In contrast, New Netherland, encompassing New York City, upholds a legacy of commercialism from the Dutch Golden Age.

The author notes that some regions, such as Tidewater in Virginia, have undergone significant transformations, particularly due to the influx of federal workers. Meanwhile, other areas like Greater Appalachia remain steadfast in their traditional values. Each nation’s historical context plays a crucial role in shaping its current political and social attitudes.

Woodard’s research, supported by data from the Nationhood Lab at Salve Regina University, underlines the alignment of these regional identities with contemporary political demographics. The lab employs a comprehensive approach to classify regions based on county-level data, revealing that certain states can belong to multiple nations simultaneously. For instance, parts of Ohio reflect identities from Yankeedom, Midlands, and Greater Appalachia.

Policy Perspectives and the Future of Democracy

In Nations Apart, Woodard delves into critical public policy issues, examining how different regions respond to topics such as immigration, gun control, climate change, and abortion. He suggests that while there is potential for common ground, effective communication strategies must be tailored to resonate with specific regional populations.

For example, support for gun background checks is nearly universal across nations, akin to agreement on basic scientific facts like the shape of the Earth. However, substantial disagreements persist on contentious issues like abortion, particularly between the more conservative Greater Appalachia and the Deep South compared to more liberal regions.

Despite his attempts at fostering dialogue, Woodard remains skeptical about the prospects for reconciliation on such divisive topics. He warns that these disagreements will continue to erode connections between states, exacerbating an already fragile national fabric.

In addition to his detailed analysis of contemporary issues, Woodard provides philosophical insights into the foundational myths of America’s various nations. He challenges readers to scrutinize these narratives, suggesting that they often reflect conflicting perspectives on national identity.

The concluding chapters of Nations Apart address the alarming shift towards authoritarianism in American politics, tracing the evolution from the Tea Party movement to the rise of Donald Trump. Woodard’s insights resonate strongly in the current political climate, highlighting the urgent need for reflection and action as the nation grapples with its identity.

Colin Woodard’s work serves not only as an examination of America’s past but also as a call to understand the implications of its regional divides. As the political landscape continues to evolve, his insights may prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of a nation increasingly defined by its differences.