The Idea of America: Reflections on the Birth of the United States

The preeminent historian of the American Revolution explains why it remains the most significant event in our history.

More than almost any other nation in the world, the United States began as an idea.

For this reason, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gordon S.

Wood believes that the American Revolution is the most important event in our history, bar none.

Since American identity is so fluid and not based on any universally shared heritage, we have had to continually return to our nation' s founding to understand who we are.