If you loved
A People's History of the United States
Howard Zinn · Book · 2015
What hooked you in A People's History of the United States was the way it centers the voices of those usually sidelined by traditional historical narratives.
Films on the same thread
Hidden Figures
Film · 2016
Much like A People's History of the United States, this film highlights the essential, underrepresented contributions of individuals whose brilliance was often obscured by the institutional structures of their time.
Flamin' Hot
Eva Longoria · Film · 2023
This story of an underdog challenging corporate status quo mirrors the focus on class conflict found in A People's History of the United States by elevating the perspective of working-class laborers.
Little Women
Greta Gerwig · Film · 2019
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation mirrors the commitment to reclaiming women's narratives seen in A People's History of the United States, placing personal ambition and domestic life within the context of national change.
Milk
Gus Van Sant · Film · 2008
As a portrait of grassroots political activism, this film echoes the themes of dissent and social justice that define the core mission of A People's History of the United States.
Series on the same thread
American Experience
Series · 1988
This series shares the scholarly rigor of A People's History of the United States, providing a comprehensive look at the movements and social shifts that have shaped the American experience.
Drunk History
Derek Waters · Series · 2013
While comedic in tone, this show aligns with the revisionist spirit of A People's History of the United States by revisiting lesser-known figures and events often omitted from standard textbooks.
Dear Mama
Series · 2023
This documentary series captures the same spirit of political activism and resistance against systemic inequality that makes A People's History of the United States such an essential record of American life.
The Vietnam War
Series · 2017
Like A People's History of the United States, this documentary prioritizes the lived experiences and testimonies of those directly involved in conflict, rather than focusing solely on top-down official narratives.
Podcasts on the same thread
American History Tellers
Audible · Podcast · 2026
These historical deep-dives mirror the accessible, narrative-driven approach of A People's History of the United States, focusing on how everyday people and events define the broader trajectory of our nation.
Slow Burn
Slate Podcasts · Podcast · 2026
This series uncovers the hidden power dynamics and institutional realities behind major events, reflecting the critical, investigative lens used throughout A People's History of the United States.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is A People's History of the United States written from a traditional perspective?
No, A People's History of the United States intentionally shifts the focus away from traditional narratives. It tells the story of America specifically from the viewpoints of marginalized groups, including women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers.
What kind of writing style should I expect from A People's History of the United States?
A People's History of the United States is recognized for its lively and clear prose. Despite its accessible writing style, the book maintains a commitment to rigorous scholarly research while prioritizing the words and experiences of the individuals who lived through these historical events.
Does A People's History of the United States include primary source perspectives?
Yes, A People's History of the United States incorporates the actual words of the people it profiles. By presenting history through the voices of factory workers, immigrants, and other laborers, the text provides a direct account of the American experience from those often excluded from standard historical volumes.
How does A People's History of the United States approach American history?
A People's History of the United States approaches history by centering the experiences of the working class and marginalized communities. It functions as a singular volume that documents the nation's development by documenting the lives and struggles of ordinary people rather than focusing on elite political figures.