Hidden History of American Democracy: Rediscovering Humanity's Ancient Way of Living

by Thom Hartmann

America's most popular progressive radio host and New York Times bestselling author Thom Hartmann paves the way to saving our democracy.

In this powerful, sweeping history and analysis of American democracy, Thom Hartmann shows how democracy is the one form of governance most likely to produce peace and happiness among people.

With the violent exception of the Civil War, American democracy resisted the pressure to disintegrate into factionalism for nearly two centuries, and now our very system of democratic elections is at stake. So how do we save our democracy?

Hartmann's newest book in the celebrated Hidden History Series offers a clear call to action and a set of solutions with road maps for individuals and communities to follow to create a safer, more just society and a more equitable and prosperous economy.

Genres: Politics, American History, History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2011

About the author

Thomas Carl Hartmann is an American radio personality, author, businessman, and progressive political commentator. Hartmann has been hosting a nationally syndicated radio show, The Thom Hartmann Program, since 2003 and hosted a nightly television show, The Big Picture, between 2010 and 2017.

Reviews

[Graeme Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, this book was quite an eye-opening journey that I thoroughly enjoyed. Most history books are gigantic tombs that will test the patience of even the most ardent history buff. This book was different, a short book, written in a punchy style.

Thom Hartmann really knows how to present history in a refreshing and engaging way. He takes you on a trip back in time, revealing the roots of American democracy that we often overlook. I appreciated how he connected the dots between the ancient ways of living and the principles that shaped the foundation of America. It's like discovering a lost puzzle piece that completes the picture.

One of the standout sections for me was when Hartmann delved into the origins of democracy in indigenous societies. He shines a light on how various Native American tribes and other ancient cultures had democratic structures embedded in their way of life. Learning about their decision-making processes and consensus-building methods was a fascinating journey. I never knew that Native American political systems had such an influence on the founding fathers. We also hear about Locke, Hobbs and the like as the primary drivers, but Hartmann tells a very different story,

I never realized this but Thomas Jefferson had a strong aversion to the Romans. It was like he had a personal grudge against them! Hartmann does a great job of delving into historical personalities and their weird foibles.

The story about Benedict Arnold's role in the creation of the electoral college was interesting. The revelation about the Boston Tea Party being triggered by the British government's manipulation of tea prices to cripple the colonial tea industry was genuinely intriguing. Learning these lesser-known facts was a lot of fun.

A standout section of the book is the analysis of how American democracy has evolved over time. Hartmann examines key events and movements, such as the abolitionist movement and the suffragette movement, which challenged the status quo and pushed for greater democratic rights.

Hartmann's no-nonsense approach is commendable, especially when he boldly accuses the Confederate effort as "national treason." He doesn't shy away from addressing controversial topics head-on. I appreciated his candidness and his willingness to confront difficult historical truths.

A key point that Hartmann drives home is the importance of allowing people to vote. It is about the only way to change a bad trajectory. The discussion about gerrymandering and voter suppression hit home. Hartmann shines a light on the darker aspects of contemporary American democracy, showing how a small group of people can wield disproportionate influence and undermine the democratic process. It's a sobering reality that we’ve come to this in the country.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking read. Hartmann's storytelling style and the depth of his research make this journey through history a fun one. If you're someone who's curious about the roots of democracy and wants to understand how we can strengthen it in our modern world, then this book is definitely worth your time.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden History of American Democracy: Uncovering Humanity’s Ancient Way of Living written by Thom Hartman –This small book begins by sharing how ancient societies governed through the founding of the United States. Relying heavily on Native American societies, Jefferson and fellow Founding Fathers attempted to amend the best parts of their governing systems into something that would work for the European settlers. Part two discusses how we moved from what the Founding Fathers wrote (and intended) to where we are today, covering the intentional and unintentional steps along the way. Part three discusses the battles for democracy we have fought during our history while part four gives many ways we can start moving back to a more democratic way of government. Well researched (10 pages of source notes) Hartman lists many resources readers can turn to for additional information including the other books in his Hidden History series. A wonderful read for anyone frustrated with today’s political climate looking for a way to make a change.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly shocked to find out this book was published in 2023, because it is eerily relevant to 2025 (I guess that just goes to show that these are persistent issues that have been relevant for a long time now) and I am so happy to have read it. 2025 has been such a rollercoster in mere weeks since the inauguration; and I have found great comfort in being informed, so I truly appreciate Thom Hartman's research on this subject and some of the roots of our democracy. I also appreciate the simple analysis of such a complex subject. I felt like he was talking TO me, not at or down to me which, to someone who was only politically invested up until this last month due to current events and someone who primarily consumes fiction books like me, is essential to comprehend these troubled times and oftentimes a rare skill to find.

I definitely recommend giving The Hidden History of American Democracy a read and I will be checking out Hartman's other works.

[Steven May · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Hartmann book debunked many of the myths about the creation of USA Democracy. He challenges the reader to become engaged in democratic process to ensure we prevent the 1% wealthy from taking control of our government for their benefit.

[Dawn Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open your eyes

This book as most if not all of Thom Hart man's books will open your eyes to many of the very issue that we all must see to make changes to better society or to understand it at least

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent (what felt like a) revelation of the context behind the framing of our democracy, as well as the intents behind it.
Reading this lead me to adding several other books to my list, including the Jefferson bible.

This book’s contents should assignment the teaching of American history

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything and everything by Thom is brilliant. He is smartest person I have ever met (met him in 2019).

[M. Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another terrific book of American History by Thom Hartmann, documenting the history and growth of Democracy, not only in the U. S. but around the world. The only thing that prevents me from giving this book a 5 star rating is that the last several sections offer solutions for saving Democracy and, unfortunately, that train seems to have left the station.