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Mightier than the Sword: How the News Media Have Shaped American History by Rodger Streitmatter, Routledge
In this path-breaking book, Rodger Streitmatter takes readers on a sightseeing tour of American history as influenced by the public press, visiting sixteen landmark events in US history, from the American Revolution and the civil rights movement to Watergate and 9/11. These are events that stir the political imagination; but, as Streitmatter shows, they also demonstrate how American journalism, since the 1760s, has not merely recorded this nation’s history but has played a role in shaping it. This book is the first of its kind. Streitmatter avoids the mind-numbing lists of names, dates, and newspaper headlines that bog down the standard journalism history textbook. Instead, he focuses on a limited number of episodes, identifying common characteristics within the news media. The third edition includes an entirely new chapter on social media and the election of Barack Obama. This edition also looks beyond traditional journalistic outlets such as newspapers and television news reports to examine the modern-day role that the Internet and its various venues play in reporting the news and shaping history.
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First published March 28, 1997
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About the author
Rodger Streitmatter
14 books11 followersRodger Streitmatter is a journalist and cultural historian whose work explores how the media have helped to shape American culture. He is currently a professor in the School of Communication at American University.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 30, 2021
This book really sparked a historical passion in me. I completely underestimated how media, specifically news media, have shaped history. I ordered a lot of other books on this topic hoping to learn more about specific case studies!!!
November 19, 2021
3.5*
A must read for any wannabe journalist. It delves deeply into the historical role media has played in america, the good and the bad. The language is sometimes strange (bit taboo?) hence the “average” rating, but the content is stellar, though sometimes a little drawn out. Learning history has never been so interesting to me!!
A must read for any wannabe journalist. It delves deeply into the historical role media has played in america, the good and the bad. The language is sometimes strange (bit taboo?) hence the “average” rating, but the content is stellar, though sometimes a little drawn out. Learning history has never been so interesting to me!!
December 6, 2019
It was free, about journalism, so I read it. Some was learned, but I can't say much was.
August 19, 2010
Streitmatter, Roger. Mightier than the Sword: How the News Media Have Shaped American History (Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 1997).
The media undoubtedly has a powerful influence on the hearts and minds of people all over the world. Since the founding of the United States of America, journalism has played a crucial role shaping the country. The impact of journalism on history is not always positive. Roger Streitmatter, a former journalist and current journalism professor, wrote, Mightier than the Sword: How the News Media Have Shaped American History, to show the influence of journalism on U.S history. Through his book readers can have detailed glimpse of how, “the Fourth Estate has been a central force in how this nation has evolved.”
Streitmatter describes how he came to the decision to write this book in his introduction. He introduces the book by mentioning that in 1990 he created a course titled, “How the News Media Shape History.” which combined the subjects of History and Journalism as an interdisciplinary course. The response to his class was overwhelmingly positive to the point that the director of the program was soon asking him to teach the course multiple times a year instead of just once. As the course continued to grow in popularity the author decided to use the material from the class to write a book. It is the desire of the author for this work to be, “not only illumnating but also engaging and perhaps even, at times, vivid.” The author attempts, in my opinion successfully, to illustrate the impact of the media on United States history through fourteen different events. The book is divided into fifteen chapters and an introduction. Each event is presented in a chapter with the fifteenth chapter titled, “How the News Media Have Shaped History: Focusing on the How.” This book does not argue whether the News Media has had a positive or negative affect on the country’s history but was written to illustrate the impact of the news media. At the conclusion of the introduction chapter the author states acknowledges the man who inspired the title of the book, Thomas Jefferson and includes the excerpt from a letter written to Thomas Paine in 1792 which states, “Go on then in doing with your pen what in other times was done with the sword: show the reformation is more practicable by operating on the mind of man than on the body.”
Streitmatter organizes the book chronologically beginning with pre-revolutionary war and ending with “Rush Limbaugh: Leading the Republican Revolution” set in the mid 1990s. Each chapter is organized to be completely independent of the other chapters in the book giving the reader an ability to begin a brand new story with every chapter. An clear introduction and conclusion accompanies every chapter making the book very easy to read and understand. With the book being organized in this fashion professors of United States history or of Journalism history can assign individual chapters to students with confidence that their students will understand the material. From the pre-revolution to abolitionists, yellow journalism to muckracking, and rosie the riveter to Rush Limbaugh Streitmatter clearly and concisely illustrates the power of the media.
Mightier than the Sword, is an interesting and entertaining read that takes snapshots of U.S history through the eyes of journalism. Streitmatter admits that each event or chapter could be a book on its own. In fact, most of the chapters do have multiple historical monographs dedicated soley to their subjects. Chapter five, Journalism as Warmonger: The Spanish-American War, discusses the influence of William Randolph Hearst on the country at the end of the 19th century. The author introduces the subject of Yellow Journalism, describing the competition between Joseph Pullitzer and Hearst, and gives a brief introduction to both famous editors but then focuses mainly on Hearst. My main concern with the book occurs at this point in the chapter. Streitmatter explains, very clearly, the influence of Hearst and Pullitzer, the two infamous yellow journalism editors, on the entry of the United States of America to war against Spain. He states that, “Pulitzer initially opposed American involvement in Cuba, but he soon shifted to complite support of it. Years later he admitted the sole motivation for his change of heart had been the opportunity for increased circulation.” The author then describes the influence of Hearst on the war and does so by citing what he admits to be a “legend.” He writes, “According to legend,” artist Frederic Remington:
sent Hearst a telegram: “Everything is quiet. There is no trouble here. There will be no war. I wish to return.” The Napolionic publisher replied: “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.” Although historians question whether this verbal exchange ever took place, it accurately captures Hearst’s style during the era.
In the book, Yellow Journalism: Puncturing the Myths and Defining the Legacies, author W. Joseph Campbell challenges the use of this “legend.” Campbell writes in respect to the telegram, “Because the evidence is so persuasive that the purported exchange did not take place, the anecdote deserves relegation to the closet of historical imprecision—at least until proved otherwise. Journalists and historians clearly are ill served by repeating the anecdote, by presenting a fanciful story as factual.” Campbell believes, and I agree, that the use of the anecdote, even if it is something Hearst would have said, is irresponsible. Streitmatter recognizes that it has not been proven correct and uses it to illustrate his point but it would be more accurate not to use it at all.
Mightier than the Sword captures the impact of the media on U.S history in a very clear and concise manner. The sources are easily found in the chapter notes located in the back of the book allowing for further research in the subjects if the reader so desires. Streitmatter concludes the book with a powerful chapter emphasizing How the media impacts history. Through his analysis of journalism throughout history the author pulls eight lessons on how the “citizens of the Fourth Estate” can be most influential on the future and concludes with a call on said “citizens” to go and do likewise. The book clearly, concisely, and I woulde even say vividly presents the history of the United States through the eyes of the media and successfully kept this reader interested and intrigued.
The media undoubtedly has a powerful influence on the hearts and minds of people all over the world. Since the founding of the United States of America, journalism has played a crucial role shaping the country. The impact of journalism on history is not always positive. Roger Streitmatter, a former journalist and current journalism professor, wrote, Mightier than the Sword: How the News Media Have Shaped American History, to show the influence of journalism on U.S history. Through his book readers can have detailed glimpse of how, “the Fourth Estate has been a central force in how this nation has evolved.”
Streitmatter describes how he came to the decision to write this book in his introduction. He introduces the book by mentioning that in 1990 he created a course titled, “How the News Media Shape History.” which combined the subjects of History and Journalism as an interdisciplinary course. The response to his class was overwhelmingly positive to the point that the director of the program was soon asking him to teach the course multiple times a year instead of just once. As the course continued to grow in popularity the author decided to use the material from the class to write a book. It is the desire of the author for this work to be, “not only illumnating but also engaging and perhaps even, at times, vivid.” The author attempts, in my opinion successfully, to illustrate the impact of the media on United States history through fourteen different events. The book is divided into fifteen chapters and an introduction. Each event is presented in a chapter with the fifteenth chapter titled, “How the News Media Have Shaped History: Focusing on the How.” This book does not argue whether the News Media has had a positive or negative affect on the country’s history but was written to illustrate the impact of the news media. At the conclusion of the introduction chapter the author states acknowledges the man who inspired the title of the book, Thomas Jefferson and includes the excerpt from a letter written to Thomas Paine in 1792 which states, “Go on then in doing with your pen what in other times was done with the sword: show the reformation is more practicable by operating on the mind of man than on the body.”
Streitmatter organizes the book chronologically beginning with pre-revolutionary war and ending with “Rush Limbaugh: Leading the Republican Revolution” set in the mid 1990s. Each chapter is organized to be completely independent of the other chapters in the book giving the reader an ability to begin a brand new story with every chapter. An clear introduction and conclusion accompanies every chapter making the book very easy to read and understand. With the book being organized in this fashion professors of United States history or of Journalism history can assign individual chapters to students with confidence that their students will understand the material. From the pre-revolution to abolitionists, yellow journalism to muckracking, and rosie the riveter to Rush Limbaugh Streitmatter clearly and concisely illustrates the power of the media.
Mightier than the Sword, is an interesting and entertaining read that takes snapshots of U.S history through the eyes of journalism. Streitmatter admits that each event or chapter could be a book on its own. In fact, most of the chapters do have multiple historical monographs dedicated soley to their subjects. Chapter five, Journalism as Warmonger: The Spanish-American War, discusses the influence of William Randolph Hearst on the country at the end of the 19th century. The author introduces the subject of Yellow Journalism, describing the competition between Joseph Pullitzer and Hearst, and gives a brief introduction to both famous editors but then focuses mainly on Hearst. My main concern with the book occurs at this point in the chapter. Streitmatter explains, very clearly, the influence of Hearst and Pullitzer, the two infamous yellow journalism editors, on the entry of the United States of America to war against Spain. He states that, “Pulitzer initially opposed American involvement in Cuba, but he soon shifted to complite support of it. Years later he admitted the sole motivation for his change of heart had been the opportunity for increased circulation.” The author then describes the influence of Hearst on the war and does so by citing what he admits to be a “legend.” He writes, “According to legend,” artist Frederic Remington:
sent Hearst a telegram: “Everything is quiet. There is no trouble here. There will be no war. I wish to return.” The Napolionic publisher replied: “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.” Although historians question whether this verbal exchange ever took place, it accurately captures Hearst’s style during the era.
In the book, Yellow Journalism: Puncturing the Myths and Defining the Legacies, author W. Joseph Campbell challenges the use of this “legend.” Campbell writes in respect to the telegram, “Because the evidence is so persuasive that the purported exchange did not take place, the anecdote deserves relegation to the closet of historical imprecision—at least until proved otherwise. Journalists and historians clearly are ill served by repeating the anecdote, by presenting a fanciful story as factual.” Campbell believes, and I agree, that the use of the anecdote, even if it is something Hearst would have said, is irresponsible. Streitmatter recognizes that it has not been proven correct and uses it to illustrate his point but it would be more accurate not to use it at all.
Mightier than the Sword captures the impact of the media on U.S history in a very clear and concise manner. The sources are easily found in the chapter notes located in the back of the book allowing for further research in the subjects if the reader so desires. Streitmatter concludes the book with a powerful chapter emphasizing How the media impacts history. Through his analysis of journalism throughout history the author pulls eight lessons on how the “citizens of the Fourth Estate” can be most influential on the future and concludes with a call on said “citizens” to go and do likewise. The book clearly, concisely, and I woulde even say vividly presents the history of the United States through the eyes of the media and successfully kept this reader interested and intrigued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
This was actually one of the texts for a freshman level journalism class I took when I thought I’d end up being an international correspondent. Spoiler alert - I teach music and drama instead - which is totally amazing and fulfilling! 😁 I can’t say I read it as thoroughly as I should have, but it was great to take another look at it!
I really appreciate the simplicity of each chapter. It was a fantastic first look at some of the major events that the Fourth Estate played in shaping American culture and history, and it’s a good jumping point if any of those topics pinged a reader’s interest.
There were times the author’s bias clearly shone through. Though I agree with him on most points, I can see how it could turn off some readers. Overall, it was engaging and a good look at one of the bedrocks of our country.
I really appreciate the simplicity of each chapter. It was a fantastic first look at some of the major events that the Fourth Estate played in shaping American culture and history, and it’s a good jumping point if any of those topics pinged a reader’s interest.
There were times the author’s bias clearly shone through. Though I agree with him on most points, I can see how it could turn off some readers. Overall, it was engaging and a good look at one of the bedrocks of our country.
August 13, 2020
Very important look at the way media shapes our perceptions. These perceptions have in turn affected the outcome of American elections, wars, and global policies. For better or worse, this importance cannot be understated. Take a good look today at how this institution may still be influencing you in ways you would never have thought.
Read
March 5, 2022Interesting read
November 19, 2022
Read for one of my journalism classes. Subjects were very interesting and understandable.
December 15, 2022
I read part of this book in a 2016 Intro to Journalism undergrad class. Since it was still on my to read shelf, I decided to finally finish it. A fantastic textbook that reads like a novel.
September 17, 2011
This book was totally awesome because it taught like a history book, was used as a text book, but read like a novel.
The language was a bit on the basic side but being a dyslexic person with the attention span of a shooting star, it was incredibly captivating to me and was easy to follow along with and not get lost. I'm not stupid, I just have a really hard time reading... which is why my "currently reading" list is always longer than my "read" list. ;)
Anyway, its about the history of journalism but it pulls in the social context of general history at the time as well and makes a very specific topic relative to the world around it.
it's one of the few text books that I ACTUALLY read in college and actually opened to read AFTER the class had ended too.
It's a little bit geeky... but then, so am I. ;)
The language was a bit on the basic side but being a dyslexic person with the attention span of a shooting star, it was incredibly captivating to me and was easy to follow along with and not get lost. I'm not stupid, I just have a really hard time reading... which is why my "currently reading" list is always longer than my "read" list. ;)
Anyway, its about the history of journalism but it pulls in the social context of general history at the time as well and makes a very specific topic relative to the world around it.
it's one of the few text books that I ACTUALLY read in college and actually opened to read AFTER the class had ended too.
It's a little bit geeky... but then, so am I. ;)
February 13, 2011
For the journalist or the historian, this book covers some highlights in media without ever seeming heavy-handed. It goes over reporting landmarks such as Watergate, the Spanish-American War and the McCarthy Trials in brisk form. Major people and publications are mentioned, but also built into the larger context of the American community. 'Mightier Than the Sword' seems like a quick read, but it effectively covers a time span from the Revolutionary War until (for the 2nd edition) 9/11. Because of its welcoming brevity, it's easy for the reader to gain a complete realization and analysis of how the American news media have shaped the events the country was built upon.
February 4, 2025
I keep thinking about this book. It’s a humorous and informative trip through important shifts in American history with the context of what the news media and the public were doing.
I think about this book and its lessons nearly every day. I watch our media landscape in its current state - owned by media conglomerates who have fallen in line with capital interests, and can’t help but draw comparisons.
Where will we go in this new world? What maverick reporters will fight the narratives being pushed? How will this all take shape? It’s exciting and it���s beyond scary.
If you want to feel like you understand one significant element of how the world moves, please read this book.
I think about this book and its lessons nearly every day. I watch our media landscape in its current state - owned by media conglomerates who have fallen in line with capital interests, and can’t help but draw comparisons.
Where will we go in this new world? What maverick reporters will fight the narratives being pushed? How will this all take shape? It’s exciting and it���s beyond scary.
If you want to feel like you understand one significant element of how the world moves, please read this book.
September 16, 2010
This book comes as close to a textbook definition as possible, without ever actually being one. It does not bore with its information, the way the history of journalism is told is like a breath of fresh air. It includes journalistic diction, events, and necessary dates. However the way they are told is completely revolutionizing in the way it is so simple yet mesmerizing. Also, it goes beyond then just giving a few examples of prominent journalistic achievements, it gives little stories of many of them, separated into every chapter. Wonderfully interesting and full of worthy data.
September 15, 2010
Absolutely wonderful! I had to get this book for a "History of Journalism and Mass Media" class and I actually never wanted to put it down. It's well written entertaining and wonderfully informative. I love chapter 5, Journalism as Warmonger, The Spanish-American War... all I can say is, "Who knew?" It just goes to prove that my favorite quote is true: "Whoever controls the media, controls the mind." - Jim Morrison
December 4, 2013
This is such a crucial read for anyone who wants to understand American society, politics and journalism today. I had to read it for a journalism class I took and I am so grateful. This book not only teaches you the power of journalism you also get a hefty history lesson. Streitmatter is a great writer, you won't get bored.
February 24, 2008
Why I want to be a journalist. This book talks about how the press took on the KKK, Boss Tweed, Slavery, and other bad things. But also how it can be bad too like when Hearst basically started the war with Spain.
Want to read
April 7, 2011Read ch. 3-7, 11 & 12. About 1/2 the book.
January 4, 2012
One of those books that makes you think and reconsider history and the last century. Worth every moment.
October 2, 2012
Fantastic! This book provides wonderful case studies about the power of journalism.
December 14, 2012
Great depiction of how the media has shaped the way our country works.
November 28, 2018
Fantastic. I recommend this book to anyone interested in U.S. history and journalism. This book is also an excellent resource for teaching news and media literacy.
March 6, 2024
This was a textbook for my college Journalism class but it was an enjoyable read. I thought it was super interesting and I love how the chapters are organized.
December 17, 2024
Cool content cheesy writing
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews