“...a masterful job of exploring the subject through a range of well-chosen and representative essays...”—Choice“...set[s] a standard for media history...”—Journalism Quarterly“...compelling, fresh, ...thought-provoking ...”—Journalism EducatorThe Significance of the Media in American History demonstrates the many critical roles that mass communication has played in shaping the American nation. In original and unique essays, some of today’s leading historians provide convincing arguments of the media’s critical importance in these key areas: • Popular Sovereignty• Wartime Morale• Public Opinion• Personification of Society• The Depiction of Women• Political Values• Community Cohesiveness• The National Economy• Ideas• Political Culture• Diffusion of Innovation• Racial Equality• The American Character• Foreign Policy• The Idea of Progress• Community Development