Traditionally, historians have defined politics narrowly as the activities of government, including elections, legislation, and foreign policy. This definition was dominant in the early years of American historical writing, and it reflected the prevailing view that politics was the exclusive domain of white men of property.

However, over time, historians have come to adopt a broader definition of politics that encompasses all aspects of human interaction that involve the distribution of power and resources. This broader definition includes social movements, popular culture, and even personal relationships.

The shift to a broader definition of politics was driven by a number of factors, including:

• The rise of new social movements, such as the women’s movement, the civil rights movement, and the labor movement, which challenged the traditional view of politics as the exclusive domain of white men of property.
• The development of new historical subfields, such as social history, cultural history, and women’s history, which focused on the experiences of marginalized groups and on the role of culture in shaping political life.
• The growing recognition that politics is not simply about the formal activities of government, but also about the ways in which power is exercised in everyday life.

When and why have these definitions changed and varied?

As noted above, the definition of politics has changed and varied over time in response to a number of factors, including the rise of new social movements, the development of new historical subfields, and the growing recognition that politics is not simply about the formal activities of government.

Here are some specific examples of how the definition of politics has changed and varied over the course of American history:

• In the early years of the republic, historians focused on the political activities of the Founding Fathers and the development of the federal government. They largely ignored the experiences of marginalized groups, such as women, African Americans, and Native Americans.
• In the late 19th century, historians began to pay more attention to the role of social movements in American politics. They also began to examine the political dimensions of social and cultural issues, such as slavery and women’s suffrage.
• In the mid-20th century, historians began to develop a more inclusive approach to American history. They focused on the experiences of marginalized groups and on the ways in which these groups have shaped American politics. Historians also began to explore the political dimensions of everyday life, such as family life, work, and leisure.

What impact do these definitions have on how historians have approached and written about the nation’s past?

The definition of politics has a significant impact on how historians have approached and written about the nation’s past. A narrow definition of politics leads historians to focus on the formal activities of government and the experiences of the elite. A broader definition of politics leads historians to focus on the experiences of marginalized groups and on the ways in which power is exercised in everyday life.

For example, a historian who uses a narrow definition of politics might write a book about the presidency of George Washington. The historian would focus on Washington’s political decisions and policies. They might also discuss his relationships with other Founding Fathers and the challenges of governing a new nation.

A historian who uses a broader definition of politics might write a book about the impact of the American Revolution on women’s lives. The historian would focus on the ways in which women participated in the Revolution and the ways in which the Revolution changed their lives. They might also discuss the ways in which women’s experiences of the Revolution shaped their political views in the years that followed.

The following are some specific examples of how the definition of politics has influenced how historians have written about American history:

• The rise of the women’s movement in the 1960s and 1970s led to a renewed interest among historians in the role of women in American politics. Historians began to write books about women’s suffrage, the women’s movement in the 1920s, and the ways in which women have participated in American politics throughout history.
• The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s led to a renewed interest among historians in the role of African Americans in American politics. Historians began to write books about the abolition movement, the Reconstruction era, and the civil rights movement. They also began to examine the ways in which African Americans have participated in American politics throughout history.

The labor movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to a renewed interest among historians in the role of workers