How Eric Sloane Retold American History

Abstract

This thesis seeks to prove the significance of Eric Sloane during the Cold War reconstruction of America's historical memory. Sloane's quest for identity parallels that of his country: grappling with the past to form narratives. He was almost universally praised, frustrating some academics. Therefore, this thesis also analyzes the split between professional and popular history through the lens of Sloane's extensive work. It reveals his shortcomings but also the continued usefulness of his contributions. It explains how a storyteller without professional training retold American history, leaving behind enduring narratives that last to this day.