In the Midst of Perpetual Fetes

Political festivals played a crucial role in shaping national identity during the early American republic, as explored through a variety of historical documents. Celebrations like the Fourth of July and other new holidays allowed diverse political groups to express their views and forge connections between local and national politics. While these events encouraged participation and dissent, they also revealed limitations in democratization. Waldstreicher emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of region, race, class, and gender in the evolution of American political culture.