What is a summary of The Story of American Freedom by Eric Foner?

The Story Of American Freedom is a narrative history detailing the concept of freedom as it has developed in the United States from its inception to the present day. Foner's understanding of freedom in America is subtle and complex. He recognizes that the most important aspect of freedom is concrete rather than abstract. That's not to suggest that he doesn't realize the overwhelming importance of the idea of freedom in the context of American history and politics. It's simply to stress that the ultimate meaning of freedom is to be found in the lives and struggles of countless men and women over the centuries.

Foner, in writing his history, is by no means setting forth a Whiggish narrative whereby freedom constantly marches on in a linear, progressive direction. Indeed, one of the important themes of the book is how freedom has often regressed as well as progressed. This isn't simply because dominant social and racial groups have actively taken steps to curtail freedom (though that too has happened); it's also because freedom as it has developed in the United States is inherently a complex phenomenon, meaning different things to different people at different times.

Because of this, freedom is fiercely controversial in American history and always will be. Its meaning, its significance, and its scope will always need to be determined in the heat of often intense political struggle. Foner takes us through the various conflicts that have characterized the deeply contested notion of freedom down the years. In particular, Foner examines the way in which successive progressive movements have co-opted the traditional language of liberty to push for a more substantive freedom in society, a positive freedom which empowers members of hitherto marginalized groups to develop as individuals. This marks a significant, radical change from a negative understanding of freedom (freedom from) to a positive one (freedom to).