Part of the acclaimed Oxford History of the United States series, this Pulitzer Prize-winning volume traces a nation transformed by unexpected change — in politics, society, economy, and culture. Wood reveals how the founding generation's hopes diverged sharply from reality. Political parties emerged despite their opposition. The nation became neither the fiscal-military state some envisioned nor the rural agricultural republic others preferred. American culture popularized rather than surpassed Europe's. Slavery strengthened despite early abolition efforts. And despite desires to avoid European entanglement, the young nation found itself drawn into conflict, culminating in war with Britain. Yet by 1815, a new generation of Americans faced the future with confidence and optimism. Empire of Liberty captures this pivotal era when America took its first unsteady steps as an expanding nation, named a New York Times Notable Book.