The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, From the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement

What criteria determine who is included in McMahon’s conception of “the small and the mighty”? What do the book’s heroes have in common? How are they different?

McMahon argues that creating a moral panic is one of the most effective ways to crush social movements that threaten the dominant social class. How does she define “moral panic,” and how is it used as a political weapon? How do you see moral panic manifesting today, and what kinds of issues are affected?

What emotional responses does The Small and the Mighty aim to evoke? What narrative or rhetorical strategies does McMahon use to evoke these emotions?

In McMahon’s view, how might the story of US history be different if we made a greater effort to tell forgotten stories like those in The Small and the Mighty? How do such stories contribute to a national self-image?

McMahon’s thesis is that “the small and the mighty” make America great. Does this thesis imply a critique of dominant historical narratives? If so, how?

McMahon argues that the US is generally on a trajectory of progress and improvement despite the fearful rhetoric of the media. How does The Small and the Mighty aim to intervene in popular discourse about the direction of the country?

How does McMahon argue that studying history is important? On which social or moral values does she base this argument?

McMahon is known for making history engaging and accessible. Analyze the rhetorical strategies that she uses to achieve this goal. Do these strategies conflict with other goals, such as accuracy or precision?