In his latest book, Been There Done That, Utah Valley University historian Greg Jackson challenges the pervasive modern narrative that the United States is currently navigating a uniquely turbulent and unprecedented era. By examining the nation’s 250-year history, Jackson argues that the anxieties defining the current cultural and political landscape—ranging from allegations of trafficking and civil unrest to the corrosive effects of partisan media—are not new phenomena but rather recurring features of the American experiment. Through this historical lens, he seeks to provide perspective, suggesting that the challenges facing the republic today are part of a cyclical struggle that has persisted since its founding.
A central theme of Jackson’s work is the historical prevalence of misinformation, which he argues was employed by the Founding Fathers themselves. He highlights the surprising case of Benjamin Franklin, who published elaborate, purely fictional accounts to gain strategic leverage in negotiations with Great Britain. By framing this as “fake news” long before the term existed, Jackson underscores that the manipulation of information is a constant thread in American political life. He posits that the responsibility of maintaining a democracy rests on the shoulders of an informed and skeptical citizenry, emphasizing that a government “by the people” requires significant intellectual labor from those governed to discern truth amid inherent deception.
Jackson draws direct parallels between the anonymous vitriol of modern social media and the political discourse of the late 18th century. He notes that historical giants like Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson engaged in vicious smear campaigns under pseudonyms, effectively using the press of their day in the same way anonymous digital bots and fake accounts operate in modern political discourse. These early leaders went to great lengths to conceal their identities while attempting to destroy their opponents’ reputations, providing historical context that clarifies that today’s “keyboard warriors” are merely utilizing new technology to continue an ancient tradition of political infighting.
Despite the intensity of these historical rivalries, Jackson posits that the nation’s survival was never a foregone conclusion but rather an achievement of resilience. He points to the fierce ideological battles between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, where leaders were genuinely convinced that their opponents’ policies would lead to the ruin of the Union. By studying these high-stakes conflicts—including events like the 1824 presidential election, where outcomes were ultimately decided by Congress rather than the electorate—Jackson encourages Americans to view modern political polarization not as a sign of imminent collapse, but as a familiar stage in a long-standing democratic process.
The historian, who also helms the popular podcast History That Doesn’t Suck, insists that the durability of American institutions is often underestimated. His book brings into focus instances of institutional crisis, including periods of widespread domestic violence and political volatility, to demonstrate how previous generations successfully navigated their own versions of “bloody” times. For Jackson, the goal of his writing is to instill a sense of confidence in the strength of the union, framing the current political climate as a test that the country is equipped to pass, provided it continues to follow the precedents of compromise and civic engagement established by previous generations.
Ultimately, Jackson’s work serves as both a history lesson and a call to action for the American public. As he concludes his national book tour, which began in Lehi, Utah, he emphasizes that the preservation of a “more perfect union” is an ongoing project that demands active participation rather than passive despair. By acknowledging the scars and blunders of the past, Jackson believes citizens can better navigate today’s conflicts, trusting that the best solutions will eventually rise to the top of the national discourse, ensuring that the next generation inherits a functional and resilient democracy.