As a City on a Hill

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In 1630, John Winthrop warned his fellow Puritans that they would be "as a city upon a hill." Over three centuries later, Ronald Reagan transformed this phrase into a powerful symbol of American promise. This work explores how Winthrop's once-overlooked words evolved into a cornerstone of American identity and exceptionalism. Leading historian Daniel Rodgers uncovers the rich history of Winthrop's text, revealing the original ideas it conveyed and the diverse interpretations it has inspired over time. The narrative demonstrates that Winthrop's "Model of Christian Charity" was far more complex and vulnerable than the simplified version embraced by twentieth-century Americans. Rodgers traces the shifting meanings of Winthrop's words across nearly four hundred years, from Winthrop's own concerns about global scrutiny to Abraham Lincoln's reference to an "almost chosen people," and the aspirations of African Americans in Liberia, culminating in the era of Donald Trump. This exploration highlights the unexpected paths through which Winthrop's words became ingrained in American consciousness, while also reflecting on how nationalism often reshapes "timeless" texts to align with a more straightforward narrative of the past.