Greenback Planet: How the Dollar Conquered the World and Threatened Civilization as We Know It (Discovering America)

In Greenback Planet, historian H. W. Brands chronicles the remarkable journey of the U.S. dollar from its inception as a fiat currency during the Civil War to its status as the world's dominant currency today. Through engaging storytelling, he examines pivotal events in U.S. monetary history, including the creation of the Federal Reserve and the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting how America's economic strength shaped global finance. Brands also reflects on the lessons of past financial challenges and their influence on modern monetary policy, illustrating the dollar's profound impact on economies worldwide.