Instead of trying to write a comprehensive history, he writes a balanced narrative showing how the achievement of the revolutionary generation was a collective enterprise that succeeded because of the diversity of personalities and ideologies present in the mix. Ellis uses 6 different vignettes from the founding of the United States to illustrate that the Founders were human, with opinions, sometimes right, sometimes wrong. It is human nature to romanticize events in history, to elevate the players above the level of human. Through an analysis of six fascinating episodes-Hamilton and Burr’s deadly duel, Washington’s precedent-setting Farewell Address, Adams’ administration and political partnership with his wife, the debate about where to place the capital, Franklin’s attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison’s attempts to block him, and Jefferson and Adams’ famous correspondence- Founding Brothers brings to life the vital issues and personalities from the most important decade in our nation’s history. During the decade that followed, the Founding Fathers-re-examined here as Founding Brothers-combined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence with the content of the Constitution to create the practical workings of our government.
The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. “A splendid book-humane, learned, written with flair and radiant with a calm intelligence and wit.” - The New York Times Book Review A landmark work of history explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed individuals-Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison-confronted the overwhelming challenges before them to set the course for our nation.
0 kommentar(er)
