The book being critiqued in the following review is Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis. Ellis’ goal in writing this book was to define the political events and achievements that gained historical significance because they framed the successive history of the United States. Ellis wrote on this specific topic because he felt the need to argue the fact that the American Revolution and the greatness achieved by the founding generation were the result of a collective effort. Ellis emphasizes that the success of the United States, at the time of its formation, was not an inevitable conclusion.
At the time, it was an improbable result that was eventually achieved by a small group of distinguished political leaders that collectively built and shaped the United States. The American Revolution’s true success was achieved because of the personal and ideological diversity within the mix that produced a sort of balanced system that sets the American Revolution apart from all other subsequent revolutions. Ellis uses six significant events in the early years of the republic that involve eight important figures to support his thesis.
First, he describes the Hamilton and Burr duel and the history behind it. The story of the duel was a way for Ellis to discuss the importance of character and honor to the founding generation. The next piece of evidence Ellis used was the secret dinner held by Thomas Jefferson in order for James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to reach a compromise. Hamilton wanted support for his Assumption Bill and Madison wanted the national capitol to be closer to the south. Ellis suggests that Jefferson attempted to overemphasize his importance through his account.
The Essay on A modernday revolution American turmoil in the 1960s
Hubert Humphrey once stated, ?When we say, ?One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all,? we are talking about all people. We either ought to believe it or quit saying it? (Hakim 111). During the 1960?s, a great number of people did, in fact, begin to believe it. These years were a time of great change for America. The country was literally redefined as people from all walks of life ...
Ellis also indicates an expanding divide within the country and the need for a wise mediator in order to reach a compromise. Jefferson’s account recognizes the fear in all three of them. This fear of failure is a point emphasized by Ellis. Ellis’ next story discusses the issue of slavery in the early republic and the government’s long-standing silence regarding the issue. Ellis describes a heated House debate in 1790 where slavery was reluctantly addressed. Benjamin Franklin and James Madison’s reactions are discussed.
Ellis recognizes that in this moment, compromise was absent and the divisions within the country were becoming increasingly conspicuous. Ellis emphasize that making slavery a non-issue eventually led to the Civil War. The next event described by Ellis was the publishing of George Washington’s Farewell Address. Ellis addresses Washington’s legacy and regard for future generations of America. In his next story, Ellis examines how the relationships of 1776 turned into more sensible collaborations that would mold American history.
Ellis focuses mainly on the relationship between Jefferson and Adams as well as Adams’ collaboration with his wife, Abigail. In his final piece of evidence, Ellis tells the story of the extensive communication between Adams and Jefferson during the last fourteen years of their lives, restoring their lost friendship after a political betrayal. Overall, based on the sources used, the history is unbiased, although Ellis does acknowledge the sometimes exaggerated and biased writings of the Founding Fathers and of those who were around them at the time.
These occasional obscurities are recognized and addressed by Ellis. However, the book is historically accurate and gives an objective view of each situation. The claims made by Ellis are thoroughly supported with facts and evidence and, therefore, I have no reason to object to any of his claims. As a result, I would not change anything about the book and believe that it tells an overall historical truth of the post-revolutionary period in America.
