American creation : triumphs and tragedies at the founding of the republic /
Joseph J. Ellis.
- 1st ed.
- New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2007.
- xi, 283 p. ; 25 cm.
"This is a Borzoi book"--T.p. verso.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Prologue: the founding -- The year -- The winter -- The argument -- The treaty -- The conspiracy -- The purchase.
An ironic examination of the founding years of our country. Historian Ellis guides us through the decisive issues of the nation's founding, and illuminates the emerging philosophies, shifting alliances, and personal and political foibles of our now iconic leaders. He explains how the idea of a strong federal government, championed by Washington, was eventually embraced by the American people, the majority of whom had to be won over. And he details the emergence of the two-party system--then a political novelty--which today stands as the founders' most enduring legacy. But Ellis is equally incisive about their failures, making clear how their inability to abolish slavery and to reach a just settlement with the Native Americans has played an equally important role in shaping our national character. Ellis strips the mythic veneer of the revolutionary generation to reveal men possessed of both brilliance and blindness.--From publisher description.
9780307263698 030726369X
Statesmen--History--United States--18th century. Estadistas--Historia --Estados Unidos--Siglo XVIII Politicians--History--United States--18th century. Políticos --Historia --Estados Unidos--Siglo XVIII Political culture--History--United States--18th century. National characteristics, American. Cultura política --Historia--Estados Unidos--Siglo XVIII.
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783. United States--History--1783-1815. United States--Politics and government--1775-1783. United States--Politics and government--1783-1809. Estados Unidos --Historia--Revolución, 1775-1783 Estados Unidos--Historia--1783-1815 Estados Unidos --Política y gobierno--1775-1783. Estados Unidos--Política y gobierno--1783-1809.