![]() ![]() Despite their differences, and particularly when contrasted with what was happening in France during the same period, it is noteworthy that the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804 was the only case in "the revolutionary generation when political difference ended in violence and death rather than in ongoing argument. The extraordinary mix of such diverse personalities with strongly held opinions helped check each other. The eight most influential leaders he focuses on are: George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Abigail and John Adams. His American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson received the National Book Award in 1996, and Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams is regarded as one of the best books on our second president.Įllis eloquently conveys the interconnected personal relationships and overriding issues that set the nation's course. How this worked is the subject of Ellis' magnificent new study Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. ![]() In the words of historian Joseph Ellis, these decisions with long-ranging consequences came about "in a sudden spasm of enforced inspiration and makeshift construction. They knew one another personally, and their face-to-face interaction in social settings had a significant impact on the choices they eventually made. ![]() ![]() The crucial political decisions in the young American republic of the late 18th century were made by relatively few leaders. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |