Founding Brothers Book Review
Ellis, Joseph J. Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. Print. 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. 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
Cited: Ellis, Joseph J. Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. New York City: Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. Print.