First published 2002
The United States existed more as fragile hope than solid reality in 1790. Ellis examines how seven brilliant yet imperfect men navigated the overwhelming challenges of building a functioning government from revolutionary ideals. The author analyzes six pivotal episodes from this crucial decade: the fatal duel between Hamilton and Burr, Washington's precedent-setting farewell speech, Adams' presidency and political alliance with his wife Abigail, the contentious debate over locating the new capital, Franklin's bold attempt to force congressional action on slavery while Madison worked to prevent it, and the remarkable late-life correspondence between former rivals Jefferson and Adams. Through these dramatic moments, Ellis reveals how the Founding Fathers transformed the lofty principles of the Declaration of Independence and the framework of the Constitution into the practical machinery of American government. The book illuminates the personalities and critical issues that shaped the nation's most formative period.
Genres: biography, history, non-fiction, american-history
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-fiction
Setting: United States
Period: 1790s
288 pages · Library Binding · Turtleback Books