Founding Brothers Book Review Essay - 627 Words

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†¦show more content†¦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 absen t 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 F athers 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 byShow MoreRelatedBook Review: Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis Essay1437 Words   |  6 PagesIn the book Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis, the author relates the stories of six crucial historic events that manage to capture the flavor and fervor of the revolutionary generation and its great leaders. While each chapter or story can be read separately and completely understood, they do relate to a broader common theme. One of Ellis main purposes in writing the book was to illustrate the early stages and tribulations of the American government and its system through his use of well blendedRead Morefounding fathers book report873 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam and Mary, and his masters and Ph.D. at the University of Yale. Ellis is currently a full time profes sor of the Commonwealth at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation Ellis has written many books and editorials. His books include; The New England Mind in Transition: Samuel Johnson of Connecticut (Yale University Press, 1983), School For Soldiers: West Point and the Profession of Arms (Oxford University Press, 1974), PassionateRead MoreThe Pivotal Political Decisions On The Young American Republic Of The Late 18th Century1515 Words   |  7 Pagesaccomplished historian and a biographer, Joseph Ellis, these crucial decisions with an astounding aftermath came about â€Å"in a sudden spasm of enforced inspiration and makeshift construction† (3). In addition, in his new non-fiction erudite study, Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, published in the year 2000, Ellis strives to illustrate how these decisions came about â€Å"in a sudden spasm of enforced inspiration and makeshift construction during the final decades of the eighteenth century.† (3)Read MoreThe Re volutionary Generation, By Joseph J. Ellis1730 Words   |  7 Pagesauthor of Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, is an American author and historian. Born July 18, 1943 in Washington, D.C., Ellis would grow up to be one of the best, well-known scholars of America. He began his college education at Yale University, then at the College of William Mary. Ellis works include Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, American Sphinx, and His Excellency: George Washington. His books have brought his name into one of remembrance as his books have goneRead MoreEssay on James Madison1503 Words   |  7 PagesThe Founding Brother: James Madison The American Revolution emerge, and new ideas and changes were made from the Founding Brothers. The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation...were all made and edit from the Founding Brothers. One of the Founding Brothers, did not experience the American revolution. James Madison, a federalist who was a republican-democratic had many goals he wanted to achieved. He looked back and was able to see what aspects of were done wrong and try toRead MoreSummary Of Founding Brothers : The Revolutionary Generation By Joseph J. Ellis1377 Words   |  6 PagesAugusto Useche Mr. O’Grady AP US History 12 August 2015 Summer Book Review Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Joseph J. Ellis work concentrates on crucial events after the Revolutionary war in the young nation of America. The writer unbiasedly analyzes vital moments in the lives of the Founding Fathers and how relationships between them influenced and were influenced by the unstable era in which they happened to live in. Through the sixRead MoreExistential Therapy : A Matter Of Choices Essay1699 Words   |  7 Pagespsychoanalyst, and existential psychotherapist. May’s contributions includes founding the Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center in San Francisco, publishing numerous articles and authoring fifteen books. 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