Edition |
1st ed. |
Description |
xi, 283 pages ; 25 cm |
Note |
"This is a Borzoi book"--T.p. verso. |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
Contents |
Foreword -- Prologue : The founding -- ch. 1. The year -- ch. 2. The winter -- ch. 3. The argument -- ch. 4. The treaty -- ch. 5. The conspiracy -- ch. 6. The purchase -- Afterword -- Notes -- Acknowledgments -- Index. |
Summary |
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. |
Subject |
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783.
|
|
United States -- History -- 1783-1815.
|
|
United States. |
|
History. |
Chronological Term |
1783-1815 |
Subject |
Statesmen -- United States -- History -- 18th century.
|
|
Statesmen. |
Chronological Term |
18th century |
Subject |
Politicians -- United States -- History -- 18th century.
|
|
Politicians. |
|
Political culture -- United States -- History -- 18th century.
|
|
Political culture. |
|
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783.
|
|
Politics and government. |
Chronological Term |
1775-1783 |
Subject |
United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1809.
|
Chronological Term |
1783-1809 |
Subject |
National characteristics, American.
|
|
National characteristics, American. |
Other Form: |
Online version: Ellis, Joseph J. American creation. 1st ed. New York : A. A. Knopf, 2007 (OCoLC)608520484 |
|
Online version: Ellis, Joseph J. American creation. 1st ed. New York : A. A. Knopf, 2007 (OCoLC)631578475 |
ISBN |
9780307263698 |
|
030726369X |
|