With the creation of a new regime, the colonists set aside their differences and worked toward one common goal. Despite opposing political views, most were able to agree on their top priority: gaining independence from Britain. This opinion is stated within Joseph Ellis’s Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. There are a number of opposing viewpoints shared by the American people at the dawn of their Union. The topic of slavery was widely debated at the forefront of America. Ellis explores the noteworthy differences in opinion between Northerners and Southerners. He also explains that the Founding Fathers were more focused on the survival of the union than the ethicality of slavery. They kept the fragility of the newly formed union …show more content…
in mind. Both northerners and southerners believed that their opinion would eventually become the norm. For these reasons, the issue was ignored for decades, until the civil war ultimately determined the Nation’s fate. In layman’s terms, there was one key division at the beginning of the Nation: Pro and Anti Slavery. There was a large number of people and opinions surrounding why slavery should be kept. Several political figures expressed their opinions, although the founding fathers initially kept them behind closed doors. James Madison believed that the law should not be passed on a federal level, and it was up to the state in question to decide. He showed favor towards slavery in his federalist views on how states should deal with abolition. Representative of Georgia, James Jackson attempted to support slavery through biblical references. Pro-slavery arguments were kept alive partially by the economic benefits of unpaid workers. Southern delegates used the 1790 census to argue that slavery would not die out if abolished. Doing this also showed the copious amount of slaves that lived in the south compared to the North. Many would argue that the nation, especially the south, was economically dependent on slavery and would collapse without it. These opinions helped formed the confederate side of the Civil War. The notion of human trafficking and ownership of slaves was alive and well at the start of the United States. In contrast, the Anti-slavery was on the rise, especially in the North. The issue of slavery was kept out of light by a section in the newly ratified constitution that “prohibited the congress from passing any law that abolished or restricted the slave trade until 1808” (Ellis, 82). This did not stop Quaker delegations in 1790 from presenting petitions to the House of Representatives requesting an immediate end to the African slave trade. Some of the Founding Fathers voiced their opinions on the matter. Thomas Jefferson believed in freedom for all men and that all slaves born after 1800 should be set free. Before his death, Benjamin Franklin insisted that slavery must be abolished. As “the symbol of mankind’s triumphal arrival at modernity” (Ellis, 109), Franklin created a parody of James Jackson’s speech under the pseudonym “Historicus”. Franklin suggested that Jackson plagiarized part of his work from a speech given by an Algerian pirate a century earlier. By being critical of a proslavery representative, Franklin was able to have one final appearance in print before his death. He had already signed a petition calling for the end of slavery written by the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. It was these types of opinions that helped put the union on the right path towards victory in the civil war. These two notions were fundamentally different and politically incompatible. Ellis suggested that the longer the issue was postponed, the worse it got. After America gained its independence, conflict about slavery was able to ensue. No matter the circumstance, the Founding Fathers were focused on keeping the country unified: “Tell them from ME, at MY request, for God’s sake, to cease these conversations and threatening about a separation of the Union. It must hang together for as long as it can” (Ellis, 44). Alexander Hamilton expresses his strong opinion in the unity of the Nation. Bringing this issue to light at the early stages of the Nation was considered a sure way to create chaos and disunity. The topic definitely needed to be discussed, but was ignored by the people who shifted their focus onto the revolutionary war. In order for a revolution to be successful, the revolutionaries need to be on the same page. The Founding Fathers did an exceptional job of preventing internal conflict until after the American Revolution. By putting forgetting their opposing viewpoints, the revolutionaries were able to come together and be successful against Great Britain. QUESTION 4 The quote “Men don’t shape history; history shapes men” is not very relevant to the founding generation.
The message behind the quote is that the events of history shaped mankind into what it is today. Although this is true, it does not mean that man has not shaped history. People and the choices they make definitely have the capacity to, shape history. As made apparent in In Joseph Ellis’s Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, the Founding fathers shaped history in unique ways. Two notable founding fathers that shaped history were Benjamin Franklin and John …show more content…
Adams. Benjamin Franklin played a very important role in the founding generation. Comparing him the Greek pantheon, Ellis considered Franklin an almost mythic figure in American History. Ellis describes him as “unquestionably the oldest, probably wisest member of the revolutionary generation” (Ellis 108). He was present for virtually every historic scene of the revolutionary era. He was in Philadelphia during the Continental congress and signing of the Declaration of Independence. He was also in Paris for the wartime treaty with France and almost single handedly concluded the peace treaty with Great Britain. Additionally, he returned to Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention and the singing of the Constitution. This one man has played a key role in numerous events that shaped United States history. Ellis suggests that if a 20th century photographer went back in time took photos of every event in the founding generation, Franklin would be in almost all of them. He wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion when his country needed it most. His respectable image allowed his antislavery views to be heard and taken seriously by the house. By disheartening the southern delegates and empowering the northern delegates of the time, Franklin was able to influence the eventual outcome of slavery’s abolition. He used his political power for what he believed was the best interest for America. Benjamin Franklin alone has contributed to shaping history through his actions and presence at events throughout history. John Adams was also extremely important during the revolutionary generation. He was George Washington’s vice president and later the second president of the United States. “If revolutionary credentials were the major criteria, Adams was virtually unbeatable. His career, indeed his entire life, was made by the American Revolution; and he, in turn, had made American independence his life project” (Ellis, 164). John Adams was clearly shaped by the revolution, but he also helped shape the revolution. His determination played an essential role in American independence. He led the opposition of the Stamp Act in which the British put direct taxes on all printed materials in the colonies. He was a driving force in the American Revolution by being such an opposing force to British rule. He also swayed George Washington to lead the Continental Army and for Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. By trusting his wife Abigail’s opinion, he gave a voice to one of the first influential women in United States history. By sending another peace delegate to France, he was successfully able to end the stalemate. He prevented the United States from plunging into an unnecessary war. Adams is an example of how just one man can have a massive impact on the events of history. Through his broken and later restored relationship with Thomas Jefferson, he showed his willingness to compromise despite their drastically different political views. Adams was able to set aside his differences and move on. Because he was such an influential figure, John Adams shaped American history within the founding generation. As shown in Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, men such as Benjamin Franklin and John Adams have shaped history.
Although history has greatly shaped these men, these men have also shaped history. Looking back upon these historical figures, they continue to inspire and teach people today through leaning about their lives. All of the founding fathers were very influential in the flow of history. If some of these men had not existed, the United States may not be the same today. By looking at the achievement of these men, it becomes clear that they have played a great role in the founding generation. Natural events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes can shape history and man on their own, but it’s ultimately how man reacts to these events that becomes an essential part of History. The Founding Fathers along with all historical figures have influenced time in some way. History has definitely shaped mankind into present day. This does not mean that mankind cannot also shape
history.
However, the author 's interpretations of Jefferson 's decisions and their connection to modern politics are intriguing, to say the least. In 1774, Jefferson penned A Summary View of the Rights of British America and, later, in 1775, drafted the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms (Ellis 32-44). According to Ellis, the documents act as proof that Jefferson was insensitive to the constitutional complexities a Revolution held as his interpretation of otherwise important matters revolved around his “pattern of juvenile romanticism” (38). Evidently, the American colonies’ desire for independence from the mother country was a momentous decision that affected all thirteen colonies. However, in Ellis’ arguments, Thomas Jefferson’s writing at the time showed either his failure to acknowledge the severity of the situation or his disregard of the same. Accordingly, as written in the American Sphinx, Jefferson’s mannerisms in the first Continental Congress and Virginia evokes the picture of an adolescent instead of the thirty-year-old man he was at the time (Ellis 38). It is no wonder Ellis observes Thomas Jefferson as a founding father who was not only “wildly idealistic” but also possessed “extraordinary naivete” while advocating the notions of a Jeffersonian utopia that unrestrained
How is it possible that a single person's actions could change how the world is shaped today? General Henry Knox was one unknown hero of the Revolutionary War who came as an individual and influenced an entire group of people. Henry Knox was the first Secretary of War under the command of President George Washington, one of the few known American Revolutionary War heroes. According to Jack Kelly, author of “Band of Giants: The Amateur Soldiers Who Won America’s Independence,” “Knox was really responsible for the patriots’ first victory when they forced the British out of Boston.” He even served as the first trusted secretary of war and advisor to President Washington for the new United States.
The compelling and infectious novel of Founding Brothers; The Revolutionary Generation written by Joseph J. Ellis combines our founding fathers weakness’ and strongest abilities in just six chapters. His six chapters tell the stories of: The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This entertaining chapter describes how duels were undertaken and played out in that time, and helps the reader understand both men's motives. The dinner which Thomas Jefferson held for Alexander Hamilton and James
Founding Brothers a collection of stories by Joseph J. Ellis that discusses various events following the American Revolution and their impact on the budding Republic. The first theme talks about all key individuals that had a conglomerate of personalities and ideologies among the founding fathers. Because of this, it balanced the government and prevented one over arching outlook from sculpting the new government. This can easily transition into the second theme by Ellis.
In 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 blended stories. The idea that a republican government of this nature was completely unprecedented is emphasized through out the book. Ellis discusses the unique problems that the revolutionary generation experienced as a result of governing under the new concept of a democracy. These problems included- the interpretation of constitutional powers, the regulation of governmental power through checks and balances, the first presidential elections, the surprising emergence of political parties, states rights vs. federal authority, and the issue of slavery in a otherwise free society. Ellis dives even deeper into the subject by exposing the readers to true insight of the major players of the founding generation. The book attempts to capture the ideals of the early revolutionary generation leaders and their conflicting political viewpoints. The personalities of Hamilton, Burr, Adams, Washington, Madison, and Jefferson are presented in great detail. Ellis exposes the reality of the internal and partisan conflict endured by each of these figures in relation to each other. Ellis emphasizes that despite these difficult hurdles, the young American nation survived its early stages because of its great collection of charismatic leaders and their ability to ...
In this book Founding Brothers, the author Joseph J. Ellis writes about American Revolution's important figures such as George Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison exhibit that how the specific relationships of the Founding Fathers have influenced, or were influenced in the course of the American Revolution. These men have become the Founding Fathers and had a strong connection with each other as friends fighting one another to eliminate the British from North America, and forming optimistic brotherhood eager for freedom. However, many of the Founding Fathers were preoccupied with posterity. They wanted to construct and preserve images that served both their egos and
There were many different types of groups in Colonial America, not to mention sub groups as well as opposing groups. One of the opposing groups were those who were ready to break away from the mother country such as Thomas Paine or there were those who claimed like John Dickason that the colonies were not ready to cut off ties just yet. Although both groups had similar issues they both had different approaches on how to deal with them.
There were many men involved in the establishment of the government, the laws regulating states and people, and individual rights in the construction of the United States of America. Two men stand out as instrumental to our founding principles: Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.
Many Americans’ eyes were opened in 1776, when members of the Continental Congress drafted, signed, and published the famous document “The Declaration of Independence” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By declaring their independence, many of the colonists believed that slaves should have the same rights as the whites had. Abolition groups were formed, and the fight to end slavery begins.
...l people were created equally by God and that those who govern should be allowed to do so only when chosen by the people to do so. The colonists wanted a country where all citizens had an equal right to participate in government and were now ready to fight for that right.
These differences were the seed of a sectional division that would plague the nation for a century. During the late seventeenth century, this fissure in the ideals of the colonies became apparent. Following the constant political irreverence from Britain, a majority of colonial representatives felt the need for independence. The Declaration of Independence was the document written to do this. It called for an abolition of slavery as well as freedom from British rule.
The American Revolution was a “light at the end of the tunnel” for slaves, or at least some. African Americans played a huge part in the war for both sides. Lord Dunmore, a governor of Virginia, promised freedom to any slave that enlisted into the British army. Colonists’ previously denied enlistment to African American’s because of the response of the South, but hesitantly changed their minds in fear of slaves rebelling against them. The north had become to despise slavery and wanted it gone. On the contrary, the booming cash crops of the south were making huge profits for landowners, making slavery widely popular. After the war, slaves began to petition the government for their freedom using the ideas of the Declaration of Independence,” including the idea of natural rights and the notion that government rested on the consent of the governed.” (Keene 122). The north began to fr...
In the book, Founding Brother by Joseph J. Ellis, many stories from American History are shared. The story that I was most interested in is “The Duel.” This duel was one of the most historic duels because the duel was between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. “The Duel” takes place in Weehawken, New Jersey on July 11, 1804. Aaron Burr was the challenger in this duel, while Alexander Hamilton was the challenged. Burr challenged Hamilton to “The Duel” because Hamilton was libeling Burr throughout his entire life, while Hamilton simply “could not honestly deny Burr’s charges.” Upon the arrival in New Jersey, Burr and Hamilton’s seconds met to discuss the terms of “The Duel” and shortly after this Aaron and Alexander began their ten paces. One…
The man with the most impact that changed history was Thomas Paine. He created a pamphlet called Common Sense. Not only did he have an impact, he had a somewhat negative life. His burial was awful. Paines beliefs in religion were different from other people.
The book Founding Brothers written by Joseph J Ellis recounts small moments of history following a few of the men known as the “founding fathers” of America. Through his work he connects these men through their interactions with each other and their very similar lives. The title previews the theme further expounded upon in the book and Ellis’s perspective about how theses founding fathers acted as brothers toward each other in addition to the fathers of The United States of America.