The Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis: Political Struggles

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Joseph J. Ellis, in his book Founding Brothers, delves into the intricate relationships and political struggles among the Founding Brothers during the early years of the United States. The authors objective in writing this book was to highlight the complexity of the early American Republic and to challenge the conventional view of the Founding Brothers as a unified group. Ellis investigates their personal connections and compromises to offer insight into how they forged a new nation rather than focusing on their high aspirations or political theories (83). This makes for the primary distinction of the Founding Brothers from other era accounts. Thus, if one were to write a thesis statement for the book, it could sound like this: the founding brothers interactions and conflicts played a significant role in establishing the American Republic.

Discussion

In the first chapter, entitled The Duel, Ellis examines the infamous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. The duel happened on July 11, 1804, although there were various attempts at compromise, including attempts to mediate a solution by mutual acquaintances and a proposed revision to New Yorks anti-dueling legislation (Ellis 21). Tragically, Hamilton was fatally wounded in the duel and passed away the next day. Burr was accused of murder but ultimately found not guilty, and the incident signaled the start of the end of his political career. The duel illustrates the dangers of personal hostility and political rivalry, as well as the fact that even the most admired persons of the founding era had their faults and shortcomings.

One of the most significant events in the book is a dinner described in the eponymous Chapter Two. The dinner was hosted by Thomas Jefferson and centered around assumption, a controversial proposal to take on the states debts incurred during the Revolutionary War (Ellis 52). The dinner was attended by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, who favored assumption, and Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who were against it. Despite their differences, the dinner ultimately resulted in a compromise, with Jefferson agreeing to support the assumption in exchange for the location of the capital in Virginia. According to Benson Bobrick, the Founding Brothers established the American Republic and sustained it during its early years of volatility and vulnerability until national customs and practices became ingrained (Bobrick). The dinner illustrates the significance of personal relationships in political compromise and the potential for political issues to be resolved through negotiation and compromise.

In Chapter Six of the book, The Friendship, the author discusses the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, which had soured over time due to political differences. However, Ellis explains that their friendship was renewed in their later years through a series of letters, where they resolved their differences and reminisced about shared experiences (Ellis 263). The reconciliation of their friendship held great significance, demonstrating that even political rivals could unite in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect. According to Mary Kate Kimiecik, Jeffersons betrayal strained their friendship, and on their deathbeds, they harbored resentment towards each other for living longer (Kimiecik). Ellis book offers a fresh look at history by stringing together moments to create a narrative that invites readers to feel like participants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the formation of the early American Republic was significantly influenced by both political and interpersonal difficulties. On the one hand, interpersonal conflicts and relationships are portrayed as having a formative influence on the development of the American Republic, as evidenced by the antagonism between Burr and Hamilton that led to Hamiltons demise. However, the development of the American Republic is also proven to have been significantly influenced by political issues, including assumptions. Founding Brothers is described as an exceptionally readable work, one that infuses life and order into the study of the early republic (Kirkus Reviews). Due to the books comprehensive nature, it is challenging to claim that one issue had a greater influence on the early American Republic than another. Instead, it is revealed that interpersonal connections and politics are mutually reinforcing and interrelated and that these encounters eventually molded American history.

Works Cited

Bobrick, Benson. The Brethren. The New York Times, The New York Times, Web.

Ellis, Joseph. Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. Vintage Books, 2002.

Founding Brothers. Kirkus Reviews, Web.

Kimiecik, Mary Kate. A Review of Ellis Founding Brothers. La Salle University Digital Commons, 2019, Web.

Click Here To Order Now!

The Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis: Political Struggles

Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?

We have qualified writers to help you.

We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.

You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)