Founding Brothers Chapter Summary

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation is a nonfiction historical novel written by Joseph J. Ellis. The context of the book includes many historical aspects of The United States. It describes the “Founding Fathers” (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Aaron Burr) and how their actions led to the setting of the foundation of The United States. In addition, it talks about the events that occurred during and after the American Revolution and the arguments and battles between famous politicians. The thesis of this novel contains two main points: how the revolutionary war may not have been easy, but forming and maintaining a young democracy was much more daunting, and

In 1790, Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton attempt to locate the capital towards Virginia. However, many northern residents opposed the idea and feared it would lead to civil war. Jefferson also stated that they should not have secret meetings because the United States is a democracy. Madison soon opposed the idea because the northern states opposed slavery while the southern states promoted it. The capital was eventually moved along the Potomac River, and 70 years later, a civil war occurred. The third chapter, “The Silence”, discusses about Benjamin Franklin and his petition towards the abolition of slavery. Since Franklin had high authority, the issue had to be addressed by the House of Representatives. Because a compromise could not be made, the argument was put on hold for about 70 years. When they ultimately decided to address the petition, many fights and arguments occurred again. This led to the creation of the Civil War and the eventual seceding of the Southern States from the United States. In the fourth chapter, “The Farewell”, Ellis discusses about the resignation of George

However, they contrasted in how they should govern the country which led to the destruction of their friendship. In addition, Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, laid a huge effect on the two men and their relationship. The final chapter, “The Friendship”, continues the relationship between Adams and Jefferson and also focuses on Jefferson’s presidency. They rebuild their relationship and put aside their differences. They also ultimately decided that they cannot argue anymore because of how far they have gotten with the war for independence and the founding of the democracy. Ellis also touches how each person described in the novel influences the foundation for the United States. The author included many sources and secondary sources that he used for the novel. One source, Joint Statement by William P. Van Ness and Nathan Pendleton, described the duel between Burr and Hamilton in great detail. The source states what Burr and Hamilton prepared for the duel and how their actions led to Hamilton getting a choice of position. It also states how Hamilton’s shot missed and Burr’s hit Hamilton and killed him the next day. Burr ends up leaving the city after the