Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation: Book Report

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Daniella Caraveo
Mr. Meilke
Dual Credit World History
October 24, 2015
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation Critique
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation was a non-fiction historical analysis written by Joseph J. Ellis, a professor and historian. This novel focuses on eight of the most influential individuals- Abigail and John Adams, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. Ellis considers these political leaders and their contributions to the early development of America by examining how their “diversity of personalities and ideologies” was the reason for success, along with their “correspond[ance] with one another about private as well as public matters”, and their ability to “manage the most threatening and divisive issue off the public agenda..slavery” (Ellis 17).
The author, Ellis, is a dedicated professor and historian focused on those who founded the United States of America. Ellis’ purpose for writing is to explore the different founding fathers and their interactions with each other and examine how these …show more content…

Hamilton was “dashing and consistently audacious style developed as a willful personal wager against the odds of his impoverished origins,” while Burr originated from a more “distinguished bloodline, which gave his aristocratic bearing its roots and biological rationale (Ellis 22).” Both Hamilton and Burr had strict opposing political outlooks, and neither of them were afraid to say exactly what they were thinking, which inevitably caused “a duel of words (Ellis 32).” The “culmination of long-standing personal animosity and political disagreement” subsequently caused the “supercharged political culture of the early republic (Ellis