Founding Fathers Summary

Joseph J. Ellis’s account of the post-revolutionary era is a recollection of the eight founding figures of this time period in addition to their achievements, beliefs, and influences. Looking back at history it’s easy to say that the creation of a nation was a clear and direct path. However, one faulty decision could have imposed catastrophic consequences on our nation to be. These “Founding Fathers” are portrayed as confident, intelligent, and balanced individuals; however we must understand that they are only human. After reading this novel, I have a full understanding of the challenges placed before the founding fathers in their attempt to build a country. Our Founding Fathers-Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison-may

I wholeheartedly agree with this. In the process of creating the nation, these Founding Fathers’ had to make critical decisions to create the platform for the federal government they envisioned. In this novel, he claims that the forging of personal relationships, diversity, and persistence of the Founding Fathers is the reason the federal government we have today exists. I agree with this as well. However, I don’t necessarily agree with all of Ellis’s assertions. Ellis contends that the creation of the United States was a success because the founding fathers decided to deal with the issue of Slavery in the future. I disagree. Rather, the creation of the United States was a success due to a number of factors. For one, George Washington had decided to give up his third term. Another reason would be the Founding Fathers well awareness for the state of their country to be. Now, at the time the vision of the United States was more of an idea rather than a reality. They knew how fragile and delicate the concept was at the time, so they were careful to make the best decisions for the people they represent. In addition to this, the competition between classes (banking/merchant elite), the availability of land, and the use of the Erie Canal were all contributing factors to the unification of the states. Slavery was, of course, an economic factor that they decided to set aside, to avoid conflict, however, this was not the sole reason for the success of the Union of the states. Now we all understand that the issue of Slavery gave anxiety to the Founding Fathers. Rather than dealing with the situation, the Founding Fathers set it aside. Their reason for doing so was because by forcing the question they would risk the creation of a Union by dividing the states. This question imposes the possibility of succession from the Union. Ellis has an