Study Questions
Preface: The Generation-
The key insights acknowledged in varying degrees by the revolutionary generation were that America had the possibility to be a great nation due to the isolation and natural resources. Also, they realized that Britain couldn’t control such a large population/nation forever.
The assets were an isolated continent, large population, property ownership, and a commitment to a republic; the liabilities were a republic the size of the U.S had never been established, and it was doubted from the start, the government was somewhat seen as an alien force that could be overthrown, the states had no common history as a nation, and over 700,000 of the inhabitants were black slaves.
The two interpretations are one, the revolution was a break from a corrupt monarchy, and second, the revolution was a developing, somewhat hidden national movement within the colonial era.
The founding brothers were successful because of the diverse personalities and ideologies, they all knew each other on a personal level, the threatening issues were kept off the agenda, and the figures of the revolution seem “mythologically heroic”
He refers to them as Founding Brothers because it conveys the sense of connection the individuals shared.
Chapter One: The Duel (July 11, 1804)-
It was legendary because it was the most famous encounter of its kind, the duel ended in both participants being causalities.
Their personalities were similar in the ways that they were both slightly lacking of self-confidence, yet their temper and desires were the same. Also, they were both ambitious, energetic, and had willingness to take political risks.
Their 15 year relationship was hostile. In 1789, when Burr accepted the office of attorney general after campaigning for Hamilton’s candidate- who lost- the shift in loyalty by Burr caught Hamilton’s attention. Burr also used his voice in the senate to oppose Hamilton’s fiscal program, and the problems escalated from...