For those that have read the Founding brothers by Joseph Ellis?

Question

I just finished reading Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis for my history class. I was surprised by how I ended up liking the book that I thought was pretty boring initially.

But.. I am still confused on some parts :/, and would like to hear what other people think.

As you know, rather than trying to cover the entire history, Ellis divides up the "revolutionary generation" by describing six individual events.

My questions are:

1) How accurate are Ellis' accounts of the events? I mean, I just found out that Ellis has been lying about HIS own past... doesn't this lower his credibility?

2) How is each event important? I enjoyed reading each one, but I couldn't really understand how each of them were relevant to his thesis (which was that the founding of the United States was unprecedented and uncertain, but only successful by political / personal relationships among the "brothers"). For example.. the first chapter, the "Duel," was an interesting way to grab the reader's attention, but we never get to find out WHY the duel was so important in the course of the American history.

So what makes each of the events that he describes so important in the founding of our nation?

I know these aren't the easiest questions, but if you could please answer in a well thought out manner, I will appreciate it :)

Thanks!

Answer 1

It's been some time since I've read the book, but I remember it being accurate when compared to other history books I've read.

As for the duel, it ended Aaron Burr's political career and eventually led him to explore a partnership with England that he hoped would install himself as Governor of a new British territory inside the U.S.  This from a former Vice President who may have yet had a prominent political career.

The importance of relationships is very relevant in the next chapter where Thomas Jefferson supposedly brokers a deal between Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, bitter rivals, that shows the power of compromise between political enemies.

Check out the website listed under sources for a brief outline of the book's chapters.  By the way, I do recommend the book to anyone interested in the subject matter.

Answer 2

If He's an Irishman then surely he speaks with a forked tongue but in a most gifted way. I have yet to meet a better bullshitter in all the world and this includes the most cunning hebrew b*****d who ever darkened my door.

Answer 3

The reason for the fame is that it became an example for future generation on how to solve problems and what to do to get proper solution. Neither Hamilton nor Burr became famous or established higher position than before.