Blood of tyrants : George Washington & the forging of the presidency /
Beirne, Logan.
New York : Encounter Books,
2013.
"Blood of Tyrants reveals the surprising details of our Founding Fathers' approach to government and this history's impact on today. Delving into the forgotten--and often lurid--facts of the Revolutionary War, Logan Beirne focuses on the nation's first commander in chief, George Washington, as he shaped the very meaning of the United States Constitution in the heat of battle. Key episodes illustrate how the Founders dealt with thorny wartime issues: Who decides war strategy? When should we use military tribunals over civilian trials? Should we inflict harsh treatment on enemy captives if it means saving American lives? How do we protect citizens' lights when the nation is struggling to defend itself? Beirne finds evidence in previously-unexplored documents such as General Washington's letters debating torture, an eyewitness account of the military tribunal that executed a British prisoner, Founders' letters warning against government debt, and communications pointing to a power struggle between Washington and the Continental Congress. Vivid stories from the Revolution frame Washington's pivotal role in the drafting of the Constitution. The Founders saw the first American commander in chief as the template for all future presidents: a leader who would fiercely defend Americans' rights and liberties against all forms of aggression. Blood of Tyrants pulls the reader directly into the scenes, filling the void in our understanding of the presidency and our ingenious Founders' pragmatic approach to issues we still face today."--Publisher's website.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [323]-406) and index.
The King of America -- The not so United States -- Not as happy in peace as they had been glorious in war -- The shadow government -- The phoenix -- Wield the sword -- The Washington paradigm -- Cruel and usual punishment -- The currents of war -- Best circumspection -- The realities of war -- Necessary evil -- Fully justifiable -- What it takes to defend the nation -- Dictator of America -- Scorpion on a leash -- Between a hawk and a buzzard -- Onslaught -- The times that try men's souls -- Reevaluation -- Victory or death -- Idolatry -- Dictator perpetuo -- Tribunals & tribulations -- Prosecution of military duty -- A traitor lurks -- Treason of the blackest dye -- Courts-martial & commissions -- American military justice -- His excellency's loyal subjects: wartime rights of americans -- Total ruin -- Band of brethren -- Poison & peas -- America's defender -- License to plunder -- Not-so-civil civil war -- Could have been king -- Consummate prudence -- Winning the peace -- Spectacles and speculation -- Greatest man in the world.
"Blood of Tyrants reveals the surprising details of our Founding Fathers' approach to government and this history's impact on today. Delving into the forgotten--and often lurid--facts of the Revolutionary War, Logan Beirne focuses on the nation's first commander in chief, George Washington, as he shaped the very meaning of the United States Constitution in the heat of battle. Key episodes illustrate how the Founders dealt with thorny wartime issues: Who decides war strategy? When should we use military tribunals over civilian trials? Should we inflict harsh treatment on enemy captives if it means saving American lives? How do we protect citizens' lights when the nation is struggling to defend itself? Beirne finds evidence in previously-unexplored documents such as General Washington's letters debating torture, an eyewitness account of the military tribunal that executed a British prisoner, Founders' letters warning against government debt, and communications pointing to a power struggle between Washington and the Continental Congress. Vivid stories from the Revolution frame Washington's pivotal role in the drafting of the Constitution. The Founders saw the first American commander in chief as the template for all future presidents: a leader who would fiercely defend Americans' rights and liberties against all forms of aggression. Blood of Tyrants pulls the reader directly into the scenes, filling the void in our understanding of the presidency and our ingenious Founders' pragmatic approach to issues we still face today."--Publisher's website.
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Strategic culture
Presidents
Generals