num_pages: 283
description: An ironic examination of the founding years of the United States of America. Historian Ellis guides readers thru the decisive issues of the nation's founding, and illuminates the emerging philosophies, shifting alliances, and personal and political foibles of now iconic leaders. He explains how the idea of a strong federal government, championed by Washington, was eventually embraced by the American people, the majority of whom had to be won over. He details the emergence of the two-party system--then a political novelty--which today stands as the founders' most enduring legacy. But Ellis is equally incisive about their failures, making clear how their inability to abolish slavery and to reach a just settlement with the Native Americans has played an equally important role in shaping our national character. Ellis strips the mythic veneer of the revolutionary generation to reveal men possessed of both brilliance and blindness.
language: English
title: American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic
titlecomplete: American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic
characters: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison
genres: American Revolution, Historical, History, American Revolutionary War, American History, Biography, Audiobook, American, Nonfiction, Politics
ratings_count: 10445
places: The United States of America
awards: awardedAt: 1199174400000
name: Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award
publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House (NY/Toronto)