Most American students are familiar with the preamble to the Constitution, where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are celebrated and enshrined. But they don't actually know what the Constitution says, nor do they know the founding fathers, who, McClanahan claims, were the greatest generation of Americans. George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton are household names, but what do we really know about them aside from a few myths and distorted truths? What would the founding fathers think about the expansive powers the federal government has assigned itself?
In this revision of American history, McClanahan reviews the life of 16 founding fathers, and quotes extensively from their writings, letters, and summaries of deliberations to demonstrate that none of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence and worked on crafting the United States' Constitution would support the way our federal system has evolved over two hundred years. The lives of Washington, Jefferson and Madison are examined, along with now lesser-known Revolutionary figures such as Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Elbridge Gerry. Their impact on the course of the Revolution is explored, along with what they did following Independence.
Fans of history will appreciate seeing the founder fathers in a new light, and will learn of their dedication to establishing a more perfect union.
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