Description
Book SynopsisA captivating and lucid narrative of America's revolutionary generation, Jefferson's America takes the reader from the earliest rumblings of colonial dissent, through the crises of revolution and nation-making, to the heroic drama of the War of 1812. Risjord deftly weaves together strands of biography and social history with military and political history to depict the rich fabric of the young republic. While most writers on this period conclude with the end of the Revolution, the ratification of the Constitution, or the election of Jefferson, Risjord contends that there is a fundamental continuity in the history of the Early Republic. The basic problems involved in creating a stable, representative government were not resolved until the second war of independence, a symbolic end for the Revolutionary generation, which produced a sense of national unity and determined the viability of the new nation. Risjord incorporates new social and economic perspectives, and he deals suggestive
Trade ReviewNorman K. Risjord’s Jefferson’s America is a highly accessible account by a master practitioner. Conveying both the textures of everyday life as well as the drama of the political battles of the era, this superb volume will enlighten students and delight specialists. -- Douglas R. Egerton, author of Death or Liberty: African Americans and Revolutionary America
Table of ContentsPreface Prelude: The American Landscape in 1760 Chapter 1: The Atlantic Trading Community Chapter 2: The Atlantic Cultural Community Chapter 3: The Imperial Challenge, 1763–1770 Chapter 4: The Road to Revolution, 1770–1774 Chapter 5: Struggle for Independence, 1775–1778 Chapter 6: A Nation Born Chapter 7: The Revolution at Home Chapter 8: A Time of Trial Chapter 9: From Many, One Chapter 10: The New Nation Chapter 11: Launching the Ship of State, 1789–1794 Chapter 12: Fall of the Federalists, 1794–1800 Chapter 13: The Search for National Identity Chapter 14: Jeffersonian Liberalism Chapter 15: Jeffersonian Nationalism Chapter 16: The Road to War, 1805–1812 Chapter 17: "Mr. Madison's War" Suggested Readings
