Americans are fond of reflecting upon the Founding Fathers; the noble group of men who came together to force out the tyranny of the British and bring democracy to the land. Unfortunately; as Terry Bouton shows in this highly provocative first book; the Revolutionary elite often seemed as determined to squash democracy after the war as they were to support it before.Centering on Pennsylvania; the symbolic and logistical center of the Revolution; Bouton shows how this radical shift in ideology spelled tragedy for hundreds of common people. Leading up to the Revolution; Pennsylvanians were united in their opinion that "the people" (i.e. white men) should be given access to the political system; and that some degree of wealth equality (i.e. among white men) was required to ensure that political freedom prevailed. As the war ended; Pennsylvania's elites began brushing aside these ideas; using their political power to pass laws to enrich their own estates and hinder political organization by their opponents. By the 1780s; they had reenacted many of the same laws that they had gone to war to abolish; returning Pennsylvania to a state of economic depression and political hegemony. This unhappy situation led directly to the Whiskey and Fries rebellions; popular uprisings both put down by federal armies.Bouton's work reveals a unique perspective; showing intimately how the war and the events that followed affected poor farmers and working people. Bouton introduces us to unsung heroes from this time--farmers; weavers; and tailors who put their lives on hold to fight to save democracy from the forces of "united avarice." We also get a starkly new look at some familiar characters from the Revolution; including Benjamin Franklin; Alexander Hamilton; and George Washington; who Bouton strives to make readers see as real; flawed people; blinded by their own sense of entitlement.Taming Democracy represents a turning point in how we view the outcomes of the Revolutionary War and the motivations of the powerful men who led it. Its eye-opening revelations and insights make it an essential read for all readers with a passion for uncovering the true history of America.
#812555 in Books 2010-10-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.40 x .90 x 9.30l; 1.14 #File Name: 0195341473280 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. InterestingBy Joseph T. SkogmoThis book wasn't earth shattering; but it was interesting. It basically categorizes American theologies into four main groups; and whatever group one can be categorized in usually has predictable ways in which the treat the Bible; money; politics; science; etc. This is quite predictable and what we all expected; but it is proven with data. Sometimes; stereotypes are real.Although; the book doesn't really account for the more complicated religious people in this country like moderate mainline protestants or Conservative Judaism; or moderate Islam; which are very difficult versions of religion to categorize .in the way that Froese categorizes. Liberals of the religions call think these groups are conservative; conservatives of these religions think these groups are liberal.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. America's Four Gods reviewBy Harry MooreI thought the Four Gods was an excellent read. The book defined the conceptions of a wide range of Americans from a result of a survey about what those people believed and thought. The author did a good job of summarizing the study as to the responses from the sampled population. I was amazed that I found my thinking and belief in one of the four groupings from the study. Samples of the survey were included in the book; but the entire survey (of questions) was not included; that was my only complaint.If you are searching for answers to your own thinking about a higher entity or power; then this book should help you organize your thoughts and give you a basis for pursuing your faith.15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Very interesting readBy C. KernI found this book to be very interesting and thought provoking. Didn't fit mybeliefs for any of the four god categories; but learned a lot more in general. Theauthors spent a great deal of time on referencing and researching; which truly showstheir devotion to giving the reader adequate coverage of the material. I wouldrecommend this book to both religious and non-religious individuals who just wanta basic evaluation of American religious beliefs. Very well written; easy readingand not top heavy with intellectual interpretation.
