During the years from 1789 to 1801; the republican political institutions forged by the American Constitution were put to the test. A new nation—born in revolution; divided over the nature of republicanism; undermined by deep-seated sectional allegiances; and mired in foreign policy entanglements—faced the challenge of creating a stable; enduring national authority and union.In this engagingly written book; James Roger Sharp offers a penetrating new assessment disputing the conventional wisdom that the birth of the country was a relatively painless and unexceptional one. Instead; he tells the dramatic story of how the euphoria surrounding the inauguration of George Washington as the country's first president quickly soured. Soon; the Federalist defenders of the administration and their Republican critics regarded each other as bitter political enemies. The intense partisanship prevented the acceptance of the idea that an opposition could both oppose and be loyal to the government. As a result; the nation teetered on the brink of disintegration as fear; insurrection; and threats of secession abounded. Many even envisioned armed civil conflict as a possible outcome.Despite the polarization; the nation did manage to survive its first trial. The election of Thomas Jefferson in 1801 and the nonviolent transfer of power from one political group to another ended the immediate crisis. But sectionally based politics continued to plague the nation and eventually led to the Civil War.
#979627 in Books 1978-09-10Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.19 x 1.46 x 6.16l; 2.47 #File Name: 0300022336808 pages
Review
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful. Interested in the Western Tradition - this is a must have!By John P. IrishMy AP European History students are required to purchase this book - and we basically read it from cover to cover. I have looked at literally hundreds of primary source readers - and can honestly say; this book is the best. The great thing about this book is that it weaves together primary source material with outstanding commentary and interpretation.The selections are short but normally they contain the basic idea of each thinker. In here you can find all sorts of thinkers; philosophers; artists; scientists; theologians; and literary figures. If they impacted Western civilization - they will probably be included in this volume.Pretty inexpensive volume - just think about it; you get to converse with some of the greatests minds that have ever lived. Not a bad way to spend an evening. :o)0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Tina ReddThe books was in good condition; but there is wear on the book; the spine is torn.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great book -- like the rest of his workBy David C NutterBaumer crusades to teach us from a historical perspective why we think the way we do -- much as genealogies teach us about the way we look and act. While my interests lie in economics; Baumer's narratives on developments of western thought provide a relevant and thoughtful backdrop. Why not; of course; the study of economics is all about the study of human behavior.
