TY - BOOK AU - Ellis,Joseph J., III TI - American creation: triumphs and tragedies at the founding of the republic SN - 9780307263698 AV - 002 E 302.1 E47a 2007 U1 - 973.3 PY - 2007/// CY - New York PB - Alfred A. Knopf, KW - Statesmen KW - United States KW - History KW - 18th century KW - Estadistas KW - Estados Unidos KW - Historia KW - Siglo XVIII KW - Politicians KW - Políticos KW - Political culture KW - National characteristics, American KW - Cultura política KW - Revolution, 1775-1783 KW - 1783-1815 KW - Politics and government KW - 1775-1783 KW - 1783-1809 KW - Revolución, 1775-1783 KW - Política y gobierno N1 - "This is a Borzoi book"--T.p. verso; Includes bibliographical references and index; Prologue: the founding -- The year -- The winter -- The argument -- The treaty -- The conspiracy -- The purchase N2 - An ironic examination of the founding years of our country. Historian Ellis guides us through the decisive issues of the nation's founding, and illuminates the emerging philosophies, shifting alliances, and personal and political foibles of our 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. And 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.--From publisher description ER -