Founding Fathers: The Essential Guide to the Men Who Made America

by The Encyclopaedia Britannica (Editor), Joseph J. Ellis (Introduction)

Overview

An authoritative, accessible guide to the figures who shaped a nation

How did upstart colonists solidify the ideas celebrated in the Declaration of Independence and defeat the powerful British army? How did thinkers from disparate backgrounds shape a government that transformed modern politics? The Founding Fathers explains how, putting valuable information on this historic period at your fingertips—straight from one of the most trusted sources of information around the globe.

This comprehensive guide takes a compelling look at prominent statesmen such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and George Washington and lesser-known but influential leaders such as Samuel Chase, Charles Pinckney, and others. Alphabetized for easy reference, it also offers discussions of key issues, including slavery, the separation of powers, the presidency, and Deism and Christianity; events, such as the American Revolution, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the Louisiana Purchase; and documents, including the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Every special essay and concise entry—from "Abigail Adams" to "George Wythe"—promotes the deeper understanding of the personalities, issues, and events that only Encyclopedia Britannica can provide.

The book's balanced, fact-based coverage of the Founding Fathers is especially relevant today, when differing interpretations of their intent are used in debates over current policies. The Founding Fathers is the ideal resource for anyone looking to hone his or her knowledge of the fascinating figures who wrote the first chapter of U.S. history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470117927
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	08/01/2007
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	346,260
Product dimensions:	5.58(w) x 8.42(h) x 0.73(d)

About the Author

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading provider of learning and knowledge products as well as one of the world’s most trusted sources of information on every topic imaginable—from the origins of the universe to current events and everything in between.

Table of Contents

Note to the Reader.

Introduction by Joseph Ellis.

Adams, Abigail.

Adams, John.

Adams, Samuel.

Alien and Sedition Acts.

American Revolution.

Articles of Confederation.

Bill of Rights.

Blair, John.

Burr, Aaron.

Carroll, Charles.

Chase, Samuel.

Checks and Balances.

Clark, Abraham.

Constitution of the United States of America.

Continental Congress.

Dayton, Jonathan.

Declaration of Independence.

A Closer Look: The Founding Fathers and Slavery.

Democratic-Republican Party.

Dickinson, John.

Federalist Papers.

Federalist Party.

Franklin, Benjamin.

French and Indian War.

Gerry, Elbridge.

Gwinnett, Button.

Hale, Nathan.

Hamilton, Alexander.

Hancock, John.

Henry, Patrick.

Hopkinson, Francis.

Intolerable Acts.

Jay, John.

Jay Treaty.

Jefferson, Thomas.

A Closer Look: The Jefferson-Hemings paternity debate by Joseph Ellis.

King, Rufus.

Lee, Richard Henry.

Livingston, Robert R..

Louisiana Purchase.

Madison, Dolley.

Madison, James.

Marshall, John.

Mason, George.

Middleton, Arthur.

Monroe, James.

Morris, Gouverneur.

Morris, Robert.

Paine, Robert Treat.

Paine, Thomas.

A Closer Look: The Founding Fathers, Deism, and Christianity.

Paris, Treaty of.

Paterson, William.

Pinckney, Charles.

Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth.

Rodney, Caesar.

Rush, Benjamin.

Rutledge, John.

Separation of Powers.

Shays’s Rebellion.

Sherman, Roger.

Stamp Act.

Townshend Acts.

Washington, George.

A Closer Look: Presidency of the United States of America.

Whiskey Rebellion.

Wilson, James.

Witherspoon, John.

Wolcott, Oliver.

Wythe, George.

Bibliography.

Photo Credits.