Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation : Question About Title?

Question

Why does the author refer to these men as “founding brothers” instead of the usual “founding fathers?”

Answer 1

It's called that in part because the title is catchy -- you EXPECT the stereo-typed "fathers", so the difference makes you stop and pay attention.

But, more importantly, it's because the book is focused on a series of events in the founding generation, NOT as much from the perspective of their impact on the nation, but in terms of the RELATIONSHIPS amongst theses men, esp on how these very HUMAN people -- and ones often in disagreement-- together forged these 'great enterprise.'

If you can get your hands on it, you'll get a good sense of what Ellis is trying to do from the last part of his prologue (about pp. 14-19 in the hardcover).

But the selection of stories he uses may give you an idea of what he means. Here's a brief overview of the book's chapters:

1) The Duel -between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (possible causes, what really happened?)

2) The Dinner - between Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison, where it is said a 'deal' was reached to support Hamilton's financial plans in exchange for locating the nation's permanent capital in the South.

3) The Silence - Franklin’s petition to end slavery, and its cold reception from others, esp. Madison

4) The Farewell - George Washington’s farewell ... considering the themes of the address (esp the need to subordinate one's own narrow interests to the greater cause/national interest) and also the difficulties Washington faced in his second term, from vicious rumors, political attacks (esp by Jeffersonians)

5) The Collaborators - the backstabbing John Adams endured as President, including Jefferson's tactics against him

6) The Friendship - restoration of the friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson through years of correspondence

Answer 2

Having never read this, I suppose that this title could refer to a feeling of brotherhood among the men. They all felt united in a common goal. Also, if the book describes or discusses the men in the context of their time, then the title has more to do with how they see themselves rather than the effect that they would have on later generations. Additionally, maybe the author wishes to suggest that the founding fathers saw themselves as some sort of fraternity, like we might think of the Masons, for example.

Answer 3

i comprehend that there grew to become into large undertaking over the "tyranny of the final public", if we've been a right away democracy we'd have regulations changing to and fro so speedy we'd all get whiplash. it could additionally be why we've a federal government which could step in whilst a state makes a regulation violating a constitutional theory. yet thank you for the advice, i'm going to could desire to make certain on that e book. We already comprehend that initially the only "persons" who ought to vote have been white male landowners, i ask your self what different misconceptions we could have approximately our founders.