The preface of Founding Brothers establishes what the book will focus on. Readers are shown that the book will be about the struggles and unity of the United States. It is also understood that the author, Joseph J. Ellis, is extremely passionate about the history of America and does his research thoroughly to try and find the truth. The preface shows how nobody had the exact same view on how the government should be. This created different political parties like Federalists, anti-Federalists (they wanted a form of self-government), and Republicans. The power ended up being given to the people because of the Constitution. The Founding Brothers had one common goal: to secede from England and form an independent and free country.
Chapter one of Founding Brothers is written to captivate and draw in the readers. This chapter includes the “interview” between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. However, their interview is not really an interview, but a duel to the death! There is a major theme of opposing beliefs leading to a form of compromise, how intense and harsh politics can be, and the passion of politicians. These themes are conveyed through Hamilton and Burr being foils to each other, meaning they are polar opposites. Burr had a somewhat wealthy background while Hamilton came from more humble beginnings. They also had completely different personalities and were part of different parties. These factors led to Burr challenging Hamilton to a duel. Burr shot and fatally wounded Hamilton while Hamilton purposefully missed his shot. Burr had won, but at a terrible cost. Politics had driven these men to performing an illegal and fatal act that led to Hamilton’s death. The theme of the passion for politics continues to pop up throughout the book.
In chapter two, Thomas Jefferson proves he is a master at politics. This chapter continues the theme of politicians with opposing ideas. A disagreement arises when Hamilton fears the nation will perish if Congress does not follow his plan on the government having more control. James Madison disagreed with Hamilton’s idea. Madison believed that the states should have more power than the federal government. He feared if the government had too much authority, it would lead to a monarchy. Hamilton’s Bill of Assumption was not passed because of Madison. Jefferson sought out to resolve this conflict through a dinner which became known as the Compromise of 1790. After the dinner, Jefferson and Madison became close allies because they shared many similar ideas.
Chapter three focuses on the theme of slavery being immoral. The themes of opposite ideas leading to a form of compromise and the passion of politicians is seen again as well. The South was thriving with slaves while the North knew that slavery was wrong. Slavery is unethical. It divided our country. Some politicians like Benjamin Franklin wanted to abolish slavery. Franklin was extremely persistent and made the North even stronger with his determination and speeches. Unfortunately, he died before he could cause any real change. At the time, no one knew that slavery’s fate would be determined through the Civil War.
Chapter four focuses on George Washington. After eight years of presidency, Washington was ready to retire, which worried many citizens. He wrote his Farewell Address with the help of Hamilton and Madison. Washington wanted to ensure that even though he was retiring, America would continue to stay away from any threats and remain united. However, Jefferson turned on Washington, thinking that he had changed and craved power.
Chapter five is about the election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in 1796. Their presidential debate against each other became very ironic considering how close of friends they were. Readers learn about where Adams came from and how he become Vice President to Washington. It is also stated that Adams thought as the presidency as a monarchy. This caused many citizens to worry. Even so, Adams won the presidency and Jefferson became his Vice President. Their friendship was gone. Again, the theme of passionate politicians is conveyed. Adams was not a very good president and he found assistance only from his wife, Abigail. The only remarkable thing he did on his own was declare peace with France, but he did this so late in his presidency that it was forgotten by many. There were also many conflicts between Federalists and Republicans (Jefferson’s party) at the time. In 1800, Jefferson became President with the help of Madison. This led to singular parties running the government a president at a time.
Chapter six starts off with Adams leaving politics to become a farmer and feeling hurt by Jefferson and Hamilton. A man named Benjamin Rush had been persuading Adams to write to Jefferson and visa-versa. In 1812, Adams finally wrote a letter to Jefferson that rekindled their friendship. Jefferson also apologized for the propaganda he said against Adams. The theme of compromise is seen again. Also, as seen in previous chapters, Jefferson always wanted equality. Sadly, social inequality was thriving at this time due to wealth and riches. On a different note, the Federalist Party became nonexistent. The book ends with both Jefferson and Adams dying of old age and disease on July 4, 1826, Independence Day.