America's founding secret : what the Scottish enlightenment taught our founding fathers / Robert W. Galvin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Galvin, Robert W.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States--Intellectual life--18th century.

United States.

Intellectual life.

Political science--United States--History--18th century.

Political science.

History.

Enlightenment--Scotland.

Enlightenment.

Scotland.

Scotland--Intellectual life--18th century.

Enlightenment--United States.

United States--Civilization--Scottish influences.

Civilization.

Physical Description:

xiv, 101 pages : illustrations ; 20 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham, Md. : Rowman & Littlefield, [2002]

Summary:

The story of the founding fathers is familiar to every American. How these individuals came together to foment rebellion in the colonies, form the Continental Congress, fight the Revolutionary War, and write the Constitution is told by many historians. Yet in that telling, there is one fundamental omission -- the profound influence of the Scottish Enlightenment. In this important work, Robert W. Galvin illuminates how the founding fathers' motives, thoughts, and actions were framed by this notable movement. Incorporating an essay on the Scottish enlightenment, America's Founding Secret traces the impact of enlightenment ideas on the early leaders of America and details the importance they placed on promoting commerce. Concise and accessible, America's Founding Secret will forever change the way Americans look at their nation's beginnings.

Contents:

Why These Essays? Who Made the Difference? Where Could Their Thoughts Lead? 1

The Untold Story of the Founding of the U.S. Republic 7

How Did the Scottish Enlightenment Come to Be? 49

Postscript: Unintended Consequences 77.

Notes:

Includes index.

ISBN:

0742522806

OCLC:

49494963