Self-government, the American theme : presidents of the founding and Civil War / Will Morrisey.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Morrisey, Will.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Presidents--United States--History.

Presidents.

United States.

History.

Democracy--United States--History.

Democracy.

Representative government and representation--United States--History.

Representative government and representation.

Political science--United States--History.

Political science.

United States--Politics and government--1789-1815.

Politics and government.

United States--Politics and government--1861-1865.

Physical Description:

x, 279 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham, Md. : Lexington Books, [2004]

Summary:

In Self-Government, The American Theme, Morrisey aptly demonstrates how the regime of the founders was replaced by a much more statist regime during the Civil War. He offers salient interpretations of the writings of the key presidents of founding and civil war periods, and interpretations centered on the key word, 'self-government.' This book is an essential contribution to the understanding of early American history and politics.

Contents:

Section 1 Presidents of the Founding

Introduction: Self-Government and the Founding Era: Prospects and Contingencies 21

Chapter 1 Self-Government and the American Father: George Washington 29

Chapter 2 Self-Government and the Fiery Spirit: John Adams 55

Chapter 3 Self-Government as Natural Right: Thomas Jefferson 91

Conclusion: The Coherence of the Idea of Self-Government in the Political Thought of the Founding Presidents 129

Section 2 Presidents of the Civil War

Introduction: Self-Government and the Antebellum Era: Crisis of the Self Divided 137

Chapter 4 Self-Government and Secession: Jefferson Davis 149

Chapter 5 What Is the "New Birth of Freedom"?: Abraham Lincoln 177

Conclusion: Davis and Lincoln Compared 207.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 263-273) and index.

ISBN:

0739107089

OCLC:

52895233