Introduction

          Joseph Ellis's Pulitzer Prize winning book, Founding Brothers, is both "good history" and "good literature."   It is "good history" because it is based upon extensive research in primary sources and attempts to substantiate a complex analysis of the accomplishments of the most important leaders of "The Revolutionary Generation."   It is "good literature" because Professor Ellis knows how to tell an interesting story and bring to life the personality and character of each of his major figures.   We hope you will find it both a "good read" and an excellent model for the kind of thinking and writing that we wish to help you refine in this American Civilization course.

Your Assignment

          The primary goal of this project is to bring historical characters to life through realistic interactions and conversations. It is critical that you do not just rely upon Ellis's analysis, but rather incorporate your own insights and new information derived from primary sources.

          After having carefully read and discussed the entire book, each of you will be required to research and write a 5 to 7 page (1250 to 1750 word) [10 to 12 page {2500 to 3000 word} if you decide to work as a pair] paper focusing on two of the major figures whose thoughts and actions are analyzed in a chapter of the book.

          Regardless of the individuals or the chapter you choose, you will be required to follow Ellis's example by bringing your characters to life and basing your paper on an in-depth examination of relevant primary sources.   Those writing individual papers should use at least one primary source not used extensively by Ellis.   Partners papers need to use at least two additional primary sources.   Obviously, both types of papers will also cite from Founding Brothers.   Thus, papers need internal citations as well as a works cited page.

          You may choose from any of the following topics or propose a topic of your own for both instructors' approval no later than Friday, September 26.   We encourage you to submit a first draft of your paper on or before Monday, September 29.   The final draft of your paper will be due on Friday, October 10.

   Based upon the chapter entitled "The Duel," invent a dialogue between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton designed to illuminate one or more of the important differences of opinion between the two over the future direction the United States should take.

   Based upon the chapter entitled "The Dinner," invent a conversation or series of conversations between any two of the participants in the dinner meeting (James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton) either as a prelude to or exploring the aftermath of that meeting.

   Based upon the chapter entitled "The Silence," create an exchange of views between any two of the prominent participants in the debate over slavery during the period 1782-1790 (James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, James Jackson, William Loughton Smith, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton) in which each individual presents his reasons for wanting to either engage in or avoid a public debate on this critical subject.

   Based upon the chapter entitled "The Farewell," create a dialogue between George Washington and either Alexander Hamilton or James Madison focusing on the issues to be included in or deliberately omitted from President Washington's "Farewell Address."

   Based upon the chapter entitled "The Collaborators," write an exchange of letters between Abigail Adams and John Adams regarding Thomas Jefferson's election as President of the United States and whether to attend his inauguration.