An ironic examination of the founding years of our country. Historian Ellis guides us through the decisive issues of the nation's founding, and illuminates the emerging philosophies, shifting alliances, and personal and political foibles of our now iconic leaders. He explains how the idea of a strong federal government, championed by Washington, was eventually embraced by the American people, the majority of whom had to be won over. And he details the emergence of the two-party system--then a political novelty--which today stands as the founders' most enduring legacy. But Ellis is equally incisive about their failures, making clear how their inability to abolish slavery and to reach a just settlement with the Native Americans has played an equally important role in shaping our national character. Ellis strips the mythic veneer of the revolutionary generation to reveal men possessed of both brilliance and blindness.--From publisher description.
"The Whiskey Rebellion (also known as the Whiskey Insurrection) was a tax protest in the United States beginning in 1791 during the presidency of George Washington. The so-called "whiskey tax" was the first tax imposed on a domestic product by the newly formed federal government. It became law in 1791, and was intended to generate revenue for the war debt incurred during the Revolutionary War." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiskey_Rebellion]
Part One : Context: The Tax man cometh/The Quest for frontier autonomy/Sectional strife/Lice,labor,and landscape/George Washington and the western country
Part Two : Chronology/Indians and the excise/Assembly and proclamation/Liberty, order, and the excise/Alternative perspectives/Federalism besieged
Part three : Consequences/Rebellion/Response/A tale of two riots and a watermelon army/Conclusion
