Representative Americans

No simple rubric comes easily to mind when one thinks of the Revolutionary generation. Their accomplishments were too grand, their interests too varied to be encompassed in a single phrase. This book reflects their concern with the fundamentals of society and government and also explores the lives of individuals who contributed to science and the arts. Risjord divides this book into three sections, each exploring one of the era's dominant themes.

Each generation of Americans has a special flavor, a character of its own. Sometimes a memorable decade, such as the "Gay Nineties" or the "Roaring Twenties," imprinted the generation that lived and outlived it. Yet no simple rubric comes easily to mind when one thinks of the Revolutionary generation. Their accomplishments were too grand, their interests too varied, to be encompassed in a single phrase.
Risjord divides this book into three sections, each exploring one of the era's dominant themes. The first section, "Nation Builders" follows the careers of military men such as George Washington and Francis Marion and examines life on the homefront through the eyes of Abigail Adams. The section headed "Character Builders" examines the lives of people who sought to mold an American national character, men such as Charles Willson Peale, Benjamin Rush, and Noah Webster. The last section explores the paradox that the Revolutionary generation also gave birth to an empire in which self-governing people ruled—sometimes tyrannically—over others.
The founders of the American republic were preoccupied with the fundamentals of society and government. This book reflects this concern and also explores the lives of individuals who contributed to science and the arts.

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Introduction
Part 3 Nation Builders
Chapter 4 Benjamin Franklin: The American Mold
Chapter 5 Samuel Adams: Pure Republican
Chapter 6 George Washington: Gentleman Revolutionary
Chapter 7 Francis Marion: The Swamp Fox
Chapter 8 Abigail Adams: Partner in Home Rule
Chapter 9 Aaron Lopez: An Immigrant's Story
Part 10 Character Builders
Chapter 11 Noah Webster: The Search for National Identity
Chapter 12 Charles Wilson Peale: Patriotism in Color
Chapter 13 Charles Bulfinch: An American Style in Building
Chapter 14 Isaac Backus: Crusader
Chapter 15 Benjamin Rush: Patriot Physician
Chapter 16 Benjamin Banneker: An African-American's Experience
Part 17 Empire Builders
Chapter 18 Eli Whitney and John Jacob Astor: Pioneers of Business
Chapter 19 George Rogers Clark: Conqueror of the Northwest
Chapter 20 James Wilkinson: Master of Imperial Intrigue
Chapter 21 Tecumseh and The Prophet: A Vision Shattered
Chapter 22 Thomas Jefferson: A Summary View