Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different
On March 27, 2007, Pulitzer Prize winner Gordon Wood discussed his recent book, Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different, at a North Carolina History Project Headliner Luncheon. He emphasized the Founders' character and spoke at length about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, and Aaron Burr. Wood stressed, in particular, that the Founders, although great men, were products of a particular time and place. They comprised a unique generation because they balanced the democratic values of liberty and equality with the aristocratic values of nobility and refinement.
Videos showing an interview with Wood before his North Carolina History Project lecture can be accessed via the links below:
Why we care about the Founders
The Founders' definition of character
The impact of egalitarian democracy on future generations
The Founders' continuing relevance
The entire lecture can be viewed here.
See Also:
Related Categories: Political History, Early AmericaRelated Encyclopedia Entries: Arthur Dobbs (1689-1765), Edward Vail (1717-1777), Edenton Tea Party, Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Carteret County, Robert Howe (1732-1786), Republicanism, William Hooper (1742-1790), Watauga Association, Cross Creek, William Richardson Davie (1756-1820), Alfred Moore (1755-1810), Principles of an American Whig, Stamp Tax Protests (Wilmington), Sons of Liberty, Non-Importation Movement, Merchants Committees of Inspection, The Justice and Policy of Taxing the American Colonies in Great Britain Considered, Provincial Convention (1775), Tories, John Alexander Lillington (c.1725-1786), Anti-Federalism, Willie Jones (1741-1801), Timothy Bloodworth (1736-1814), Federalist Party, Francis Oliver (1740-1808), James Iredell, Sr. (1751-1799), William Blount (1749-1800)
Related Commentary: Edenton Tea Party: An American First, When Wilmington Threw A Tea Party: Women and Political Awareness in Revolution-Era North Carolina, A Duel to End All Duels: Richard Dobbs Spaight Vs. John Stanly
Timeline: 1664-1775 , 1776-1835