Self-Government, The American Theme Presidents of the Founding and Civil War

by Morrisey, Will

• ISBN13: 9780739107089
• ISBN10: 0739107089
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-11-19
• Publisher: Lexington Books

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.

Author Biography

Will Morrisey is Assistant Professor in the departments of history and political science at Hillsdale College.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(20)
SECTION ONE: PRESIDENTS OF THE FOUNDING
Introduction: Self-Government and the Founding Era: Prospects and Contingencies	21	(8)
Chapter 1: Self-Government and the American Father: George Washington	29	(26)
Chapter 2: Self-Government and the Fiery Spirit: John Adams	55	(36)
Chapter 3: Self-Government as Natural Right: Thomas Jefferson	91	(38)
Conclusion: The Coherence of the Idea of Self-Government in the Political Thought of the Founding Presidents	129	(8)
SECTION TWO: PRESIDENTS OF THE CIVIL WAR
Introduction: Self-Government and the Antebellum Era: Crisis of the Self Divided	137	(12)
Chapter 4: Self-Government and Secession: Jefferson Davis	149	(28)
Chapter 5: What Is the "New Birth of Freedom"?: Abraham Lincoln	177	(30)
Conclusion: Davis and Lincoln Compared	207	(4)
Conclusion: Self-Government, The American Theme	211	(8)
Endnotes	219	(44)
Works Cited	263	(12)
Index	275	(4)
About the Author	279