George Washington was the unanimous choice of his fellow founders for president; and he is remembered to this day as an exceptional leader; but how exactly did this manifest itself during his lifetime? In George Washington; Nationalist; acclaimed author Edward J. Larson reveals the fascinating backstory of Washington’s leadership in the political; legal; and economic consolidation of the new nation; spotlighting his crucial role in forming a more perfect union. The years following the American Revolution were a critical period in American history; when the newly independent states teetered toward disunion under the Articles of Confederation. Looking at a selection of Washington’s most pivotal acts―including conferring with like-minded nationalists; establishing navigational rights on the Potomac; and quelling the near uprising of unpaid revolutionary troops against the Confederation Congress―Larson shows Washington’s central role in the drive for reform leading up to the Constitutional Convention. His leadership at that historic convention; followed by his mostly behind-the-scenes efforts in the ratification process and the first federal election; and culminating in his inauguration as president; complete the picture of Washington as the nation’s first citizen. This important and deeply researched book brings Washington’s unique gift for leadership to life for modern readers; offering a timely addition to the growing body of literature on the Constitution; presidential leadership; executive power; and state-federal relations.Gay Hart Gaines Distinguished LecturesPreparation of this volume has been supported by The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon and by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lewis E. Lehrman.
#1259794 in Books Catherine Allgor 2000-11-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.52 x 1.01 x 6.48l; 1.53 #File Name: 0813919983312 pagesParlor Politics In Which the Ladies of Washington Help Build a City and a Government
Review
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. well done and worth a readBy CrystalI was lucky enough to be student of Dr. Allgor's for three years and the book was everything I would expect from her. She is at times funny and serious; and capable of explaining history in academic terms that aren't so esoteric as to be incomprehensible to the non-historian while giving a fresh spin on a well documented time period.In Parlor Politics; Allgor documents the vital role that women played in the creation of a society during (arguably) the most fragile period in our history. One wrong move and the whole deomcracy concept could've gone out the window. Women were able to step in and do things that men couldn't; and under the guise of furthering their family became real movers and shakers in the early washington scene. Allgor documents the time of Jefferson through the Jackson presidency and does so with a style that is often missing in academic texts. It is easy to see why this book is quickly becoming an influential work in the history of Washington and the construction of america.If you enjoy this book; you may want to also read "good wives" by laurel thatcher ulrich...more dry; but also interesting.21 of 22 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating view of Washington political and social lifeBy Joe BrownIn the early 19th century; Washington City was a new political frontier by the time Thomas Jefferson was elected to the President's House. The new political and social elites were both taken aback by Washington's crude facilities and (at first) socially barren lifestyle yet were somewhat anxious to create a new political and social capital. The male politicians who came to Washington City were accompanied by their wives; sisters; and other female relatives and counterparts who saw enormous opportunity for not only social gain but political influence as well. Catherine Allgor's book; "Parlor Politics: In Which the Ladies of Washington Build a City and Government"; convincingly portrays women as important movers and shakers in both Jeffersonian and Jacksonian society. The increasing influence that women were making in social life was beginning to play an important role in politics as well. The republican ideals of womanhood brought increasing responsibility to mothers and wives to train younger generations in civic duties. Women then used this domestic role to effectively make their presence known in the male-dominated milieu of politics. Allgor uses the examples of Dolley Payne Todd Madison; Elizabeth Cortwright Monroe; and Catherine Adams (all First Ladies) to brilliantly point out that women could make or break a person's reputation in Washington. Women were ardent lobbyists; busily preparing and grooming their husbands' careers and making sure that they were introduced to the proper people in Washington. The practice of "calling"; for example; on the city's social elite illustrates a complicated network of contacts which was a way of life in the social circles of the nation's capital. While it is easy for upper-class women to busy themselves with politics and social matters (they did have servants to perform most domestic chores) they nevertheless were provided more opportunities for political advancement. Allgor's analyses of the various levees and "drawing rooms" that were held in Washington City illustrate complex social situations in which women played a vital part. Dolley Madison; for example; realized how even the most intricate of details like the color of curtains; for example; could determine if a levee would be successful or not. Allgor's monograph is short yet detailed look at social life in early Washington. So much can be gleaned from this book that can be pertained to modern times (the Jackson scandals; for example). Overall; an interesting behind-the-scenes look at Washington political and social life.1 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Assigned ReadingBy JuliaHad to read this as an class assignment. It actually turned out to be pretty interesting; but I think the author could have used 5 words instead of 50 to say the same thing.
