Self-Government, The American Theme

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.

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

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

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

FREE SHIPPING

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

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

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials