1789: George Washington and the Founders Create America

by Thomas B Allen

1789: George Washington and the Founders Create Americadraws on hundreds of sources to paint a vivid portrait of the new nation, setting out to show the world at large that a new—and very American—form of government was calling itself into being. “No future session of Congress will ever have so arduous and weighty a charge on their hands,” the New York Gazette observed in summer 1789. “No examples to imitate, and no striking historical facts on which to ground their decisions—All is bare creation.” The Constitution had been written in 1787 and ratified in 1788. But 1789 was the year the government it described—albeit only in the broadest of terms—had to be brought into being. Veteran journalist Thomas B. Allen brings decades of experience and a gifted storyteller’s eye to the long-hidden history of how George Washington and the Founders set the federal government into motion.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2023

Reviews

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an honor to write about Mr. Allen's "1789". I am grateful to his son Roger for his work on this text, and having such a treasure published. I learned so much about our nations history and the 'founding fathers'. Those who may find history 'boring, complex or antiquated' will be delightfully surprised by this incredible book. I feel that I have a tremendous gap in understanding our nations founding, and this book has truly enlightened me! Reading this book you will learn so many neat facts and tidbits, you feel as if you are transported to the time! You will also learn that our past is not at all unlike our present, a divided nation, two political groups struggling for power, the fight for control between the states and the federal government, racial and gender inequality, political and religious violence, epidemics, and so much more! This truly is not just a Washington biography, but a unique book on 1789- the year our country actually became a country! Who knew it was not in 1776 that the 'nation' was born?!
You will also learn about:
1. The origin of thanksgiving (hint - it has nothing to do with pilgrims apparently, everything to do with giving thanks to a "glorious Being" as authored by Washington.
2. 'Rouge Island' aka Rhode Island (such a unique history of a state!)
3. George Washington's unique rise to lead the country, how he handled the office of the President, and his sad death.
4. The first 'capital' of the united states, was Philadelphia for 10 years (wasn't D.C!).
5. The start of House and Senate in New York
6. History of Medicine: Such deadly epidemics the life expectancy of mean was 36!
7. Why we have the electoral college today.
8. How many offices and military branches came to be.
9. Thomas Jefferson words against slavery DELETED from the declaration of Independence (How different our country may have been...).
10. Why the Senate is called the 'upper chamber' and how the proceedings of congress and the senate came to be open access to the public (think 'peanut gallery' as onlookers threw peanut shells on the floor during house proceedings!)
Finally - WHY 1789 was such a crucial year. 7 future presidents helped to shape our country, states became unified under a nation, the first president elected, the first congress held, the constitution coming to life.
Take a trip back in time and find out why our country is the way it is today. If you have found yourself thinking 'this country is doomed, politicians can't get along, always arguing', you will find solace knowing it's not always been much different, and perhaps has even made our country the way it is (for bettter or for worse.)
Thank you Mr. Allen and Roger for bringing this past to LIFE.

[Kathleen E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at what happened to develop the U.S. Constitution.

✍️ What it's about? While many history books look at the Revolution or 1776, Allen focuses his sights on 1789. The Constitution was written in 1787 and ratified in 1788. But 1789 was the year the new government it described was finally formed. It explores the challenges the new leaders faced—from lasting debts after the Articles of Confederation allowed the government to raise an army but not to tax to pay for it to deciding where the nation's capital should sit.

🖤 Why did I like it? It's a well-written and insightful piece of history. If the focus and scope of the first third of the book had continued, it would be a solid 5 star read for me. While it begins focusing more on the political and economic situations that informed the founders' decisions, it moves into more cultural aspects. For instance, there's a whole section that considers the balancing act that George Washington and the government had to figure out to inspire confidence in the president's role without leaning too far into monarchical patterns and cultures. While it's interesting, I was more invested in the former. However, overall a good read for anyone interested in this era!

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but at times it meandered far outside its topic.