Independence on Trial: Foreign Affairs and the Making of the Constitution

by Frederick W. Marks III

In Independence on Trial, Frederick W. Marks III focuses on the impact of foreign affairs and trade, arguing that they had an overwhelming influence in shaping constitutional reform for the founding fathers. He argues that problems relating to the conducting of foreign affairs far outweighed any other issues facing the Confederation and that the Federalist's desire for a more advantageous position in the world was their overriding concern which gave rise to the Constitution.

Genres: History, 18th Century

254 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Frederick W. Marks III was an American historian and Catholic apologist. As a scholar, he has written and taught extensively on American diplomatic history. As a proponent of Roman Catholicism, he has written dozens of articles and tracts and spoken extensively in public. Marks graduated with a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross, and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan, Purdue University, and St. John’s University.