History of the Origin, Formation, and Adoption of the Constitution of the United States, Vol. 1 / With Notices of Its Principle Framers

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

40400

Title

History of the Origin, Formation, and Adoption of the Constitution of the United States, Vol. 1 / With Notices of Its Principle Framers

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George Ticknor Curtis presents a definitive history of the U.S. Constitution's origins, tracing the Revolution's deep causes and the Convention of 1787. Written with impartiality and scholarly rigor, this work illuminates how American liberty was secured from impending anarchy, offering essential insight into the foundations of national prosperity and self-government.

Summary up to 500 words

In *History of the Origin, Formation, and Adoption of the Constitution of the United States*, Volume I, George Ticknor Curtis chronicles the constitutional evolution of America from the onset of the Revolution through the 1787 Convention. The work serves as a vital historical record, filling a gap in national literature by detailing the deep causes that rendered the 1787 Convention inevitable and the specific circumstances that directed its course. Curtis argues that the formation of a stronger general government was not merely a political choice but a necessity to prevent anarchy and inter-provincial war, while simultaneously preserving state institutions and local self-government. He posits that the Constitution was a living code essential for perpetuating free government, securing liberty for posterity, and uniting thirteen feeble colonies into a powerful nation capable of standing among the world's principal powers. The narrative traces the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, highlighting the roles of key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Curtis emphasizes that the Constitution saved American liberty from impending anarchy and enabled unprecedented growth in commerce, agriculture, and jurisprudence. The text is dedicated to George Ticknor, acknowledging his scholarly influence, and reflects the encouragement of Daniel Webster, who urged Curtis to complete the history before his own death. Webster's correspondence underscores the solemn importance of the task, noting that while he had planned to write on the subject, he recognized Curtis's undertaking as the appropriate continuation. Curtis writes with an impartial spirit, looking beyond local feelings and party claims to provide a just history. He illustrates the dramatic transformation of the United States from a collection of feeble colonies subject to corsairs and hostile legislation to a powerful confederacy stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The volume covers the First and Second Continental Congresses, the formation of the Union, and critical debates regarding colonial rights versus Parliamentary authority, establishing the foundations upon which American liberty and prosperity have rested ever since.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Politics