Chief Justice Warren E Berger once said:
“Our Constitution has had as great an impact on humanity as the splitting of the atom… I applaud the republication of this extraordinary work (“Miracle at Philadelphia”) and recommend it to anyone who want to know about the creation of the oldest existing national constitution, and who enjoys the excitement of the world-historic drama told by a master storyteller.”Need I say more about the power of this outstanding work?
Please share your reflections, comments, curriculum ideas and respectful responses to other’s comments regarding Catherine Drinker Bowen’s “Miracle at Philadelphia” below
I have been reading Miracle at Philadelphia. I choose to read it first because it was the one I hadn't read. I am really impressed at the simple way Ms. Bowen tells the story of the creation of the Constitution. I can imagine as she wrote it she pictured herself there. It is amazing to me that the concepts I have been taking for granted in the Constitution were so foreign to them that they had to be deeply considered and thought about. I guess I imagined them coming easier. I am surprised at the opinions of some, like Ben Franklin wanting one house in the leg. or having 3 executives. I am really enjoying my readings.
ReplyDeleteCourtney,
ReplyDeleteI am delighted to read that you are enjoying the text, of the three assigned texts, "Miracle at Philadelphia" was/is the most difficult for me to read. I am hopeful that in reading while completing my reflective/ learning log the text will be easier to follow. By the way I had the same reaction to the text as did you, that is it was fun to picture myself there with the Founding Fathers, working in a dark, hot, secretive environment to create a government that would save the fledgling Union.
Economics played a great part in the "Miracle at Philadelphia." Many people do not understand how financially difficult these times were. Without common money (or specie) people had a hard time earning income. I appreciate the many times the author brings this to light.
ReplyDeleteHey guys,
ReplyDeleteGot to read some of Miracle during Spring Break. At our school we spend a large amount of time doing a We the People project part of which is an indepth discussion of the Philadelphia Convention. Can't wait to use the extra information that I have received here. I hadn't made the connection between the development of government and the process. I had a vague idea, but this book really makes it more clear. I also enjoy how it delves a little more into the personality of the people. I think its great that there were even people there who were "fanatics" like Patrick Henry. They seem like the Libertarians of today.
I've been to independence hall and reading this is making my last trip even more meaningful. I love governmental process and this is totally fascinating to me.
Just starting the book and I am amazed at the beginning how it was a miracle that the convention even came together...We always hear about the convention and it’s like they were just there. I am shocked at the effort and time it took to pull off simply getting them to meet.
ReplyDeleteFinished Miracle. I just want to retain the information and I know I am going to forget. I was a little shocked that the Constitution in most states barely passed. I thought everyone was for it! I guess I love it so much I thought everyone else did too. I am already packing!
ReplyDeleteI think I have finally figured out how to blog!!! You can how old a person is by how well he/she handles things technical. I have got to be the oldest one in our group (probably true!), but if it's not too late, I wanted to share my thoughts on The Miracle and pass on some helpful support. JD Williams from the U of U often spoke of how The Miracle gave us the best detailed account of what transpired the summer of 1787. He was right!! A number of years ago BYU Studios produced a movie (about 1 1/2 hours) which includes much of the book. I saw The Miracle come to life in this production called "A More Perfect Union." It's well worth showing this in class. as students get to see and know the personalities and characters of the convention. Reading The Miracle reinforced for me who these men were--very human and determined, yet finally willing to compromise to preserve the new country. I am also reading The Summer of 1787 by David O. Stewart (a Costco special) which covers the same event but does not include as much detail. A good quick read for background information.
ReplyDeleteSharon,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you figured out the blog! I appreciate your comments regarding the text. I will check into the text you suggested, provided I can find time to plow through another text. I must say it has been fun getting to know the members of our travel seminar via the blog. I look forward to getting to know everyone better during the trip, until then I will look forward to additional comments over the next couple of weeks.
I read Miracle at Philadelphia for the first time and really enjoyed the descriptions of the Founding Fathers. I felt that I was there at Constitution Hall. It was easy for me to visualize the scenes as they took place. There were so many unsung heroes like James Wilson. I look forward to being there, and I can't wait to see "the chair". I agree with Benjamin Frankllin in that it is a "rising sun".
ReplyDeleteSharon,
ReplyDeleteI, just read your comment on A More Perfect Union. I do show that in class and was pleased to see how well it followed the book also. I love the direct quotes. Thanks to James Madison we know what happened.
Wow, this book had a very detailed play-by-play of the events. I can't imagine the research it must have taken to write this book. I am sure the author felt that she was part of the whole ordeal by the time she was done. I know I did. I really can't wait to see these places and make it even more real to me. Thanks for this opportunity, it is one I know I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI set myself to a real timetable reading this book so I would finish it before the crunch time at the end of the year. I was so enlightened by the process that these men went through to write the Constitution. This topic isn't given more than about a day and a half's coverage in my classes because students have covered it in 8th grade as well as the Government and Citizenship class that is now required, so I haven't delved too deeply into the story of its creation. I will definitely be spending more time on this in the fall and assigning readings from this book to my junior and senior students.
ReplyDeleteOops, forgot to mention what my favorite part of the book was, the one that I will be sure to have my students read....Franklin's speech on pages 255-256 that James Wilson read. Franklin was not portrayed in a very good light in "John Adams", but his words here make him seem like the noble man I envisioned him being, teh stalwart American who truly wanted to see America succeed.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have begun reading Miracle at Philadelphia. This is the first time I have ever read this book. I am enjoying the descriptions of each of the people at the convention. There are so many that I didn't really know before, but now feel like I know in person. The descriptions are so detailed on the day to day events. It has opened my eyes on how this convention was really run and how difficult a time they really had. I find it really interesting how much they don't trust the common man to make a wise political decision. I am like Courtney and am afraid I will forget what I have learned while reading. I am hoping to retain all of this. I am looking forward to going to Philadelphia and seeing these sights in person. Hopefully it is not a sweltering as the book describes. :)
ReplyDeleteAs I am reading Miracle..as my third book, I too was interested in Franklin's speech read by Wilson. Frankilin is one figure that I have spent time helping my students to understand and have respect for his many talents and contributions to our nation and scientific world. It is interesting to see him in a better light than portrayed in John Adams. I am enjoying the day to day telling of the convention happenings and discussions. Again,I am thankful for the many men involved, taking the time to record the happenings in personal diaries and letters. It is still amazing to me the amount of primary information shared in all three books.
ReplyDeleteAs I become aware of events going on in the world political arena today, I cannot help but appreciate more the work of the founding fathers in putting together the framework for our government. Our constitution is the oldest written constitution in the world being practiced, yet we are among the younger nations. Pretty good for a group of men coming from different backgrounds with different political agendas and beliefs. Shows what can be accomplished when the desire to succeed is strong. This is a great example for us in our everyday affairs, be it personal, local, national, and international.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am almost done with the book. This one seems to be taking me longer to read for some reason. I am learning a lot from this book. I forgot how much of a debate it was on the decision on the representation in Congress. It really is amazing that that issue did not break up the Convention. I was also amazed at the arguement over foreigners in the Senate and Congress. I found that interesting since quite a few of them were foreigners themselves. I thought the debate about the western lands and whether or not they would be equal to other states was interesting. I never knew that they debated this issue and to such an extent. If they wouldn't have given them equal rights would things be different today? I enjoy also learning a little more about each of the people.
ReplyDeleteHAYDN CALL SAID:
ReplyDeleteSometimes as educators we talk about the Constitutional Convention without really thinking about the difficulties they faced. This book has enlightened my mind on the matter. Large state and small state debates alone almost killed the convention and dissolved what is now the strongest nation in the world. God bless the USA.
Hey Sharon, is the movie you referred to appropriate for 5th graders or too much?
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time that I have read this book. I was impressed as many of the others were with the detailed descriptions of the convention. It really puts into perspective the difficulties that were faced during the convention. I will not be so quick to complain about modern conveniences.
ReplyDeleteI finished the book. I found it very enlightening and made me appreciate our Constitution even more. The stuggle they faced in writing such a document really is amazing. It really was suprising how close the votes were in each of the ratifying conventions. If the opposition would have had a few more supporters who knows if we would even have the Constitution. As a read the Constitution at the end of the book it made a lot more sense to me and I could remember the struggles they had about some of the issues. These men put so much thought into this document and it truely has stood the test of time. I liked Sharons comment on how this is the oldest written Constitution, but we are one of the youngest nations. IT really is an amazing document that has stood up to all kinds of tests. We are all indebted to the men who wrote this document and for making us the country that we are today. Without it, we would be a far different nation.
ReplyDeleteThe Miracle at Philadelphia in 1787 was truly spectacular and this book outlines the way in which the founding fathers constructed the Constitution. I find it hard to read this book though. I am not sure if I am reading mini biographies of each of the members of the Const. Convention, or construction of the Constitution. The author bounces back and forth so much that sometimes it is hard to stay on track as a reader. One of the most interesting things I have found so far is how attached to their states each were, but knew that the Constitution and a "Federal" government (as the book puts it) was for the greater good. At least those who bothered to stay for the whole thing and the signing. Like I said, I love the info and even the bio.'s, but it does by far seem to be the hardest of the books to follow.
ReplyDeleteFinished Miracle. Again I thought it a tough read, but it made a little comeback in the end. I liked the detail of the Ratification process used by each state. The nice things about the mini bio's was that by the time you get the the ratification it was easy to understand why the alliances lined up the way they did. That is, who was Antifederalist and who was Federalist. Franklin moved fast which I was happy to see. It was not liked by everyone, but it was at least workable and an unexperienced government that people were willing to take a risk on.
ReplyDeletehalf way through, interesting how differently Ms. Brown account of Hamilton is than in John Adams. Here his is painted more of a hero than the vindictive politician who went behind Adams back and manipulated others to achieve his own means.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought as I begin to read chapter 16. The creation of the constitution and this country definitely found timing to be important. The correct timing for the declaration of independence, and constitution, like Bowen said 5 years before not ready 5 years later would have been discouraged by the French Revolution. (however the occurrence of the FR could be debated with out the influence of the American Revolution,). Now the debate of slavery, which continued to the civil war. But so did the debate over state rights. The nation at that time was not really ready to discuss slavery the base of economy for many of the delegates, nor where they ready to really solidify the rights of the national and federal governments. It took the civil war to finally unite the country and finish what the founding fathers started. Timing, it is all about timing.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed reading this book. I don't know about you, but I find that, even as a history teacher, that I often view history from my modern perspective. This book helps to get me back on track. It is amazing that 13 small "countries" (or so they would have liked to think) could come together, compromise, dicuss, debate, and create this amazing document. Thank you, James Madison, for your superhuman notetaking job. How insightful that the secrecy rule was to be in place for 30 years. How wise! Our nation was new enough to appreciate the brillance of the Constitution and "old" enough to not be able to criticize its conception. James Wilson said it best when he noted that the delegates were "providing a Constitution for future generations and not merely for the circumstances of the moment."
ReplyDeleteI’m in Miracle of Philadelphia. It took me a while to get into this book, just because the style is so different from that of David McCullough. I have, however, really started gaining a liking for the author’s style and realize how much it has made me think. I have always considered myself a patriotic constitutional supporter and I thought, for a 5th grade teacher, I knew a quite a bit about the Constitution. This book has made me realize I didn’t really know much at all. Yes, I’ve read the document and I teach my students about it, and we go into “what I thought” was pretty good detail, but I never really took the time to think about the hours, and the days, and the weeks all of these men took in research, in debate, in writing, in revising, in voting, etc., etc. before they took it to the people. Then it wasn’t even unanimous for the people within their own states when they were asked to vote on it.
ReplyDeleteWow, each of the Constitutional Convention participants had real lives, too. Just like us. Many couldn’t stay or had to leave for a time because they had to go back to their farms, jobs, sick families, and take care of important things in their lives. (Do any of you feel this way? I had to change rooms after being in the same classroom for 11 years, but felt like I had to teach right up until the end on Friday.) I guess I never thought of it on an individual basis, as far as what life would have been like for someone for that year.
ReplyDeleteI never quite realized the breadth of what was discussed at the constitutional convention. I guess I just naively assumed that there was the New Jersey plan and the Virginia plan and that they made some sort of compromise between the two. However, that kind of thought really belittles the efforts put in by the founding fathers. The tortured discussion was of course necessary to bring about the very functional yet flexible government they created.
ReplyDeleteI just finished this wonderful book this morning. I knew that there had been debates during those four months in 1787, but I had NO idea at the breadth and scope of the issues these men dealt with. It really IS a miracle that we have a Constitution, and that it is the amazing and inspired document that it is. The debate really came down to small v. large and states' rights v. federal power. The delegates struck a brilliant balance. The duration, power, and consistency of the document speaks to the wisdom of its creators. Also, I did not not miss the irony of these strongly opinionated men creating the Constitution through compromise. I sure have a new appreciation for the nation I live in.
ReplyDeleteWell, I really think this book was the best by far. I appreciate that Bowen announces her bias in the prologue when she says that her book "celebrates" the Convention. But what I appreciate even more is her impassioned portrayal of so many of these important men. By admitting her bias and yet still caring deeply about obtaining some balance, she wrote a quite fair take on history. In the author's note Bowen stated that she agreed that you can't be unbiased unless you quote everything said from both sides. And being practical, she knew doing that would be impossible, at least in one edition. In comparison, I view McCullough's writing as if he were an actor on a stage, completely in character as protagonist. But Bowen's writing shifts smoothly from Elbridge Gerry to James Madison, thus creating a truer picture of events. That should be the ideal for all historians, I think, for we are the people who society needs to build bridges of understanding from person to person.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I thought the book to be stellar, it left me wanting more in one area. I would like to have read more about the anti-Federalist critiques of the Constitution. While I believe the Constitution to be breathtakingly good, I thought some of the anti-Fed critiques to be quite prescient to today. For example, Gerry's concern over the duration and continued re-eligibility of senators. Even before reading this book, I had begun to think that Congress was by far the most corrupt branch of our gov't today. Why? No term limits and long terms = lots of sweetheart deals with lobbyist allies and near invincibility as incumbents because of an ever-growing war chest of campaign donations. Had Gerry's critiques been heralded maybe this would be avoided (although other problems may arise). Also interesting were Mason's criticisms that Vice President as President of Senate dangerously blurred the line between the executive and legislative branches. (A prophetic criticism in light of Dick Cheney's recent claims that the office of VP is not of the executive or legislative branch. According to Mason, Cheney is onto something. But where Mason feared this, Cheney embraced it.) The VP thing works well when you have a man like John Adams, who knew that his role ought to be limited. A very different dynamic is created when a VP is very proactive.
ReplyDeleteI can't resist one more comment, although it has been made by others. I too love how, through reading this book, you see that America's fate walked the knife's edge in 1787. I mean you had states talking about putting tariffs on each other! I think tariffs have lead to wars in other chapters of history. I felt, in reading this, that nothing was fate but that instead real people had to make real choices. In class, I would love to set up a game where students represented 1 of the 13 states and all the interests that perspective entails. Then I'd like to set up some sort of meeting (to imitate the Convention) to see what route my students would take. I'd be curious to see if most kids would choose the path that these leaders took.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how dignified these men acted during this time. They had to endure long debates in stifling heat. The keep their decorum and respect for each other. That is fascinating to me. Many of these men were well read and embraced the opportunity to lead where others would have walked away because it was too hard. History is good to honor these men for the sacrifices they made to change the world.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of details that help us to gain an understanding of the sacrifices and the complexities of that time period.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this book I am starting to get excited to visit Philadelphia and Independence Hall. How historical that building really is. In those walls our founding fathers discussed, debated, and created this nation and it’s form of government. It’s really pretty awesome when you think about it.
ReplyDeleteI am curious as to what others thought of chapters 12-14. Placed near the middle, of the almost minute to minute telling of the development of the constitution, were three chapters largely removed from Philadelphia. I enjoyed reading of French and English visitor's views of America. It allowed me to make a connection to John Adams and views shared when he was in Europe of life in the colonies. I also think it provided me a needed break in the book and allowed me to refocus with the start of chapter 15.
ReplyDeletePOSTED BY BOB HOOPES JUNE 6TH
ReplyDeleteI read this book, I listened to it as an audio book, I annotated it on my laptop, not by hand, thinking that I would cut and really paste the annotations. I finally had the annotations ready for print all sized so they would fit the form and I shut my laptop off to plug-in the printer. My hard drive crashed.
However pages 240 and 241 are worth ALL this trouble. The 7 verbs of the Constitution, order, form, establish( used twice), ordain, insure, provide, promote are just strong enough to provide us with direction and purpose and all just moderate enough to allow us liberty (agency). I thought I came up with this thought on my own but then Ms. Bowen wrote about it on the very next page. What a great country we live in, and we owe much of it to those who argued through the summer.
Soon,
Bob
I'm with Doug, reading the book has made me excited to visit Philadelphia. I was amazed at Ms. Bowen's depth of scholarship, all of the little tidbits she threw it were fascinating. A couple of ones that struck me as interesting were
ReplyDelete1) Henry Knox's quote about his fear that the writers at the convention would become concerned with pleasing their States vs. saving the Union and fail, he wrote: "But should the Convention be desirous of aquiring present popularity; should they possess local and not general views; should they propose a patch work to the present wretchedly defective thing called the Confederation, look out, ye patriots, supplicate Heaven! For you will have need of it's protection!"
Great quote I will use that next year when I teach the failure of the Articles of Confederation.
The second quote I got a chuckle out of was Jefferson's comparison of the culture of the North and the South on page 92.
Lastly it occurs to me how much more interesting "Miracle at Philadelphia" became to me when Ms. Bowen wrote in a narritive form. A good reminder that when teaching stories stick, when the details slip away.
Along with others, I chose to read Miracle first because I hadn't read it before and I was intrigued by the story. I felt reading it first would prepare me to better appreciate the intricacies of John Adams. I have not yet made it throught the John Adams book, but I do feel having the overarching story of the constitution fresh in my mind will make John Adams a better experience. The ease with wich the story of this book flows from one chapter to another helps make the story exciting and fresh. I didn't have to work to understand this book. It was nice. There were times when I wondered why certain things were in the book. The section about what Europeans thought of America seemed unnecessary until I finished reading the section. As I read the rest of the book, I found the information very important.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Bob as well. That is a section from this book I will definately be using in my classes. They need to understand how important those verbs are and what they mean. A lot of what I've read will be helpful to me as a teacher because it will provide stories and a frame for my teaching but parts of this book would be excellent for my high schoolers to read when they take my government class.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed a book, but I read both of the David McCullough books first and they are a totally different style than this. While I love the descriptions and getting to know the individuals, it's hard for me to read it because the descriptions come in the middle of the events. She'll be discussing a critical event during the Convention, mention who brought it up, and then go off on a tangent about that person's background for three pages. I almost forget what was happening by the time she's done discussing the person. Don't take that to mean I don't like the book, because I do; I just have issues with formats sometimes.
ReplyDeleteUm, sorry, my post above is supposed to say, "I enjoyed the book..."
ReplyDeleteThis I think was a harder read for me in the beginning, but it did pick up for me later on. An interesting thing that I thought was about the absence of a Bill of Rights. Many wanted it and the Federalists thought that the Constitution didn't need one, because they were living in a free country and why should they have to write one out for what they already knew and believed??? Sometimes we just have to know- and know on paper what our rights really are so that they don't get taken away or stepped on...
ReplyDeleteBTW- I also liked Mr. Shake's thoughts on creating some sort of game about the States and the paths of interest they might choose leading to the Constitution. I never realized just how independent most of the states were from each other and how selfish many were for their own motives.
ReplyDeleteAnd- even after reading Adam's take on Hamilton and thinking he was a sleazebag- I really loved his quote in Bowen's book:
"Men love power. Give all power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all power to the few, they will oppress the many."
I think that our constitution did a good job of trying to balance this out, Although I do agree with Mr. Shake's comments on limiting the terms of congress- there is a lot of corruption out there.
It's a good thing Madison had the foresight to take his own notes, otherwise we may never have had this opportunity. It would seem that if everyone played a little part, even if it didn't make them famous, it would contribute to the greater good.
ReplyDeleteI'm also glad that the Convention made rules of consideration to act upon as they debated. If not, the assembly might have been quite loud and chaotic, one man shouting over the other. There may have been a few more fistfights, too. If the delegates can be civilized as individuals representing their states, then the colonies as a whole can act together under one government in union.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazes me most about the readings is in each book it has talked about how young the men of the revolution were. I am turning 30 next Saturday the same age as Alexander Hamilton when he attended the Constitutional Convention. There was also Chares Pinckney who was 29, Jonathan Dayton 26 and more who took part in the convention. When I read 1776 and it listed the ages of Washington’s Generals and it was much of the same brave men in their twenties, thirties and even into their teens. These men were wise beyond their years. It is hard for me to imagine what it would be like for me at my current age to try and take part in the creation of a nation. I truly commend these men at their young ages for their courage in taking on the impossible.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite books that we had to read in college. Now, after re-reading the book, I realize why. I like the depth that she puts in the book. I too, am amazed that we were able to get a constitution in place with all the different people that attended. I can't wait to see first hand where it all began.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember if I posted after I finished the book. This book was harder for me to get through,It packed with information. It seemed to me a who's who among the constitutional convention. I was really impressed with the authors ability to really understand the players and society in both Britain and America at the time. Putting it all into context was very enlightening and her title is appropriate the MIRACLE at philly. Amazing Amazing
ReplyDeleteAs I read this book, I am amazed, again, at the miracle that is our Constitution. These men were all such strong characters. That they ever reached compromises illustrates that they really were more dedicated to a successful form of government and the continuance of the Union than they were about their own egos, although there were deffinately egos.
ReplyDeleteLike many who have blogged before I find it interesting to learn about more figures than just the usually that you have heard, Madison, Hamilton, Franklin and Washington...
ReplyDeleteI loved the depth of debate on all issues. Usually study of each have been in brevity. I enjoyed the different takes on all sorts of issues discuss. An example would be that of not paying the President. Franklin assumed this would deter people from hopes of richness but in contrast it would only lead to leaders who were wealthy enought to support themselves.
It truly is a "Miracle" like mentioned that with all the debate and disagreement the Constitution was able to be ratified. What dilligent work on the behalf of great men who believed in the cause.
I also still admire the presence Washington brought to the delegation. He alone kept many of these delegates together by just being who he was.
It was amazing how many of these men were able to stay away from selfish fulfillment with discussed matters, such as expansion westward. Even to keeping the secrecy rule was quite an achievement. No way that could happen today!!!
As I have read all of these books, I have come away with some very different impressions of the Founding Fathers. Some that I used to admire a lot, like Jefferson, I don't think as much of. Others like Adams and Washington, I have come to admire even more than I did. It is really illustrative to me that God can use very imperfect people to do whatever He need done. Thanks goodness or I would be out of a job.
ReplyDeleteEvery Year I give to my students the task to become the a GREAT AMERICAN this includes completing nine tasks the deal with american history one of them is to memorize the Preamble. I have hear this recited to me almost 100 times since becoming a teacher but reading this book has given me a entirly new perspective about it. WOW what our founding went through to make this happen. I hope that next year when I give my students this task I can share a bit more of the history and trials behind what it took our fore fathers to make the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteI finished Miracle at Philadelphia and was very impressed that at the end after so much heated debate in the Convention itself and then in the State conventions many Anti-Federalists, like Patrick Henry, were able to say we lost the fight and now support the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteWhat great character that takes!How I wish we could do that in politics today and on issues today! Many great Americans took part in creating this lasting Constitution it was fun to read about those men and thier many different opinions and characters! All of them wanted America to be its very best even if they had differing views on how to make that happen.
This book also made me excited to visit Philadelphia which I never have been too! Good thing we figured out the "yellow fever" problem!
Angella-- I agree with you when you say it seems like this book is a who's who--- The biggest part to me was the study of each of the people. How often can you read a who's who and actually form an opinion on a person? It was harder for me, this time around-- reading the book-- I think a lot of that might just be the pressures of school. I still am amazed at the detail that I find myself questioning... Can you imagine the heat, the pressure, the smell, the secrecy, the anger, the values, the thought? For me, this is what is brought to life in the book.
ReplyDeleteIt’s crazy how the connotations of words change over time. “On these words, federal . . . national . . . supreme, the Convention would stick for days to come,” Miracle explains, “A federal government, Madison told the delegates, operates on states, a national government directly on individuals.” Today it seems most people use the words federal and national as almost synonyms without understanding any distinction between them and with equal connotative emotion.
ReplyDeleteAs I read what all you guys wrote, I now know you are definitely a much more insightful group of people than me.
ReplyDeleteFor the past two years, I've been able to work with 8th graders who are preparing speeches pretty much about everything that the Miracle covered. Wild huh? What I liked best was the human aspect the book brought into it. It will be interesting for my students to understand that the human perspective had an impact on the formation of our government. They understand the background information, John Locke, etc., but it's often really easy to forget how the attitude and background of these founders also shaped the government of today.
Like several of you mentioned I also had a harder time getting "into" this book, especially when I read McCullough's first. It was so incredibly helpful to actually see the places it spoke about in the book, espcially "The Chair". The book is so informative, but it helped make things "click" a little bit more after visiting Philly and being able to visualize the places now.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this book, and actually comprehending how much of a "Miracle" (pun intended) it really was I kept thinking about how it would have worked today. Maybe I am being negative here, but I highly doubt that you could get 13 seperate and different countries (essentially) to stay in a room during the summer and create this type of government/document. These men obviously felt a duty for thier state and country, but I would make the argument that they were stubborn and thought that their way was the only way. The fact that they had to compremise for the better good does say something about their character, but I still wonder how many world leaders today could do something like that.
ReplyDeleteOh, and one more thing as a summary about all of the books. There were several instances where they speak about citizens being angry at the new government. I think that the Americans wanted a new government (anything but the King), but yet they didn't know what they wanted and so many of them could never be satisfied with what they got.