Edmund Morgan Meaning Of Independence Summary

In his 1975 book, The Meaning of Independence, American historian Edmund Sears Morgan delves into the personal principles, fantasies, and actions of three of the founding fathers. Morgan, an eminent authority on early American history, commences his work by impressing the ways American lives would be different had the acts of the British not inspired a yearning for independence in the hearts of the American colonists. Once Morgan analyzes the characteristics of the first three presidents, he states their similar thoughts and ideas. Washington, Adams, and Jefferson all perceived the need for independence and the actions the colonies would have to take in order to gain their independence. These three men took action towards gaining independence for the colonies despite England’s inability to conceive that the colonies would ever be able to accomplish this feat. Morgan describes Adams who is a devout farmer from Braintree, Massachusetts, as limited, straightforward, and obsessed with the need to be great. Adams was limited because he was emotionally attached to his farm, but he craved fame, power and prestige which required him to travel extensively. Adams was greatly focused on politics and war as opposed to other subjects. President Adams was a straightforward

Washington was determined to grow the nation and increase the common defense. President Washington’s seriousness about manners such as his posture and opinions of others caused people to understand that he was an adept man. Washington's character was dignified and extraordinarily reserved even with close friends. He regarded honor and economic interest as important traits, as shown by his ideals. In Washington's view, interest and honor motivated men. Although Washington wanted America to grow rapidly, he believed that America should not negatively interfere with other countries while striving to meet the desires of the