Historiography of the Founding

1
Historiography of the Founding

• Examining Different Interpretations of Early
  American History

2
Historiography Defined

• the writing of history based on the critical
  examination of sources, the selection of
  particulars from the authentic materials, and the
  synthesis of particulars into a narrative that
  will stand the test of critical methods
• Taken from Websters Dictionary

3
Different Schools of Thought

• These terms have different meanings than the
  modern political definitions
• Progressive
• Liberal
• Republican
• Multi-Cultural

4
Progressive

• Economic Interest drove Founding Fathers
• Highly Critical of Founders
• Suspicious of Patriotism
• Negative view of Constitution

5
Liberal

• Enlightenment ideas drove Founding Fathers
• John Lockes Natural Rights
• Government should protect Inalienable Rights
• Limited Role of Government
• Free market economy free harmonious society

6
Republican

• Importance of Ideas and Moral character
• Nation of virtuous individuals
• Advance of public good
• Influenced by the Ancient Romans and Greeks
• Pamphlets from Paine or more important than
  formal documents

7
Multi-Cultural

• Importance of people other than Founders
• Suspicious of Founders intentions
• Role of women, African Americans, lower classes,
  and Native Americans
• Negative view of Constitution