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Like an earthquake that turns solid ground to jello, Wood tosses out idea after idea that turn established
concepts into shambles
Original revolutionaries were not ready for democracy – and individuals voting
rather than rule by an inspired and moneyed classAmericans as entrepreneurs par excellence – where other countries trade was tolerated here it was worshipped
Thought public servants should be wealthy enough not to need a salary. e.g.,
Ben Franklin – self-made, but retired by 42 and one of the richest of the founders
Religion as binder to society – 2nd great awakening [but consider too that
Aaron Burr, who tired to split the new nation, was Jonathan Edwards' grandson]
Destruction of aristocracy left people without connections – leading to voluntary orgs & interest societies – leading to factions and quickly first modern political parties [despite Madison’s Federalist Paper #10 which argued
against faction and party]
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