In this Virginia History Blog, we first look at Madison’s constitutional thought in “A Politician Thinking”. “James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and the British Challenge” investigates their nationalist response to British interference with American trade and their violations of the Treaty of Paris. Jefferson’s changing image even during his own time is described in “Confounding Father”,...
"Madison and Jefferson – Summer 2018"Continue reading
In this Virginia History Blog, we look at two titles related to the culture of the Revolution and New Nation, “The Power of Objects” and “An Empire of Print”, then two about politics, constitution and nationalism, “A Sovereign People” in the 1790s, and “Diminishing the Bill of Rights” at a Supreme Court case in 1833....
"Revolution and New Nation – Summer 2018"Continue reading
In this Virginia History Blog, we feature four titles related to New Nation and Antebellum Virginia. “Jefferson and the Press” charts the professionalism and partisanship of period newspapers, “Murder at Montpelier” documents the introduction and persistence of Igbo culture among the Piedmont’s African-Virginians. “Proslavery and Sectional Thought” explains the development of organic social theory in...
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For this Memorial Day, the Virginia History Blog looks at five titles about the American Revolution. “A Leap in the Dark” addresses the challenges of political leadership. “Almost a Miracle” is a military history of the Revolution, and “George Washington’s Enforcers” explains Continental Army justice and discipline. Considerations of political and social history are explored...
"The Revolution Politically, Socially and Soldiering"Continue reading
In this Virginia History Blog we look at at Thomas Jefferson, his presidential governance and his historical legacy. “Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power” is a popular account of Jefferson’s use of power in political office. “Jefferson’s Vendetta” describes the prosecution of Aaron Burr for treason during Jefferson’s second administration. “Mr. Jefferson’s Hammer” describes William...
"Thomas Jefferson Governance and Legacy"Continue reading
This Virginia History Blog reviews four titles concerning Thomas Jefferson. “The Mind of Thomas Jefferson” investigates Jefferson’s thinking in historical context. “Mr. Jefferson’s Women” accounts for the romances throughout his life. “Twilight at Monticello” describes Jefferson, his family and slaves during the last fifteen years of his life. “Thomas Jefferson’s Military Academy” looks at West...
"Thomas Jefferson: Thought, Family and Education"Continue reading
In this Virginia History Blog we look at five titles related to George Washington and his wife, Martha Washington. “General George Washington” examines Washington’s military career, and “The Glorious Struggle” focuses on his correspondence during his command of the Continental Army in the Revolution. “Washington’s God” looks at Washington’s personal faith practice, his theology and...
"George Washington as soldier, husband and host"Continue reading
This Virginia History Blog recaps five titles on the Founders, merchants and backcountry Virginia. “American Creation” is a top-down political survey of Revolution and Constitution eras. “George Mason, Forgotten Founder” is a biography of the Virginian Founder. “Buying into the World of Goods” explains the development of a marketing economy in Bedford and Franklin County...
"Founders, merchants and backcountry"Continue reading
In this Virginia History Blog on Revolutionary Virginia, we look at recent reviews beginning with “Patrick Henry: Proclaiming a Revolution” which features his oratory. George Washington is treated in two titles, “George Washington, Nationalist” focuses on Washington’s thirteen year career at the formation of the Union, while “George Washington, Wonder of the Age” surveys his...
"Revolutionary Virginia – Spring 2018 Journals"Continue reading
Looking again at religion in New Nation Virginia, “Wellspring of Liberty” explores the role of religious dissenters in the American Revolution and their subsequent efforts to secure religious liberty in the New Nation period. “Establishing Religious Freedom” in Virginia traces the evolution from dissenter toleration to religious freedom of conscience. “Bodies of Belief” compares and...
"Religion in New Nation Virginia"Continue reading
