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Friday, June 14, 2013
Last section of Wood's book- Bit Surprised
I was a bit surprised at how strong Wood ended his book. Sounded like he was lamenting along with Jefferson and the other founding fathers about how bad America turned out.
I also thought the same thing. I think that his personal opinion on the matter is that there needs to be some sort of social order so that there is a sense of respect for a person with a higher education or wealth, whose opinions may be regarded as more credible.
Purav, When you say "his personal opinion" are you referring to Wood or Jefferson?
I think Wood liked the way it turned out, but as with most (all?) revolutions, it did not turn out the way its originators had expected. They thought they were establishing a classical republic with virtue and deference. What they got was a messy, grasping, democracy, which gave more opportunities to the average person than ever before (and possibly opened up the way for others--note that Vermont ended slavery the year after the start of the Revolution). Wood seems to like this opening up of society and economy and the possibilities it provided.
I got almost the opposite feeling from his writing, but I was a bit distracted with organizing a move while reading. I felt as though Wood was lamenting right along with Jefferson.
I completely agree with your point in reference to our founding fathers; however, I thought that Wood actually would agree with the founding fathers. I do not think Wood completely liked the way things turned out. I think that he believed that the democracy was messy and had its faults. I think Wood may like certain aspects of the new society, like the freeing of slaves example you provided, but I also thought that he sympathized with Jefferson and the other fathers about the nation becoming over radical. You provide a interesting view.
Steven, I was really surprised at how he ended the book as well. At first, I thought he was very pro-idealism and almost that the radicalism was more of this romantic picture of 18th century America. However, we find that it was a brutal and down right vulgar- some might even say "anti-American"- but, could it have happened any other way? Probably not. Also, like Purav said, I think it made America seem overly-radical, which I definitely think we deal with today.
I also thought the same thing. I think that his personal opinion on the matter is that there needs to be some sort of social order so that there is a sense of respect for a person with a higher education or wealth, whose opinions may be regarded as more credible.
ReplyDeleteYates and Purav,
DeleteI think you hit on an important.
Purav, When you say "his personal opinion" are you referring to Wood or Jefferson?
I think Wood liked the way it turned out, but as with most (all?) revolutions, it did not turn out the way its originators had expected. They thought they were establishing a classical republic with virtue and deference. What they got was a messy, grasping, democracy, which gave more opportunities to the average person than ever before (and possibly opened up the way for others--note that Vermont ended slavery the year after the start of the Revolution). Wood seems to like this opening up of society and economy and the possibilities it provided.
Hey Kevin,
DeleteI got almost the opposite feeling from his writing, but I was a bit distracted with organizing a move while reading. I felt as though Wood was lamenting right along with Jefferson.
Steven,
DeleteI completely agree with your point in reference to our founding fathers; however, I thought that Wood actually would agree with the founding fathers. I do not think Wood completely liked the way things turned out. I think that he believed that the democracy was messy and had its faults. I think Wood may like certain aspects of the new society, like the freeing of slaves example you provided, but I also thought that he sympathized with Jefferson and the other fathers about the nation becoming over radical. You provide a interesting view.
Steven, I was really surprised at how he ended the book as well. At first, I thought he was very pro-idealism and almost that the radicalism was more of this romantic picture of 18th century America. However, we find that it was a brutal and down right vulgar- some might even say "anti-American"- but, could it have happened any other way? Probably not. Also, like Purav said, I think it made America seem overly-radical, which I definitely think we deal with today.
ReplyDelete