The book “1787: The Grand Convention” by Clinton Rossiter delves into the proceedings of the convention that took place in 1787. Divided into four parts – The Setting, The Men, The Event, and The Consequences – Rossiter highlights the challenges faced by the country during this period. He emphasizes that without substantial support, America would not have achieved its current status as a powerful nation. Under the Articles of Confederation, the congressional government had limitations and influential figures of that era needed to unite and put aside their differences to fulfill the goals of the revolution. While not all delegates agreed on the necessity for a new government structure, they acknowledged that action was necessary to safeguard their hard-won freedom. Additionally, Rossiter provides an extensive introduction to the men who attended the convention – accomplished individuals with businesses, political experience, and degrees from various universities across North America. Renowned names such as Washington, Hamilton, Madison, and Franklin earned reputations as exceptional figures in politics, business, and military affairs. However, prior to reading this book, these were the only familiar names I had encountered; thus serving its purpose of filling in gaps left by my high school and elementary education classes.The book, skillfully curated by Mr. Rossiter, breathes life into the personalities of individuals who were only briefly described in the classroom. His ability to piece together this pivotal moment in history using notes and letters from these great men deserves applause. The most crucial aspect of this book is its detailed account of the event itself, which took place over several months from May 14th to September 17th. Throughout these critical few months, we are fully immersed in witnessing how these diverse personalities learn to collaborate and work together.
As a first-time reader about the Convention of 1787, I was taken aback to discover that they did not initially get along and were primarily focused on promoting their own ideas without being open to compromise. The section dedicated to the convention effectively highlights the stark contrast between certain individuals’ immense dedication towards crafting the constitution and others’ lack of effort exhibited. It also sheds light on certain attendees’ disruptive intentions. This section successfully challenges the notion that these men were revered as demigods, as portrayed by political scientists and school textbooks. Alternatively, it could simply reflect society’s common tendency to remember only the positive aspects when someone passes away – highlighting their accomplishments while overlooking their flaws.When examining Edmund Randolph’s political career, researchers often highlight his significant contributions to the constitution. It is worth noting that he was one of the three individuals who chose not to sign the final draft prior to its ratification.
I found it particularly interesting that the constitution started late, indicating that many people did not recognize its potential despite not considering the meeting a waste of time. Some were satisfied with minor changes to the Articles of Confederation while others wanted a fresh start. Another surprising aspect was Hamilton’s limited presence at the convention. Previously, I had learned that he played a crucial role in gathering everyone together, so I assumed he would be present for most of the time like Madison and Washington. However, according to the book, Hamilton only attended around 10% of the convention. As Mr. Rossiter mentioned, Hamilton turned out to be the biggest disappointment among all attendees.
Furthermore, it is astonishing how few people attended the convention and even more astounding that Rhode Island did not attend at all. It raises questions about how a nation plagued by deep distrust from late 1700s until the Civil War managed to become so strong and united in present times. The only explanation I can think of for Rhode Island’s lack of interest in the Constitution is their prior experience with enduring struggles during the Revolutionary War.
Despite the creation and ratification of the constitution, it was discovered that a number of the framers faced significant debt. This revelation challenges the notion that these individuals were infallible figures in history. Not all of them had perfect attendance or unlimited wealth to freely obtain land. For instance, William Patterson only made sporadic appearances after introducing the New Jersey plan. Tragically, James Wilson experienced financial troubles with creditors that led to his death while incarcerated.
To gain a deeper understanding of the constitution, I recommend reading this book instead of the simplified version typically taught to children. It reveals that our knowledge of the Convention primarily relies on Madison’s notes and challenges the notion that it proceeded smoothly. Mr. Rossiter employs quotes sparingly amidst extensive information to maintain engagement without overwhelming readers. However, one drawback is that at times, it feels like constantly encountering last names of significant individuals, which can impede the reading pace and become tiresome.
There are 1,161 words in total and the content spans across 24 pages.
