An extraordinary American comes to life in this vivid, incisive portrait of the early days of the republic--and the birth of modern politics hen the roar of the Revolution had finally died down, a new generation of American politicians was summoned to the Potomac to assemble the nation's newly minted capital. Into that unsteady atmosphere which would soon enough erupt into another conflict with Britain in 1812, Dolley Madison arrived, alongside her husband James. Within a few years, she had mastered both the social and ...
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An extraordinary American comes to life in this vivid, incisive portrait of the early days of the republic--and the birth of modern politics hen the roar of the Revolution had finally died down, a new generation of American politicians was summoned to the Potomac to assemble the nation's newly minted capital. Into that unsteady atmosphere which would soon enough erupt into another conflict with Britain in 1812, Dolley Madison arrived, alongside her husband James. Within a few years, she had mastered both the social and political intricacies of the city, and, by her death in 1849, was the most celebrated person in Washington. And yet, to most Americans, she's best known for saving a portrait from the burning White House, or as the namesake for a line of ice cream. Why did the Americans of her time give so much adulation to a lady so little known today? In "A Perfect Union," Catherine Allgor reveals that while Dolley's gender prevented her from openly playing politics, those very constraints of womanhood allowed her to construct an American democratic ruling style, and to achieve her husband's political goals. And the way that she did so--by emphasizing cooperation over coercion, building bridges instead of bunkers--has left us with not only an important story about our past but a model for a modern form of politics. Introducing a major new American historian, "A Perfect Union "is both an illuminating portrait of an unsung founder of our democracy, and a vivid account of a little-explored time in our history.
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The benefit of a woman's sphere in a time of extreme factionalism is exhibited in this work about the woman who essentially established the role of First Lady. With regional interests so diverse as to cause physical fights in the Congress and each thinking the opposing side were 'beasts' it was this woman that united the nation. Beginning with her role as wife of the Secretary of State, a position at the time thought to lead to the Presidency, and later as First Lady, Dolley held frequent 'salons' i.e. social events where numerous issues would be discussed. At these events opposing congressmen would come to understand each other as human beings with logical reasons for their positions. Because the events were hosted by a woman they could not get into physical altercations because it would be ungentlemanly.
Jefferson did not have a first lady and consequently Dolley Madison, as wife of the Secretary of State took to herself to create a more congenial atmosphere in the Nation's capitol. Her actions, especially after the British burned Washington during her husband's Presidency, were instrumental in keeping the Nation's capitol in Washington rather than making it mobile or in some other city where government would not be the primary business.
Allgor's book is as much about the social history of the times as it is about Dolley herself. Insights into so of the actions of the founding fathers' reveal some of their attitudes, e.g. that regarding religion. On page 176 she notes "Washingtonians attended 'public worship' ... in the Capitol building." With all Christian denominations appearing "even a woman preacher." Variability mattered little. "Church had become a place for socializing and display."
This book is an enjoyable read. One that fits into history, politics and women's studies.
