Fears of a Setting Sun

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The story of how George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson came to despair for the nation they created reveals a surprising truth: the founders were far less confident in their work than we often believe. By the end of their lives, many, including Washington, Hamilton, Adams, and Jefferson, viewed America’s constitutional experiment as a failure unlikely to endure beyond their generation. This book uncovers the founders’ disillusionment, highlighting their varied concerns. Washington lost faith due to rising partisanship, Hamilton felt the federal government was too weak, Adams believed the populace lacked civic virtue, and Jefferson was troubled by sectional divisions exacerbated by slavery. In contrast, James Madison remained optimistic about America’s constitutional order, and the narrative explores why he held onto hope while others did not. As contemporary Americans grapple with fears about their country's future, it is essential to recognize that the founders faced even greater challenges and doubts. This vividly written account sheds light on a neglected chapter of American history, offering a fresh perspective on the founding, the Constitution, and the United States itself.