I am getting fascinated on the early politics in the United States (roughly from independence to 1820 or so), where there seemed to be deep disagreement among different factions (say, Hamilton vs Jefferson) along with the difference between different colonies and the influence / fights with France and Britain. What are some good sources (books, online, etc.) to learn more about that part of the history?
We are well aware that we should have sent our best team and knocked you out . In a sense it is our fault that our errant children are now despised .
Forget any history BS propaganda, unless you are using it for university or public school knowledge. Your best bet to learn about cultures and societies are through cultural anthropology and psychology. There you will learn how to analize information on history and not just remember events that were documented by one point of view. In other words, to understand the true aspects/variables of any culture/society of the past, you must look not into history, but the macro level interactions of what took place. When you develope this ability to see things from a global perspective, you will be smarter more intelligent, and will be able to profit from it. If you just read one perspective you will limit yourself to the stqatus quo and regurgitate the same BS idology that the authors of those hisotry book intened. Do yourself a favor, and learn to think.
Go with textbooks and history books before 1956. A good source is David Barton's American Heritage Series on DVD. THEN a great textbook written in a story style is The Story of Liberty. More than one book. Very interesting and makes you proud of your heritage in spite of Leftist propaganda. Don't buy anything that starts out with....an idiot's guide. You'd be an idiot to buy one of those.
I liked Adams by I believe David McCollough. Talked quite abit about the politics of the time, especially between Adams and Jefferson.
Reading the individual bio's of all the main actors of the day. Most important is Alexander Hamilton (Ron Chernow is best). The are at least 2 good bio's of Madison and of Franklin. "Jefferson, American Sphinx" is my favorite for him. The letters between Jefferson and Adams after they retired gives a more refined view of their politics, making friendly after years of animosity. You will find much of the platform of the Democratic and Republican parties have changed over the years, more often than not trading form side to side. If you are looking for an exact definition of what the Constitution said and meant to say you will be wasting your time. The Federalist Papers are difficult to read in their context as language usage and meaning have changed, so vague are the principles that the two main authors of the Constitution became mortal enemies after Washington's election and their disagreements continue almost verbatim today.
