Revolutionary-era republicanism as championed by Nathaniel Macon and John Randolph of Roanoke

摘要

This work concentrates on the formation of a uniquely American version of republicanism and two men who staunchly adhered to its tenets long after it had fallen out of fashion. Revolutionary-era republican provided a useful set of principles for the colonists of British North America as they moved toward independence, throughout the Revolutionary War and into the nineteenth century. This work attempts to show the roots of American republicanism and how during the first decades of the nineteenth century the concept was adopted and adapted by those in the government. Nathaniel Macon of North Carolina and the Virginian, John Randolph of Roanoke, were two of the staunchest supporters of Revolutionary-era republicanism, and they are used to show the waxing and waning of their principles. Both were chosen because they dedicated their entire political careers to Revolutionary-era republicanism and due to the lack of scholarship concerning Macon and the somewhat distorted view of Randolph. By concentrating on issues that are closely related to the early republican ideals, this work shows the rise and fall of its popularity and the continuity of support by Macon and Randolph. Perhaps the two dedicated statesmen will be viewed in a more positive and accurate light and the republicanism as a political concept can be seen as an ever changing and evolving set of ideals.