An American Triumph

BOOK REVIEW: An American Triumph: America’s Founding Era Through the Lives of Ben Franklin, George Washington, and John Adams by Tom Hand (Americana Corner Press, 2023) $35.00 Hardcover.

Tom Hand’s An American Triumph examines the lives of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and John Adams. Hand, a West Point graduate, created the website “Americana Corner” in 2020 to “share stories and documents of America’s founding period.” This coffee table style book contains over one hundred and thirty images and maps, arranged in different time periods, from before, during, and after the American Revolution. Included are “why it matters” sections and annotations. The anecdotal book uses personal experiences of founding fathers to recognize their contributions to the United States and to inspire a reader’s love of country. Hand also serves on the American Battlefield Trust’s Board of Trustees. Proceeds of this book go towards the “Preserving America” grant program which funds preservation efforts related to pre-1876 buildings and other projects.

Themes throughout Hand’s book include perseverance in the face of challenges, and devotion or service to country. The backgrounds of the three main figures vary; Franklin rose from poverty to become a self-made upperclassman, Washington was born into wealth, and Adams lived moderately comfortably. Hand interjects their stories with the obstacles they faced in order to appeal to the “true American spirit” he vocalizes within the book’s introduction.

Hand composes a laundry list of accomplishments for the founders studied in this book. The chapters are arranged chronologically, listing their initial contributions to society before, during, and after the Revolution. Franklin influenced communications, political thought, and scientific discoveries in the colonies and throughout the world. His actions include building a hospital for the poor, establishing the Pennsylvania Library Company, and contributing to the origins of the University of Pennsylvania. Hand explains how these actions demonstrate a devotion to country and civic projects aimed at advocating for the common good. Similarly, Adams’ influence on persuading other colonists to support independence was similar to Franklin’s commitment to constitutional principles. While both were not against the Stamp Act, they were against how Parliament created laws without consent of the colonies.

Advertisement

Hand explains that Adams was also extremely dedicated to his work for the Continental Congress, advising on multiple committees, and drafting multiple documents. Hand also uses Adams’ defense of the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre to demonstrate Adams’ commitment to principle and service. Adams believed the soldiers deserved a defense, even at great personal risk to his business practice as an attorney. For the rest of book Adams is relegated to someone diligently working behind the scenes before, during, and after the war. Hand instead pays particular attention to Adams’ vice presidency and eventual presidency. He portrays Adams’ main successes as the overlooked Quasi-War with France and the establishment of the United States navy. The challenges Adams faced mainly had to do with inability to connect with the public and conflicts with the rising party system.

Washington is painted as a selfless and virtuous figure. His flaw in taking part in the institution of slavery is lightly discussed, such as manumitting his slaves after his wife Martha’s death. But, most of his narrative is painted similar to Adams and Franklin. He did come from an upbringing of wealth and education, but there were challenges. Hand discusses General Braddock’s failure and death during Washington’s formative years, and Washington’s military failures at Brooklyn Heights and White Plains. Most of Hand’s narrative mirrors Gordon S. Wood’s own commentary on the “greatness” of Washington.[1] There are not many people who can say they gave up power at a time when grabbing it through the military was commonplace. Hand explains that one of Washington’s most important victories was ending the Newburgh Conspiracy with words, demonstrating his commitment to civilian government rule and his bond with his fellow soldiers. It is this dedication to serving the public good that underscores Hand’s argument. Wood’s article on Washington analyzes more on the culture and political thought of the period; leaders had to appear virtuous as the classical heroes, but Washington also possessed the moral character he cultivated. It is this along with the precedents he set for those presidents who came after him that Hand hails as victories.

While the book presents suggested readings and materials, there is a lack of source citation throughout the work, which some historians may find alarming. But, those that are looking for a public-facing encyclopedia of knowledge will be pleased. Those seeking a more analytical and hard-hitting book, or one that only examines founders’ flaws, will be sorely disappointed. Either way, Hand leaves it up to the reader to draw their own conclusions and go deeper into the research of such important figures.

PLEASE CONSIDER PURCHASING THIS BOOK FROM AMAZON IN HARDCOVER.
(As an Amazon Associate, JAR earns from qualifying purchases. This helps toward providing our content free of charge.)

Advertisement

[1] Gordon S. Wood, “The Greatness of George Washington,” The Virginia Quarterly Review 68, no. 2 (1992): 189-207.