Book Analysis Essay on "A Magnificent Catastrophe"

Introduction

This book is a campaign history that is beautifully crafted and conceived with the sole role of informing and entertaining. The book 'A Magnificent Catastrophe' was written in the year 1800 by a historian Edward J. Larson. This book gives a brief overview of the lives of two friends turned foes before and after the United States of America's 1800 general election (Larson, 2008). Larson feels that this was the first general election in the United States of America. The book teaches about the American Revolution and how Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were not only close friends but also collaborators. They worked together in convincing the Continental Congress in declaring independence. Even though they succeeded in this, and they worked together in writing the Declaration of Independence (Larson, 2008). They later served as America's diplomats to Europe where their friendship blossomed and this extended to their families. They both happened to be absent for the Constitutional Conventional, but they supported it each with personal doubts. For instance, Jefferson feared chances of a monarch while his friend was getting weary of a rise of an aristocracy.

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Their ideological differences were getting out of hand, and by 1800, it was impossible to mediate between them. Their ideological differences became very emotional and unstable especially when it touched on the French Revolution. Those in support of Jefferson felt this was just, but a beginning of the American Revolution which they believed would change the face of America to the whole world. The nation got divided with one Republicans side in support of the French Revolution while Federals opted the England way. This confusion threatened the survival of the independence of America (Larson, 2008). Tension rose, and America prepared for war with France. Treasonable allegations were made between the French and Americans. The government made it a crime to criticize it; however, they could not succeed in prosecuting the editors of the opposition newspaper. In 1799, Napoleon led a coup d'etat. This news made Americans question what they termed as excessive democracy with their primary focus on the 1800 elections. Federalists felt this was a weakness of extreme capitalism.

Soon the two friends were the front candidates, and when the election results came, Adams had won with 71 votes, beating his closest rival Jefferson with a paltry three votes. They became president and deputy respectively. Hamilton, who was then the commander of US Army, hated Adams and so he plotted to frustrate his presidency. This plot failed terribly. The general elections were nearing, and each party was in heated campaign modes. Federalists were accused by the Republicans of many things, some of which included being too much aligned towards religion, being the sponsors of Alien and Sedition Acts, and sympathizing with a monarchy (Larson, 2008).

Meanwhile, federalists had deep infightings over Adam's leadership. They accused the federalists over being godless and having blind belief in liberty at the sacrifice of general order. They cited the French example where Napoleon had succeeded in overthrowing the government as an example of what would be awaiting them should the Federalists win. The background relationship between Federalists leader Hamilton and Republican's organizer Aaron Burr was full of drama. The outcome of the election saw Jefferson winning.

Analysis of the Book

This book is crafted in one of the most elegant ways ever done before. Its ability to tell a campaign story in a way captivating, entertaining and still educating is unseen for in most writers of the day. The book is a bittersweet tale of perfect political friends turned foes. From the book, one can tell what the picture of the 1800 general election was like. Edward J Larson uses the book to give an overview of what the US constitution was (Larson, 2008). From the book, we learn why some things today are as we see them, for example, this book explains as to why United States general elections usually end up with two people battling for the top seat. It also addresses some ideologies that we see in current parties ideologies. The only negative aspect of the book is its brief explanation of some of the critical matters. For example, the book does not give an in-depth explanation of why Adams and Jefferson had their fears for the aristocracy and monarchy (Larson, 2008). The book does not explain why Britain and France had interests in the US election. It does not also justify the hatred between Hamilton and Adams even though they belonged to the same party.

This book addresses the issue quite reasonably. It tries to explain some theories we see in America's politics today. The fierceness with which the US elections are usually conducted in the current settings is explained. From the book, we learn that most policies in the US systems have not had any slight change for over 200 years. This book can be treated as a magnificent reflection of America's history with relevance to the current generation. This book addresses both the historical view and contemporary view of the American Revolution. The historical part is seen when this book explains the origin of some of the policies that run our party leadership and electoral systems (Larson, 2008). For example, a voter defected from Adam's camp and voted Jefferson. This disorganization almost cost the Republican Party by then. The dirty politics in play had to be stopped, and that marked the birth of permanent party members.

Edward J. Larson did excellent work in compiling this book. However, I would recommend that he adds some brief history explaining the origin of Aristocratic and Monarchial feelings in the minds of Adams and Jefferson respectively since this would solve the speculation there might be regarding the two issues (Larson, 2008). This book educates a lot about American political systems by clearing the air on some areas which were otherwise not clear enough. It also adds a fortune to my knowledge of our countries politics and history. For example, I was not aware of the reason why it is always a two-person face off in America's politics until I read the book. I feel more educated about our political history. The book also gives an insight into Jefferson's words to her daughter when he said; "Politics is such a torment that I would advise everyone I love not to mix with them," (Larson, 2008).

Conclusion

This story is a beautiful historical story. Larson has shown a rare ability to mix politics, history, and entertainment in one sentence: A Magnificent Catastrophe. I would highly recommend this book to my friends. I think they deserve a taste of what I just read from this book. The history has been presented in such a thrilling way that it appears like a story of a live event.

References

Larson, E. J. (2008). A magnificent catastrophe: The tumultuous election of 1800, Americas first presidential campaign. New York: Free Press.