Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The origins of America's current political turmoil are revealed "Inside the Revolution."
Robert Morris was a progenitor of America's Free Enterprise system. In the face of shortages, Morris championed free markets. When hyperinflation hit, he supported a silver based currency. Before the war, he used his trading contacts as an international spy network. He smuggled tea, and weapons for the war. With the Model Treaty, he set the basis for America's foreign relations. Morris ran the Continental Navy, and had an interest in 250 privateer vessels. As Financier of the Revolution, one year he personally put up more money for the war than all the states combined. He coordinated the French Fleet and Washington's arrival at Yorktown. He promoted the mint, got rid of religious test laws, and signed all three founding documents. Later, he lost his fortune with ill-timed real estate investments. His political opposites won the election of 1800, and focused on their futures, not his past successes. Instead, they cast him as 'the bankrupt'.
Synopsis
"a cogent, complex look at the American Revolution" - Kirkus Reviews Morris in one year put up more money for the war than all the states combined. The spirit of risk and economic freedom that he championed - laissez-faire capitalism, a radical idea - helped us win the war (and gave rise to our modern system). He coordinated the French Fleet and Washington's arrival at Yorktown. He got rid of religious test laws, and signed all three founding documents. His enemies won the election of 1800 and wrote him out of the story. Only Washington was more indispensable.