This concise diplomatic history of the Confederation era is the first new work on the topic in a generation. In its pages, three distinguished diplomatic historians offer a realist interpretation of the way in which the Founding Fathers conducted foreign affairs, refreshing our collective memory about their priorities and their values. Even after two and a quarter centuries, Americans are seemingly still obsessed with our Founding Fathers' original intent and the direction it gives us for negotiating the tricky shoals of world affairs today. A fresh look at the most precarious period in the history of the republic reminds us anew of the wisdom of the Founders and the validity of their legacy. When three of the nation's leading historians come together to fashion a fresh study of American history, the resulting work cannot help but be a monumental addition to the field. Foreign Affairs and the Founding Fathers: From Confederation to Constitution, 1776-1787 is such a work. These eminent scholars provide a thoughtful, realist interpretation of the Founders' view of America's place in the world, delivering a timely reassessment of their aspirations, thoughts, and actions during the seminal decades of the American nation. This book takes readers backstage where they can eavesdrop on the Founders to better understand their motives and intentions and see how they responded to threats and problems associated with America's place in the world. Arguing that the Founding Fathers essentially thought and acted in terms of power--ranking matters of national interest and security over ideology and moral concerns--the book sheds new light on the foreign policy opportunities and challenges of the day, as the Founders weighed and determined them. In so doing, it offers important guideposts for our own time.

The challenge of external relations -- America enters the international community -- The challenge of independence -- American diplomats engage Britain and France -- American diplomats engage the Barbary pirates and Spain -- The crisis of 1786 : call for constitutional revision -- External relations and the constitution, 1787. The ratification debate : how important foreign policy?.