Integrating all aspects of life, from politics and law to the economy and culture, "Empire of Liberty" offers a marvelous account of this pivotal era when America took its first unsteady steps as a new and rapidly expanding nation.

Originally published: 2009.

Rip Van Winkle's America -- Experiment in republicanism -- A monarchical republic -- The Federalist program -- The emergence of the Jeffersonian Republican party -- The French Revolution in America -- John Adams and the few and the many -- The crisis of 1798-1799 -- The Jeffersonian revolution of 1800 -- Republican society -- The Jeffersonian West -- Law and an independent judiciary -- Chief Justice John Marshall and the origins of judicial review -- Republican reforms -- Between slavery and freedom -- The rising glory of America -- Republican religion -- Republican diplomacy -- The War of 1812 -- A world within themselves.