Vox Populi: The Classical Idiom in Early American Public Opinion Articles, 1789-1791
Date
2008-08-14T18:20:29Z
Authors
Connors, Maureen E.
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Abstract
This thesis serves as an examination of the debates which took place in the public discourse during the First Federal Congress (1789-1791), by examining public opinion articles written in newspapers. The authors’ use of the classics reveals a sense of knowledge of the classical idiom among those participating in the public discourse. Issues discussed included location of the national capital, public funding, Indian treaties, and slavery. In each case, the classical idiom played an important part in the debate. This thesis is meant to convey a slice of the ideological motivations in the public discourse and in turn, demonstrate how inclusive or exclusive the scope of public opinion was among the larger population.
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United States--History, Classical antiquity, Republicanism, First Federal Congress, Printing – United States – 18th Century, Political Culture – 18th Century