Divisiveness is the hallmark of American politics today. Red state versus blue; liberal versus conservative; secular versus religious; the list goes on. Sometimes it seems we are no longer one nation, but in fact we are. Division and argument have always been a part of the American scene, no more so than at our founding. In the Emergence of One American Nation , Donald J. Fraser explores the difficulties that the founding generation confronted in molding the United States into one nation. At the heart of that endeavor was the effort to create and ratify a new Constitution for the country, one to replace the failed Articles of Confederation. Fraser not only explains the American leaders' process of constitution making, but places it clearly in the context of the separation from Great Britian, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and fighting the Revolutionary War. Fraser's work not only tells of the events that led to the creation of one American nation, but also includes engaging portraits of the individuals who helped bring about the revolution and the new political order under the Constitution, including Franklin, Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, and a host of lesser known but interesting characters. Fraser's comprehensive history shows how partisanship and compromise have always been ingredients in the stew of American politics. This meticulously researched volume follows the evolution of the United States from 13 disparate, self-interested colonies to one nation united by the Constitution... The author shows a knack for choosing the best material to reinforce his points...He illustrates that the nation's early turmoil still echoes today, as the tug-of-war between personal liberty and the public good continues unabated centuries later. A thorough, successful reexamination of the many factors that went into founding the United States. - Kirkus Reviews As a history book it is very readable ... amazing how applicable it is to the times we are living in right now. - Beth Ruyak- Capital Public Radio Sacramento Many excellent books survey the genesis, writing, and ratification of the American Constitution... Donald J. Fraser's outstanding new book deserves to share the same shelf as these classics; indeed, in some ways, it supersedes them... A graceful and gifted writer, Fraser brings alive the interests and personalities of the delegates (his treatment of James Madison is as three-dimensional as any readers are likely to find), and he writes with the tone of a scholar who is truly excited by his material...Its also a wonderful read for any history buff, and, in fact comes with the highest possible recommendation for any audience. - blueink Starred Review [The book is] easily and readily understandable, with a fantastic layout of subjects that makes flicking to a particular point of interest a breeze. It seems like basic praise until you see exactly how masterfully the book has been crafted. The title really turns a potentially dry subject into something vivid and alive through some skillful, very low-key use of storytelling techniques to stoke the imagination. Its subtle and very effective...For people with only a basic understanding of early American history, The Emergence of One American Nation is an excellent starting point; for readers looking for a deeper look in the Revolution's lesser known figures, most interesting moments, and the proper context surrounding it, this book is also an outstanding resource. -Self Publishing Review 4 stars Peering into the past, it sometimes [is] easy to forget that the Founding Fathers of the nation were just men, with flaws and prone to mistakes. While they are remembered as legends, Donald J. Fraser presents an honest look at the architects of the United States...The Emergence of One American Nation is a fascinating look at the very roots of the government, as well as the reasoning that went into the inclusion of each amendment. -IndieReader 4 stars The Emergence of One American Nation...makes American history come alive...as engaging as it is enlightening, the [book] is enthusiastically recommended for personal browsing and public library collections alike. - Midwest Book Review I am pleased that the book has been the winner in the history category from the following: Indie Reader Discovery Award - The Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Winter 2017 - A gold prize from eLit Book Awards 2017 for the electronic version - A Notable 100 Book in the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book competition - A finalist from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Donald J. Fraser has spent a lifetimeworking in a variety of capacities in government. This includes directexperience in the management of local government organizations and specializedassistance as a consultant. These experiences give him a unique and realisticperspective about actual public sector decision-making, a perspective sometimesmissing from scholarly works. Fraser ho