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Eliga H. Gould Among the Powers of the Earth writes how the United States, after the American Revolution, worked towards becoming a “treaty-worthy” nation among their global neighbors. The American Revolution narrative is often taught centrally through the eyes of the founders of the United States by showing how they formed the country and created the United States Constitution. However, Gould argues that the United States needed to work with its global partners in order to make their own history. He writes, “For the former colonies to take their place among the powers of the earth, they needed European treaties that would turn the rights that Congress had unilaterally proclaimed into rights that other nations world respect.” (p. 2) This new insight using treaties with European nations is similar to Pekka Hamalainen argument on how the Comanche’s used alliances with their neighbors. In order for both to gain the respect of their sovereignty they used the treaties and alliances to obtain it. As other classmates stated, I did take note of the idea of the Law of Nations. During this time period other “enlightened” nations judged other nations through international law, “For many people, Europe’s respect for the international rule of laws was an important part of what is meant to live in modern, enlightened age.” (p. 17)
Throughout the book Gould demonstrates how the United States needed to mirror European laws in order to gain acceptance. When obtaining American independence Gould states, “In proclaiming their nascent statehood, Americans accepted that their new governments would need to conform to the norms of Europe’s colonial powers, especially the norms enshrined in the public law of European treaties and diplomatic customs.” (p. 113). One example, Gould writes that in order to have a strong nation to work with European nations the American colonies need to represent “one people” in the Declaration of Independence over a “looser association” of people from different states. (p. 11) Gould continues this argument when the delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787. “…the need for better relations with nations in Europe supplied one of the main reason for drafting a new charter to replace the Articles of Confederation.” (p. 130) A stronger national government would have more control over states in provoking conflicts between European territorial neighbors. Gould was able to strengthen his arguments of utilizing many primary resources. Using letters, journals, legal documents, and international treaties from both American and European sources provided a balance and understanding of arguments from both perspectives. This was a refreshing perspective to read, that a young United States needed international cooperation to shape the country. Gould summarized by stating, “It would be more accurate to say that the revolution enable Americans to make the history that other people were prepared to let them make.” (p. 13)