The Founding Fathers and Early United States History
General Characteristics of the Founding Fathers
Dedication to Country: The Founders were documented as men who possessed a deep love for their country and served as responsible citizens.
Nation Building: They collaborated to establish a new nation and served as the initial leaders of the United States.
Core Principles: The Founders were driven by American principles, specifically believing in freedom, equality, and justice for all citizens.
Historical Legacy: Through their collective efforts, they transformed the United States into a free and independent country.
George Washington: The Father of Our Country
Military Leadership:
Washington served as a general in the army.
He was the leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
He is credited with inspiring colonial soldiers to maintain bravery and faith in themselves.
He led the United States to a definitive victory over England.
Constitutional Role:
Washington was an active participant in the writing of the Constitution.
He felt the document was of such high importance that he was willing to sign it.
In 1787, he was elected as the Chairman of the Constitutional Convention.
Governance Philosophy: He believed the nation could not survive without a strong central government, national freedoms, and the protection of individual liberties. He also advocated for governments that listen to the opinions of the people.
Presidency (1789–1797):
He served as the first President of the United States.
Financial Organization: He worked with Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury) to organize the country's finances.
Cabinet Appointments: He appointed Henry Knox as the Secretary of War. Knox provided counsel on military matters and relations with Native peoples.
Diplomacy: He focused on creating strong alliances with foreign nations.
National Tour: During his first term, he toured the country and noted that most Americans supported the new leadership.
Expansion Goals: He expressed hope that the U.S. would expand its territory west of the Mississippi River.
Term Limits: Washington served two terms but refused a third, believing that one man should not hold power for an extended duration. This set a standard for all future presidents.
Post-War Life: Following the Revolutionary War, he briefly resigned from the army to live as a normal citizen on his farm in Virginia.
Commemoration: His portrait is currently featured on the U.S. dollar bill and the quarter.
Thomas Jefferson: Author and Scholar
Personal Interests and Education: Jefferson was noted for his intelligence and love of books. He studied a wide range of subjects, including math, science, art, music, history, and law.
Educational Philosophy: He maintained that education should be accessible to everyone and that all people possess the ability to learn.
The Declaration of Independence:
Jefferson was the primary author of this document.
He codified the idea that all people are born with certain rights that should never be taken away, specifically "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
He argued that the only way to protect these rights was to establish a new, independent nation.
Political Career:
Governor of Virginia: Served during the American Revolution; worked to create an alliance with France and collaborated with James Madison to establish religious freedom and equality in Virginia.
Ambassador to France: Served following the war; established trading relationships between the U.S. and France.
Secretary of State: Served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.
Vice Presidency: Served as Vice President under John Adams.
Presidency (elected 1800): Served as the third President of the United States.
Presidential Accomplishments:
Louisiana Purchase: Under his leadership, the U.S. more than doubled in size.
Conflict Avoidance: Worked to keep the U.S. from entering wars with France and England.
Post-Presidency and Invention:
Founder of the University of Virginia.
Sold his personal book collection to the government, which became the foundation for the Library of Congress.
He was also known as a talented inventor.
John Hancock: Statesman and Patriot
Signature of the Declaration: Hancock is most famous for being the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. His signature is the largest and most prominent on the document.
Early Activism: He was an early supporter of independence from Great Britain and served as the President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.
Congressional Leadership:
Served as a delegate for Massachusetts at the Second Continental Congress.
Served as the President of the Continental Congress (referencing both First and Second contextually).
He assisted the authors of the Declaration of Independence in determining the best way to explain complaints to King George III.
Military Contributions: During the American Revolution, he helped establish the United States Navy and raised necessary funds for the Continental Army.
Massachusetts Leadership:
Assisted in writing the Massachusetts Constitution.
Elected as the first Governor of Massachusetts.
Constitutional Support: He urged Massachusetts to ratify and adopt the U.S. Constitution.
1789 Election: He was a candidate in the first presidential election, though he lost to George Washington.
John Adams: Lawyer and Diplomat
Professional Background: After graduating from college, Adams became a lawyer known for his courage and fighting for what he believed was right.
Early Support for Independence: He opposed the taxes placed on the colonies by King George III.
Continental Congress:
Represented Massachusetts at the First Continental Congress.
Nominated George Washington to lead the Continental Army during the Second Continental Congress.
Writing and Diplomacy:
Assisted Thomas Jefferson in writing the Declaration of Independence and signed the document.
Served as an ambassador to France, building a strong alliance (partnership) with the nation.
Served as the first U.S. minister to England after the war.
Executive Roles:
Served as the first Vice President of the United States under George Washington.
Second President (1797): Known for maintaining peace during his presidency.
Political Philosophy: He strongly believed in the separation of powers within the government to ensure it functioned properly.
Legacy: His son, John Quincy Adams, followed his example and became the sixth President of the United States.
Benjamin Franklin: Scientist and Diplomat
Multifaceted Career: Franklin was a scientist, inventor, diplomat, politician, journalist, and businessman.
Media Influence: Owned a newspaper company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which he used to spread information. He published articles written by Alexander Hamilton.
Legislative and Diplomatic Service:
Member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, working for fair treatment of colonists compared to British citizens.
Represented Pennsylvania at the Second Continental Congress in 1775.
Served as the ambassador to France during the Revolutionary War.
Foundational Documents:
Helped Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence.
Helped draft the Constitution and served as a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
He is one of the few Founders to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The "Great Compromiser": At the Constitutional Convention, he used his wisdom to settle arguments and bring consensus. His ideas served as the model for the structure of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
James Madison: Father of the Constitution
The Constitution: Known as the "Father of the Constitution" because many of the ideas within the document originated from him.
Rights and Responsibilities: He believed that citizens possess both rights and responsibilities, which are defined and protected by the Constitution.
Religious Freedom: Worked closely with Thomas Jefferson to establish religious freedom and equality in Virginia.
Fourth President: Served as the fourth President of the United States.
Alexander Hamilton: Treasury and Advocacy
Military Service: Washington's "right-hand man" and a close friend during the Revolutionary War.
Constitutional Advocacy: Worked hard to ensure the Constitution became law; his articles supporting the document were published in Benjamin Franklin's newspapers.
Secretary of the Treasury: Became the first Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, tasking him with getting the country's finances in order.
Commemoration: His picture is featured on the $10 bill.
Signatory: He is a signer of the Constitution.