Founding Fathers of America

Founding Fathers of America Definition

Historians define the American Founding Fathers of the USA in many ways. Some say that the men who attended the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress were all Founding Fathers. This is believed by most people.

Some historians limit the Founding Fathers to 55 people who participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Others further limit them to the 39 people who signed the famous embossed copy of the U.S. Constitution. So there is no clear 100%definition of the Founding Fathers.

Role of Founding Fathers During the American Revolution

During the American Revolution which began in 1765, Founding Fathers led the Thirteen Colonies. After Britain imposed a lot of taxes and angered the colonies, they decided to unite together and launched protests against the taxes.

In 1774, the Founding Fathers who represented the Thirteen Colonies came together at the First Continental Congress. Famous figures at this Congress included George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry.

Congress decided to appeal to the British crown to repeal the taxes and give colonies their rights. The Founding Fathers at this congress also decided that they would boycott Britain if their demands were not met.

By 1775, Britain had refused to heed to their demands and imposed further taxes. This led to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War the same year. The Founding Fathers once again met in 1775 at the Second Continental Congress. This is where they took important steps toward American Independence.

4 Famous Founding Fathers of America and American Independence

At the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the Founding Fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence. This declaration stated that the Thirteen Colonies were now free from British rule and considered themselves independent.

The declaration also said that all men are created equal and must have access to the rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Founding Fathers became the national government of the united Thirteen Colonies. At the time, the Revolutionary War was still going on. The Founding Fathers made important decisions such as developing a war strategy, appointing generals, raising armies, and establishing ties with other nations such as France.

Famous new figures at this Congress included Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and John Witherspoon. All of them were later regarded as among the Founding Fathers.

Role of the 4 Famous Founding Fathers of America after the American Revolution

By 1783, the American armies under the supreme command of George Washington had defeated Britain. The Revolutionary War culminated in the Treaty of Paris signed in 1783. The treaty was negotiated by three notable Founding Fathers including Benjamin Franklin, John Jay and John Adams. Britain accepted American independence in this treaty.

Once the Thirteen Colonies were free from British rule, the Founding Fathers of the USA played a very important role in creating the constitution and determining the political direction of the country.

Founding Fathers and American Constitution

In 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation. This was the first constitution of the American colonies, drafted by the Founding Fathers. All 13 states ratified the articles by 1781 and it became the constitution of the union of the 13 independent states.

Later when the Revolutionary War was over, the Founding Fathers realized that a new and more detailed constitution was needed. So the Constitutional Convention took place in 1787.

At this Convention, the Founding Fathers discussed important matters such as the status of slavery in the newly-born USA, the representation of the states in Congress, and the extent to which the federal government should have power over the states.

They debated and discussed these issues. Once agreements were reached, they were made a part of the constitution. This came to define the nature and structure of the US government.

Famous Founding Fathers of America

A large number of Founding Fathers of the USA were members of the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress. Of these, some of the most famous were George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. Here are brief biographies of each.

George Washington

George Washington led the Continental Army against British forces during the American Revolutionary War. He had previously served in the Virginia militia and later in the British army. He had also fought in the French and Indian War, so he had a lot of military experience.

During the Revolution, he led the American Continental Army. Despite several defeats and setbacks, he kept the morale of his soldiers high and finally secured a decisive victory against Britain. He later served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797.

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin played an important role in drafting the Declaration of Independence as well as the U.S. Constitution. Once American Revolutionary War was over, he participated in the treaty negotiations with Britain in 1783.

Franklin was famous for being genuine in many disciplines. He was a writer, inventor, politician, scientist, and diplomat.

Benjamin Franklin

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was one of the notable Founding Fathers who participated in drafting the U.S. Declaration of Independence. He became the third President of the United States in 1801. He served for two terms and remained president until 1809.

During his term, he sanctioned the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the USA. He also authorized the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the newly added western territories.

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton participated in the American Revolutionary War as an aide to George Washington. He served as the first secretary of the treasury of the USA. He was one of the authors of the Federalist Papers who explained the new U.S. Constitution and convinced many people to support it.

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