American Founding Fathers: Key Figures of the Revolutionary Era
Explore the essential roles of George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson - prominent Founding Fathers who shaped the birth of the United States during the Revolutionary Era. Learn about their contributions, from military leadership to authoring critical documents like the Declaration of Independence. Discover the fascinating stories behind these pivotal figures in American history.
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Presentation Transcript
Founding Fathers
What does Founding Father Mean? The term founding father means different things to different people. To some, it s a narrow definition that only includes the five or six men who were essential to the establishment of a free and functioning United States. To others, it may include the many men who played any role toward that end. For the purposes of this presentation, the Founding Fathers are limited to: Washington Adams Franklin Jefferson Hamilton Madison
George Washington Fight in the Revolution? YES Was President? YES Commander-in-Chief of Continental Army during Revolutionary War. Victory against Hessian soldiers at Trenton at the very end of 1776 ensured the Continental Army would survive. Was instrumental in Patriot victory at Yorktown, which would prove the last major battle of the war, and that America would indeed become an independent nation. Became the president of the Continental Convention in 1787. Became America s first president in 1789. He would serve two four-year terms.
John Adams Fight in the Revolution? NO Was President? YES Perhaps the most important and vocal contributor to the First and Second Continental Congress. Helped Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence. Was the primary author of the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution, which influenced the United States Constitution. Helped negotiate the 1783 Treaty of Paris with England, allowing the United States to become independent. Was America s first vice-president and its second president.
Benjamin Franklin Fight in the Revolution? NO Was President? NO America s first polymath. Was a successful printer, scientist, inventor, and philanthropist before becoming involved in politics. Helped Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence. Became America s first Postmaster General during the Revolutionary War. Negotiated with France in 1777 and 1778 to secure military and financial help in the Revolutionary War. Signed the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Alliance, Treaty of Paris, and the United States Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson Fight in the Revolution? NO Was President? YES Was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Became America s first Secretary of State during the presidency of George Washington. Organized the Democratic-Republican Party that favored an agriculture-driven economy and a weak central government. Was America s second vice-president. Became America s third president. During his presidency, America acquired the Louisiana Territory and defeated the Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean Sea. Jefferson also initiated the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804 to explore the Louisiana Territory.
Alexander Hamilton Fight in the Revolution? YES Was President? NO Fought alongside George Washington in the Battle of Yorktown. Served as Washington s primary aid during the second half of the Revolutionary War. Was one of the primary authors of the Federalist Papers a group of 85 essays designed to convince the states to ratify the United States Constitution. Was one of the founders of the Federalist Party, which favored strong central government and banking as the driver of America s new economy. Served as America s first Secretary of the Treasury. Is credited with establishing America s financial system. Founded the United States Coast Guard. Was bitter enemies with Adams and Jefferson.
James Madison Fight in the Revolution? NO Was President? YES Known as the Father of the Constitution, Madison was the chief recorder at the Constitutional Convention and author of the Virginia Plan, which served as the basis for deliberations during the convention. Was one of the primary authors of the Federalist Papers a group of 85 essays designed to convince the states to ratify the United States Constitution. Helped draft the Bill of Rights the first ten amendments to the Constitution. In 1809, Madison became America s fourth president. Madison served two terms and helped guide the nation through the War of 1812 with England.
Follow Follow- -up Activities up Activities We often hear the term Founding Fathers, but what if you had to choose a single founding father? Rate the accomplishments and transgressions of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hamilton in Who s Your Founding Father, a fun online game that will determine the answer. https://www.mrn365.com/activity/930
