When the United States first gained its independence from England in 1776, most people believed that it would fail. This most likely would have been true, had it not been for the founding fathers that held our fragile country together. Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson are only a few of the many political figures that helped rule the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, helping turn this country from an oppressive monarchy to a solidified republic in only a few decades. In the eyes of many, these three supposed geniuses were similar to gods. However, just like every single person that has ever been born, they had flaws that made them different from everybody else; these flaws heavily influenced almost every decision that they made, for better or worse. For example, Alexander Hamilton was very arrogant and egotistical, contributing to his brash and seemingly aggressive personality. In addition, John Adams was very stubborn and stuck in his ways when it came to listening to others; however, he was the complete opposite, very easily swayed, when it came to listening to his wife. Finally, Thomas Jefferson was an idealist, which in many cases, contributed to him being somewhat of a hypocrite. All three of these important political figures were obviously very influential in our country’s history, but like all humans, they had their flaws. Unlike many of the other founding fathers at the time, Alexander Hamilton was not well liked by many
I believe the Founding Fathers were justified in rebelling against the British Government and declaring war. It all started prior to the French and Indian war (1756-1763), the colonists possessed substantial self-reliance and liberty. Following the conflict, the British Empire strongly challenged the self-reliance and liberty, and also resolved that the colonists directly pay taxes into the imperial chest to help reduce the huge debt from the war.
George Washington was an important founding father but Thomas Jefferson was also an important founding father. Thomas Jefferson was elected third president of America. Thomas Jefferson’s presidency was known as the Revolution of 1800 because he was the first non Federalist to be elected president and there we no bloodshed. Jefferson’s “mission” as he saw it was to restore the republican experiment, to check the growth of government power, and to halt the decay of virtue that had set in under Federalist rule. Thomas Jefferson was determined to undo Federalist policies when coming into office. He quickly released the citizens from prison who were serving time for speaking out against the Federalist party. Thomas Jefferson also reduced the time it takes to become a citizen from an unreasonable fourteen years to a reasonable five years. Even though Thomas Jefferson did not want a national bank, he only got rid of one
The American Revolution, perhaps the most momentous war-related milestone in American history, would not have been possible without the strenuous efforts of the courageous men we call Patriots or otherwise known as the Founding Fathers of America, who gave their all in the fight for freedom against the British. Many names of great men come to mind when we think “founding fathers,” such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, or Samuel Adams. Yet there is still one great patriot and founding father who seems to stand out above the rest, and that man is Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson is widely known as being the author of the Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase that bought more than 20% of the U.S. However, what most
Our country’s founders didn’t come up with the ideas of our government’s structure and beliefs by themselves; they all were greatly influenced by many different people, including some of the philosophers of the Enlightenment period. However, one of these philosophers in particular shaped a founder’s ideas more directly than the rest. Ultimately, John Locke directly and greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson’s political philosophy and agreed with the majority of his beliefs, which can be seen especially in the Declaration of Independence and the fundamental ideas each man emphasizes in his works. While there are a few small differences in their philosophies, they are still so similar that Jefferson has even been accused of plagiarizing parts of Locke’s compositions.
“Only in America can someone start with nothing and achieve the American Dream. That's the greatness of this country.”- Rafael Cruz (www.brainyquote.com). However, whenever John Adams took over the presidency, he overstepped his boundaries as a president, causing people to lose opportunities that they previously had with George Washington, and took away other key principles of the United States . First off Adams denied a democracy structure during his 4 years. Also, he took away people’s rights through the Sedition acts and Fries’s rebellion. Lastly, Adams had only federalist cabinet used the Alien and Sedition acts to take advantage of French immigrants. members, and So, since John Adams didn’t promote democracy , took away important rights,
What they never knew was that Jefferson would both be respected and detested for his choices as president. Thomas Jefferson, a man divided, responsible for doubling our nation’s property through the Louisiana Purchase. But, he expanded it even further by driving the Indians into debt and forcing them to give him land to pay it off. An advocate for public education and religious freedom, Jefferson also degraded blacks. Additionally, Jefferson caused a disaster in his country in the years of of 1807 and 1809, isolating the United States from trade with Britain and France. This hurt the country and its people tremendously, corrupting the Southern economy. Although Jefferson is admired by his many successes, he is also looked down upon because of his numerous faults and imperfections. With his death on July 4, 1826, Jefferson was a man who is to be unforgotten - maybe because of his accomplishments, or his numerous mistakes that certainly made him
The book Founding Brothers - The Revolutionary Generation consists six stories, each of them focuses on a significant creative achievement or failure of seven important men of the early United States. They are George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Aaron Burr. Joseph Ellis has depicted these founding brothers – or founding fathers - in their efforts to lay the republic’s foundation of the most liberal nation – states in the history of Western Civilization.
Most Americans know who the founding fathers are. But, not many know what they have done for us and how hard they have worked to be a part of the American Revolution. Subconsciously, each of these men had a great impact on the revolution that started this country. Thomas Jefferson loved education and was well known for being the true author of the Declaration of Independence and for his wisdom. Benjamin Franklin, respectfully known as a diplomat, was also known as a great inventor, printer, and writer. Thomas Paine was a spectacular journalist who is best known for his anonymous pamphlet called “Common Sense.” Through these great men, our country rose.
When America’s founding fathers broke away from England, they weren’t the first colonial Englishmen on the American continent, there were plenty of French, Spanish, Dutch and even Russian colonial outposts established before them. What makes the English colonies along the Eastern seaboard story so important, was the fact that 13 colonies joined together to form what is now known as the United States. Furthermore, this 13 colonies New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia risk their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors to start a new nation free from Great Britain’s rule. In the mist of declaring independence from the most powerful nation on earth, America’s founding fathers created a governmental system that was unfamiliar during their era. America’s founding fathers created a government designed to protect civil liberties and encourage independence, a complex yet young and evolving system.
Founding Fathers shows vital conflicts that helped form the amazing nation we are today. Without the feuds, name calling, and mudslinging, who knows where we would be today. America was forged with the hearts and souls of the few who were dedicated enough to devote their lives to freedom. Most people will imagine our founding fathers as being perhaps perfect. In reality, our founding fathers were far from being ideal role models. They were more than just a neat signature of the Declaration of Independence. In the days of these men, there was no social media to rant on. There was no twitter to tweet their every thought to others. Technology has only amplified the faulty actions that some politicians partake in. Our future as a nation is as bright as it ever has been, despite what news channels broadcast every single day. As the case may be, our government officials are just acting as our founders did. Modern feuds could be shaping our nation for the better. However, only time will
How different would America be if not for our founding fathers and their contributions? Without the founding fathers, such as Patrick Henry, America would be different. In the fight for independence, Patrick Henry played an important role. Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Henry Lee created the Virginia House of Burgesses to settle the violent state of the colonies. In March 1775, he met with members of the second Virginia Convention. They discussed a need to mobilize a military against the English. Henry spoke in Richmond, Virginia instead of the capitol in Williamsburg. He spoke with confidence, intensity, and devotion in the fight against the English government. Henry used ethos, pathos, and logos to influence
There are many individuals in American History, whom we as Americans regard for their courage and audacity in shaping our nation. We learn in our history classes the great accomplishments of our founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Ben Franklin. One other great founding father and our First President, George Washington was one whom we learned much about. We learn in school that he is as a prime example of leadership, citizenship, and overall individual achievement for his many contributions to our nation’s earliest struggles. But although we are taught that George Washington was this man of great disposition, no man is without his flaws. Many scholars have sought to enlighten individuals to these cracks in the Nation’s
Alexander Hamilton, recognized as one of the Founding Fathers of our country, had a great impact on the wars and political issues of his time. He presented himself as a well respected man and proved himself worthy of the tasks he was given. He impressed many people and played a substantial part in influencing where America stands today. Although his early childhood circumstances were difficult, putting him at a disadvantage, Alexander proved himself capable of achieving success all on his own, without the need of others’ assistance or provision. His efforts ultimately played a significant role in the founding of America.
People worldwide are praising a man who doesn’t deserve it. Despite being considered one of America’s most influential founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton’s character could never compete with his political status. Alexander Hamilton has been made into an inspiration that he doesn’t deserve to be, being portrayed as the exact opposite of what he stood for in a recent resurgence of praise for him sparked in particular by the world-renowned musical Hamilton. Although he may be receiving this praise, his character is undeniably horrid due to many flaws in his character including the encouragement of anti-immigration laws and his desire for powerful landowners to get complete power in government over the