Who Are The Founding Fathers Of America?
The identities of the Founding Fathers of America are central figures in American history. Over the course of history, these men have come to represent the courage, the fortitude and the principles that drove the formation of an independent United States of America. While there is no conclusive list of Founding Fathers, there are certain prominent figures whose contributions were essential to the establishment of the United States. Let’s look at who these figures are and their lasting legacy in American history.
Defining Who Can Be Included as a Founding Father
Before diving into who can be considered a Founding Father, it is pertinent to clarify what exactly defines a Founding Father. Generally, it is agreed that a Founding Father is any leader who helped in crafting a new nation, either as a political leader, spiritual leader, military leader or through financial contributions, among other roles. As such, there are a collection of prominent figures from the development of the United States who have been honored by this honorarium.
Prominent Founding Fathers
While there is no definitive list of Founding Fathers, the most prominent figures in the formation of the United States have been coined “founding fathers”. Below are some of the most noteworthy among them:
George Washington
Arguably the most prominent of the Founding Fathers, Washington is lauded as the ‘Father of the United States’. From 1775 until 1783, he served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, leading to their eventual victory over Great Britain. Furthermore, he served as first President of the United States under government of the Constitution.
John Adams
The second President of the United States, Adams was a prominent figure in the Declaration of Independence, serving as the primary author of the Declaration Committee. Those familiar with American history will remember “Adams and Jefferson” as the tandem for managing foreign relations.
Thomas Jefferson
Following the ratification of the Constitution, Jefferson played a prominent role in the new government as the nation’s first Secretary of State. He was charged with the management of foreign relations, in particular with France and Great Britain, while playing an essential role in the Louisiana Purchase. In addition, he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
James Madison
Floating alongside Jefferson as a “Founding Father”, Madison worked as a close colleague and confidant of the nation’s third president, George Washington. He was responsible for the crafting of the Constitution, earning him the nickname of “Father of the Constitution”. Named Secretary of State under the Administration of Thomas Jefferson, he played a significant role in establishing the then-fledgling country.
Alexander Hamilton
Alongside the above, Hamilton is remembered as a passionate patriot who, despite facing incredible adversity, rose to the ranks of founding father. As the nation’s first Secretary of Treasury, he established the federal banking system and greatly helped advance the financial health of the nation. He helped direct the debate during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, playing an instrumental role in the formation of the strong government of the US in 1789.
Benjamin Franklin
As a Founding Father from the state of Pennsylvania, Franklin had a profound influence on the Enlightenment era. From negotiations with the French during the American Revolution to his support for the creation of the Declaration of Independence, Franklin played an essential role in the mobilization of American freedom and liberty.
The Founding Fathers of America are remembered as the great architects of a free nation. These men faced hard-fought battles and great opposition, yet they still managed to bring forth the creation of the United States of America. The courage, the fortitude and the principles they held dear transcended the centuries, and the legacy of their work lives strong today.
