Category: Founding Fathers

Founding Fathers' Vision of Civic Duty The Founding Fathers placed immense value on civic duty, recognizing it as the foundation for a robust republic. George Washington emphasized the collective effort needed to sustain liberty. In his Farewell Address, Washington underlined that responsible citizenship is not optional but an inherent duty. He argued that preserving freedom…

Personal and Political Differences Among Founders The Founding Fathers had their fair share of clashes, which significantly shaped America’s political landscape. Federalists, like Alexander Hamilton, pushed for a strong national government, believing it was essential for unity and progress. On the other hand, Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, feared excessive federal power,…

John Locke's Background and Philosophical Foundations Born on August 29, 1632, in Somerset, England, John Locke grew up in a well-to-do Puritan family during a time of political turmoil. His early years were marked by the English Civil War, a conflict where his father served as a cavalry captain. Locke found the classical curriculum at…

Assumption of State Debts When Alexander Hamilton suggested that the federal government assume state debts from the Revolutionary War, it wasn't just about paying bills. This move aimed to build unity and trust in the newly formed United States. States owed around $25 million, a significant sum at the time. Hamilton believed that by assuming…

Religious Beliefs of the Founding Fathers The American founding era encompassed a vast spectrum of religious beliefs, reflecting the diversity of the population itself. Approximately 98% of Americans of European descent identified with Protestantism, predominantly adhering to the reformed theological tradition. This demographic shaped the religious landscape the Founding Fathers traversed. Thomas Jefferson's beliefs straddled…

Classical Education of the Founding Fathers When Alexander Hamilton entered King's College in 1773, he already had a mastery of Greek and Latin grammar. He could read three orations from Cicero and Vergil's Aeneid in the original Latin, and translate the first ten chapters of the Gospel of John from Greek into Latin. This was…

1. George Washington George Washington, known as the "Father of His Country," was crucial in the creation and early leadership of the United States. As the first President, his leadership style set key precedents for future officeholders. His role as the commanding general of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War demonstrated his strategic…

Mercy Otis Warren's life and work provide a compelling look into the intellectual and political currents of the American Revolution. Her writings, from satirical plays to critical essays, reflect a deep engagement with the issues of her time and offer valuable insights into the fight for American independence. Mercy Otis Warren's Early Life and Education…

Early Career and Influence John Jay's roots run deep in New York's colonial soil. Born in 1745, Jay hailed from a wealthy merchant family. Their prestige allowed him an excellent education, beginning at King's College, known today as Columbia University. Graduating in 1764, Jay quickly established himself as a lawyer and a master orator, becoming…