father of american essay

Founding Fathers of America Research Paper

The United States of America draws its greatness from its founding fathers who fought for its independence and worked hard to unite the country. The founding fathers of the country include people who actively contributed to the constitution by drafting and signing its declaration. This may also include politicians, public officials, jurists, warriors, civil servants, or ordinary citizens who participated in winning the United States independence.

There are seven key founding fathers of the United States of America; John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington.

They were the political leaders and public officials who took part in the country’s revolutionary war and signed the Declaration of Independence. They also include people who drafted the Constitution and made other key contributions. They are thus the delegates who had a significant direct or indirect effect on the constitution (Henretta, Edwards & Self, 2011).

This paper will identify and discuss three key founding fathers from the 1700s who I believe played the most important role in establishing the United States of America. They include George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson.

George Washington was the first president of America and served as the commander of the US army during the revolutionary war, which took place between the years 1775-1783. He is referred to as the founding father of the nation for the role he played in fighting for independence.

The national congress appointed George Washington as a commander in chief of its armed forces in 1775 (Stanfield, 2001). In 1776, he drove the British out of Boston and by the end of that year; he had captured most of the country’s territory. George Washington led a strong army and a powerful nation against threats of disintegration and collapse. In 1787, Washington was the head of the Philadelphia tenet that drafted the U.S constitution and in 1787, he became the head of the United States of America (Rutland, 1997).

As a president, he established many customs and assigned more work to the executive arm of government in an attempt to unite the country in a time it was facing international threats. In 1793, he declared the country neutral to foreign relations and this helped the country avoid conflicts.

As a founding father of United States of America, Washington supported all the policies aimed at building a strong central regime. He settled the nations’ debt, executed an efficient tax system, and created a bank where the American citizens could save their money (Adler, 2008). He always evaded the temptation of international conflicts and battles by ensuring that peace was maintained in the nation. Although Washington was not a member of the Federalist Party, he was its motivating leader and supported its policies and activities.

He strongly supported the republican principles and warned against bias, sectionalism, and international conflicts. His refusal to engage in political conflicts buttressed his character as a man dedicated to the military nation and a founding father of the nation. Newspapers in the United States thus extolled Washington’s character and traits as a military commander and a founder of the nation (Rutland, 1997).

James Madison was another founding father of the United States of America. He was an American politician and between the years 1809-1817, he served as the fourth head of state. He was the main author of the nation’s constitution and in 1788, he wrote the most powerful commentary on the United States Constitution.

As a founding father of America, he drafted many rules and is responsible for the first ten alterations in the constitution. Due to this, he is referred to as the “Father of the Bill of Rights” (Allen, 1997). He believed that America’s constitution needed regular checks to protect the rights of the citizens from oppression (Allen, 1997).

James Madison worked with George Washington to create the current central government in America. He opposed the key principles of the federalists and established the Democratic Republican Party (DRP), which acted against Foreign and Sedition Acts. As a founding father, he led the nation into war against Britain in 1812.

In 1815, he supported the idea of creating the second national bank since this would protect the nation’s new industries, which had been established during the war. James Madison held cabinet meetings regularly to discuss the country’s problems before making any decision. When handling habitual tasks, he was systematic, orderly and allowed others to give their opinions (Allen, 1997).

Thomas Jefferson was a founding father of the United States of America and was instrumental during the Revolutionary war. Before the struggle for independence, he was active in defending America from being made a Royal Colony. Thomas actively organized oppositions to the colonial government and in 1774, he wrote a pamphlet titled ‘A Summary View of the Rights of British America’ where he articulated colonialism and encouraged the American citizens to continue fighting for independence (Biographiq, 2008).

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson opposed America’s constitution by saying that it ignored the people it was meant for. He said, “The Senate does not appear to me to be a Child of the people at Large, and therefore will not be supported by them longer than there subsists the most perfect Union between the different Legislative branches” (Biographiq, 2008). In 1778, he represented America in the Continental Congress and served as the head of the nation’s first senate in 1780.

Between 1782 and 1785, Thomas served as the manager of the nation’s finances. He is credited for helping the nation the financial depression caused by the war. As a founding father of the nation, he was increasingly interested in national affairs and always looked for ways of solving the financial and political problems that had resulted from the ineffectiveness of the Articles of Confederation (Biographiq, 2008).

He attended a Conference in Mount Vernon, which led to the new constitution. Thomas favored a strong and enduring union of the nation in which a senate representing the citizens had the authority to impose taxes on the people.

Concerned with the permanence of the new government, he argued that frequent elections could result to indifferences hence make famous men reluctant in office seeking. As a founding father of America, Jefferson’s good humor and enjoyable company endeared him to many people. He used this to help settle the opposing opinions of the delegates and created the compromises that have made America a success (Biographiq, 2008).

Looking at the achievements and the contributions these great men had in shaping the history of America, they are truly the founding fathers of the country. The three individuals were remarkable in the building of a strong society that we proudly call the United States of America today. They fought and sacrificed to see the country attain independence and put in place the governing structures that have helped America to be the greatest nation in the world.

Adler, B. (2008). America’s founding fathers: their uncommon wisdom and wit. Lanham: Taylor Trade Pub.

Allen, R. (1997). James Madison: the founding father. Columbia: University of Missouri Press.

Biographiq. (2008). Thomas Jefferson – Founding Father (Biography). Minneapolis: Filiquarian Pub.

Henretta, A., Edwards, R., & Self, O. (2011). America’s History . New York: Bedford Martins.

Rutland, R. A. (1997). The Founding Father. Columbia: University of Missouri Press.

Stanfield, J. (2001). America’s Founding Fathers: Who Are They? Thumbnail Sketches of 164 Patriots. Parkland: Universal Publishers.

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Poetry & Poets

Explore the beauty of poetry – discover the poet within

Why Is Mark Twain Considered The Father Of American Literature

Mark Twain is considered by many to be one of the greatest American authors of all time. His prose, combined with his wit and humor, have made him a household name, and his legacy lives on through his writings. He is often referred to as “The Father of American Literature” because of his immense contribution to the field.

Twain was born Samuel Clemens in 19th-century America, and went on to become one of the most celebrated writers of his time. His most famous work, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, was published in 1876, and is still popular with readers worldwide. Twain also wrote several other renowned books such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Pudd’nhead Wilson, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. He was also responsible for creating some of the most memorable characters in American literature, like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

Twain’s writings, though set in the past, often addressed the issues of his own time. He wrote about issues of race, injustice and social inequality in a way that resonated with a broad audience. He also challenged the status quo and flipped many conventions of literature on their head, paving the way for the development of modern American literature. His writings showed that American literature could be humorous, inventive and compelling.

Twain’s greatest achievement was the ability to capture the human experience in an honest and relatable manner. He wrote about the universal themes of love, friendship, loss, adventure and morality in a way that was engaging and relevant to his audience. His novels were accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and he became a beloved symbol of American literature.

Many consider Twain one of the earliest proponents of realism in American literature. He incorporated the lives of everyday people into his work and tackled difficult topics like racism and slavery, presenting them in a an accessible yet thought-provoking way. His writings incorporated dark comedy and satire, which challenged readers to think about the world differently and gave them a unique perspective.

Twain also pioneered the use of dialect in literature, as seen in his use of vernacular in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He also used irony and rhetorical devices to add depth to the narrative and examine themes such as morality and social justice. These techniques were revolutionary at the time, and many authors still use them today.

Twain’s literary legacy is an important part of our cultural heritage. His insights, wit and creativity have made his works timeless and influential. His impact on American literature cannot be understated, and he is considered by many to be the “Father of American Literature”.

Chronology Of Twain’s Life and Career

Samuel Langhorne Clemens – or Mark Twain, as he was known for the majority of his life – was born in 1835 in Florida, Missouri. He embarked on a career as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River and wrote about his travels, leading to the publication of his first book in 1867, The Innocents Abroad. He also wrote in various genres throughout his career, including essays, short stories and plays. His works regularly debuted in well-known magazines like Harper’s, which were widely circulated and brought his writing to a wider audience.

Twain’s success as a writer continued, and his works achieved wide popularity. His most famous novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, was published in 1876 and is still read by readers around the world. He followed the success of this novel with the aforementioned Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, considered to be his masterpiece. This novel, set in the 19th century deep south, portrays themes of racism and social injustice, and it still resonates with readers today. His final novel, The Mysterious Stranger, was published posthumously in 1916.

Twain passed away in 1910 due to a heart attack. His large body of work, spanning various books, essays, articles and stories, is part of the cultural consciousness and stands as a testament to his immense talent as a writer and a person.

The Impact Of Mark Twain In American History

Twain’s impact on American cultural history cannot be overstated. His works were some of the first books that depicted the complex issues of life in 19th century America, like racism, injustice and moral ambiguity. His novels captured the struggles of everyday Americans with humor and wit, and they remain popular today. He was not afraid to challenge the status quo and flip conventions on their head, paving the way for the development of modern American literature.

Mark Twain’s works have appeared in countless publications, and have been adapted for the stage, radio and television. He has become an important symbol in our culture, and his image appears on a variety of items such as t-shirts and mugs. He has also been honored with a U.S. postage stamp, and in 1997 he was inducted into the New York Writers Hall of Fame.

Twain’s influence is still seen in popular culture today. His work continues to be taught in high schools, universities and other educational institutions, and he is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest American authors of all time. His work has inspired numerous authors, and he will continue to be an important part of American literary culture for years to come.

Twain as a Critic of Social Issues

In addition to his contribution to literature, Mark Twain was also an important advocate for social justice. His work regularly addressed sensitive topics such as slavery and the mistreatment of African Americans. He was an advocate for racial equality, even in the face of strong opposition.

In his novel, Huckleberry Finn, Twain addressed topics such as slavery, freedom and morality in a way that was accessible to a wide audience. He took a stand against racism and denounced it in a subtle and effective manner. He also spoke out against the concentrated wealth of the Gilded Age and used his platform to criticize those in power.

Mark Twain was an influential voice in American society, speaking out against injustice and challenging the status quo. He was unafraid of expressing his opinions, no matter how unpopular they were, and his legacy lives on through his works and his advocacy.

Legacy of Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s writings remain as relevant today as they were when they were first published. His works are regularly taught in high schools and universities and his influence on American culture can still be seen. He has inspired countless authors and future works of American literature.

Twain’s persona was also incredibly important. He was widely beloved for his wit and humor, and his “tell it like it is” attitude inspired countless people. He had a true knack for capturing the American experience in his writings, and his legacy is an important part of our cultural heritage.

Mark Twain was an important part of 19th-century America, and his contribution to American literature is still being felt today. He was an innovative author, advocate for social justice, and a beloved figure in American culture. He is widely considered the “Father of American Literature”, and his work and influence will be remembered for years to come.

Twains Influence On Future Generations

The influence of Mark Twain on future generations is evident in many ways. His works are some of the most widely read and analysed in American literature courses, and he is considered one of America’s “classic” authors. His works often addressed morality, racism and injustice, and he used his writing as a form of activism. He also wrote with sentimentality and humor, and captured the unique experiences of people in the 19th century.

Twain’s works have shaped the ideas of generations of Americans. His novels, particularly Huckleberry Finn, have had an important role in the understanding of morality and ethics in the country. He also introduced the idea of dialect in literature, and wrote about characters from all walks of life.

Twain’s impact on future generations is perhaps best seen in the way that his works continue to be read and adapted today. He remains a defining figure in American literature, and his legacy lives on through the works that are still being written today.

Twain As A Cultural Icon

Mark Twain’s legacy is larger than life. His books and essays have made him a household name, and he has become an iconic figure in American culture. His signature white linen suit and signature hat have become synonymous with his persona, and his face is on numerous items such as t-shirts, mugs and posters. He also has his own museum, the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut.

Twain’s name is often invoked in popular culture, and his works have been referenced in films, television shows, novels and much more. He has also been portrayed in numerous films, television shows and plays. In addition, Twain is still the subject of much discussion, debate and admiration in literary circles.

The legacy of Mark Twain has extended far beyond his works and his life. He is considered an iconic figure in American culture and his influence is still felt today. His works are relevant and accessible, and he will continue to be an important part of American literary culture for years to come.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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