The Founding Fathers of America

Jonathan Palumbo9th grade History

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The Founding Fathers

Benjamin Franklin George Washington John Adams Thomas Jefferson

John Jay James Madison Alexander Hamilton Francis Scott Key

Quiz Question

Click on any of the above figures to learn more about them! When you think you are ready, move onto the quiz question.

Benjamin Franklin• Born in Boston in 1706.• He began his career in Philadelphia where he worked as a

newspaper writer.• He eventually became interested in experimental studies

and was responsible for the discovery of electricity.• Franklin became a key supporter of the American

Revolution and helped draft the Declaration of Independence, to fight against the British.

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George Washington• First President of the United States. • Born in 1732• Pursued a career in the military early on in his life, and

fought as a general during the French and Indian War.• In 1775 Washington was appointed Chief of the Continental

Army to lead the American troops into battle during the American Revolution.

• The war against the British lasted 6 long years, until Washington forced the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.

• In 1787, Washington was unanimously appointed President due to his excellent leadership skills.

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John Adams• Second President of the United States.• Born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1735.• During the American Revolution, he was a diplomatic

politician, attempting to negotiate peace with the European countries.

• During Washington’s Presidency, Adams served as the first Vice-President

• In 1797, when Washington stepped down, Adams was elected President and focused his term on French and British relations.

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Thomas Jefferson• Third President of the United States• Born in Virginia in 1743. • Jefferson was of high social class and also well educated in

the school of law.• During the American Revolution, Jefferson was a key

delegate and was responsible for the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

• Jefferson was elected President in 1801 and began forming the first Republican Party.

• His main accomplishment while in office was the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

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John Jay• Born in New York in 1745.• During the American Revolution, he was the chief

ambassador to Spain and France, helping to create a strong foreign policy.

• After the Revolution, John Jay was responsible for the peace negations between America and the British, ultimately leading to the signing of the Jay Treaty.

• As a founding father, Jay helped set up the Constitution, and even became the first avid supporter of the emancipation of slavery.

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James Madison• Fourth President of the United States.• Born in 1751 in Virginia.• He also helped ratify the Constitution, but was also

responsible for the writing of the Bill of Rights. • Madison served as Thomas Jefferson’s Secretary of State,

before being elected to office himself in 1808.• During Madison’s Presidency, he had difficult relations with

the British who were imposing difficult trade opportunities with America.

• Madison was also involved in declaring America’s second war against the British, the War of 1812.

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Alexander Hamilton• Born in 1755.• Hamilton was the first Secretary of Treasury.• Was a key supporter and delegate at the Philadelphia

convention, calling for the colonies to unite and fight against the British.

• Helped draft the Constitution.• Hamilton was a war general, and fought alongside of

George Washington at the Battle of Yorktown, where America won its Independence.

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Francis Scott Key• Even though Francis Scott Key wasn’t involved in the

signing of the Declaration of Independence or in the American Revolution, he is still considered a Founding Father due to his contributions to the American National Anthem.

• During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was sent to Baltimore to negotiate peace with the British, however when he got there a large scale battle was already set in place, and all Francis Scott Key could do was watch.

• This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write the American National Anthem, after the flag still stood proudly after the battle was over.

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Quiz Question

Which Founding Father served as a general during theAmerican Revolution, and eventually became President?

1. George Washington

2. Thomas Jefferson

3. Alexander Hamilton

CORRECT!!!!

George Washington did indeed serve as Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He was

also elected as the first President. Great Job!

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Oops! You’re on the right track. Thomas Jefferson did eventually become President, however he was never actually

involved in the fighting during the American Revolution.

• Click on the return button and try to answer the question again.

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Almost. Alexander Hamilton did serve as a general during the American Revolution, but he was never appointed President.

• Click on the return button and try to answer the question again.

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• Congratulations you have finished this lesson on the Founding Fathers of America! You sure do know your stuff!

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