FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE UNITED STATES

     


George Washington (1732-1799) was the first President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the current United States Constitution and during his lifetime was called the "father of his country"


 
John Adams (1735-1826) was an American lawyer, author, statesman and diplomat of Welsh decent. He served as the second President of the United States, the first Vice President and as a Founding Father. He was a leader  of American independence from Great Britain. Adams was apolitical theorist in the Age of Enlightement who promoted republicanism and a strong central gocernment. His innovative ideas were frequently published.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was an American lawyer, a Founding Father and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. He was elected the second Vice President of the United States and the third President of the United States. 


James Madison (1751-1836) was an American statesman, political theorist and the fourth President of the United States. He is hailed as the "Father of the Constitution" for being instrumental in the drafting of the U.S Constitution and as the key champion and author of the "Bill of Rights". He served as a politician much of his adult life.


Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist inventor, civic activist, statesman and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He facilitated many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and a  university.


Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the United States through its Civil War, its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, consitutional and political crisis. In doing so, he preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government and modernized the economy.