Introduction

Do you know who the Founding Fathers were? Well, if you don't then read this book and you will learn lots about them!

There were seven Founding Fathers and they had a dream for  America to be great, that all people were created equal. Their names were: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Jay and Ben Franklin.  In this book you will learn all about the Founding Fathers and what their goals were.  I hope you enjoy this book and be sure to grab some popcorn and a soda while you read!

                

                                George Washington          

       Are you ready to learn about the first Founding Father?  His name was George Washington. George was the first  president of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers.  George was born on February 22, 1732 in Virginia. 

     Washington's father died when he was 11 and his  brother Lawrence took care of him. He was very smart.  His favorite subject was math.  By the way, fun fact -- George loved to dance! When George turned 16, he began working as a surveyor. 

    Before he was president, he was a leader in the militia and fought in the French and Indian War.

During the Revolutionary War, he led the Continental Army to victory. His code name during that War was 711. The  turning point of the War was at Valley Forge.  The conditions at Valley Forge were horrible for the men.  It was winter and food was very scarce. It was super cold and the men didn't have enough blankets. In contrast, the British were well armed and well fed.

After the war, Washington didn't really want to be president, but the people insisted, so he did. During his presidency, he accomplished many things, including the Bill of Rights and the first ten amendments of the Constitution were adopted during that time.

Here's another fun fact!  Did you know that George Washington turned down the chance for a third term? He did this because he didn't want to be a king like Britain's King George!

                                Thomas Jefferson

    Thomas Jefferson played a very important role in helping the United States become an independent nation. He helped write the Declaration of Independence which said that all people "are created equal and that everyone has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." This is important because these words are part of the Founding Fathers' vision for America.  In 1801 he was elected president.

     If it wasn't for Thomas Jefferson, Louisiana wouldn't exist because he bought it from the French. It was called the Louisiana Purchase and he did it in 1803. It was a deal that the French and he made and it was for 827 square miles. Can you imagine the United States without Louisiana and New Orleans where they like to play jazz and basketball???

 He served two terms as President and is considered one of America's greatest Founding Fathers. What do you think? Do you think he was one of America's greatest leaders?

Fun fact: Did you know that Thomas Jefferson didn't like to wear a wig like some Founding Fathers? Neither did George Washington like to wear a wig, either.

                                        Alexander Hamilton

          Are you ready to learn about another Founding Father? His name was Alexander Hamilton and he was born on the island of Nevis on January 11, 1755.  When Alexander was eight he could speak both French and English! Isn't that cool?

           When Alexander  Hamilton was very young, his father left the family. But even though he was sad about his father leaving, that didn't stop him!  Wben Alexander was 11, he went to work as an apprentice bookkeeper. But sadly, his mother died four years later. When he turned 15, he was promoted to manager. 

            While he was growing up on Nevis, in  1772 a hurricane hit the island and almost destroyed it. Alexander was so upset about it. Because of that he decided to write a letter to tell the world what had happened.  After the letter was published in the newspaper, some businessmen decided that he was such a great writer, he should be sent to America to get an education! That was how he came to America.

        Alexander Hamilton went to Boston because he wanted to help the colonies. And when the American Revolutionary War broke out, Hamilton even got to work as a secretary for General George Washington!  After the war, Alexander Hamilton became a lawyer. He also helped to write the US Constitution and the Federalist Papers. Another one of his accomplishments was he became first Secretary of the Treasury.

        Do you want to hear a sad story?   Aaron Burr, who was his political enemy, challenged Hamilton to a duel in June, 1804.  But sadly, he accepted the challenge and he lost his life on July 11. Now you know why they don't allow duels anymore. 

     But people still think about Alexander Hamilton today.   We can see his face on the $10 dollar bill. And we can learn more about his story on Broadway,  in a show called "Hamilton"!  

     Here's another fun fact! Did you know that Hamilton founded US Coast Guard? The Coast Guard is very important because it stops smugglers from getting into the country with illegal drugs. And it also helps protect the coast.

                                                John Adams

    Did you know that John Adams played a very big role in declaring independence from England and he chose Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence? Because of that, he was a very important figure in creating the United States.

    John Adams was born in Massachusetts on October 30, 1735. John's father was a farmer and John wanted to be just like his dad, but his father wanted him to go to Harvard instead. So, John went to college in 1751. After college, he became a teacher but later he decided to become a lawyer.  He fell in love with Abigail Smith and married her. Together they had five children. Abigail also became well known for her letters about the Revolutionary War. She also helped John make important decisions. 

    During the war, John Adams worked to get the French to help the United States and he helped form alliances with other countries.  This is important because it helped them win the war and after because they had friends around the world.  He played a key role in creating the Treaty of Paris which helped end the Revolutionary War.             0

    But that wasn't the end of his story!  After that, George Washington asked John to be his vice president.  He served for two terms, but you might be surprised that he really didn't like that job.  He really wanted to be president.  That dream came true when he was elected in 1789 and his vice president was Thomas Jefferson.

    While he was president, England and France were at war.  They wanted the US to help but John Adams said no because he didn't want them in a bigger fight.   After his presidency was over, he didn't want to be in  politics anymore. But does it surprise you that his son John Quincy Adams also became president?