History of the American Revolution discussion
Most Important Founding Father
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Not only was Hamilton an important asset to Washington as one of his aides during the Rev War, and not only was he one of the key advocates for getting New Yorkers to vote for the Constitution, but he also had the foresight to see beyond the narrow economic thinking of his time and place. In the policies he tried to adopt and adhere to as the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton paved the way for the United States to become the economic behemoth it is today.
Two caveats to this post...
1) Lots of sweeping statements in my above comments...I'll try to gather some specifics relating to my last sentence and edit them in later.
2) I'm not saying that America's becoming an economic behemoth was a good or bad thing, but it is a historical fact, and Hamilton's role in getting this process started (or actually, keeping it moving) makes him important. As for where I stand, I think capitalism has been more of a positive force than a negative one for the U. S., but I know there are other who have a different view, and I respect that. Many abuses have been committed in the name of capitalism during our history, which may or may not have occurred if Jeffersonian economic polices had been adopted instead of Hamiltonian ideas.
Brad, ignore the caveats if this ends up being just you and me in this group (I hope not!). I know you already know all this stuff.




There are so many others whose contributions have dimmed over time but who merit consideration: James Otis; Gouvernor Morris; Patrick Henry (even though he actively opposed ratification of the Constitution); Benjamin Franklin; and of course, John Adams.

He's my favorite.



Gosh - what a tough question. I think it really depends on what you believe are the most important roles as many of the men during the time played such different roles in furthering the patriotic cause. That being said, let me throw a couple of options into the discussion.
I think Benjamin Franklin was certainly a huge contributor. Without his backdoor discussions, his ability to promote the patriotic cause through print, and his negotiation tactics, it is questionable as to whether the French would have joined the American cause (and they were certainly a huge help through their military, their financial backing, and the fact that they did recognize America as an independent country). Franklin also certainly helped with propagandizing the cause as well as helping to find compromise in many situations.
I can also throw Thomas Jefferson into the mix. His influence in Virginia's legislature laid much of the groundwork for the Declaration of Independence and eventually the Constitution. Jefferson also wrote most of the Declaration of Independence. He served as the governor of Virginia and as a US President. During his term, the size of the United States more than doubled.
All of this being said, I would say that the late 1700s saw a fortuitous congregation of men who were able to apply their talents and knowledge to further a cause that is certainly still important to us today.
My vote: George Washington hands down!