Political writings of American Literature you should know
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Political writings of American Literature – Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson
Political writings of Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson were influential figures in American history and literature. While they each contributed to various aspects of American society, including politics, they did not all have extensive bodies of political writings. Nevertheless, here are some notable political writings associated with each of these individuals:
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was a polymath and one of the founding fathers of the United States. Although he is primarily known for his scientific discoveries and inventions, he did contribute to political discourse through his writings. One of his notable political works is his autobiography, which provides insights into his life and his thoughts on self-improvement, education, and social progress. While not strictly a political treatise, Franklin’s writings often touched upon civic virtues and the importance of individual responsibility in creating a just society.
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Alexander Hamilton:
Alexander Hamilton was one of the key figures in shaping early American politics. He played a crucial role in the development of the United States’ financial system and was a strong advocate for a strong central government. Hamilton’s most significant political writings are contained in “The Federalist Papers.” These papers, written in collaboration with James Madison and John Jay, were a series of essays published to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Hamilton’s contributions to “The Federalist Papers” include essays that argued for a strong executive branch, the importance of a standing army, and the need for a centralized government to ensure stability and protect individual rights.
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Thomas Paine:
Thomas Paine was a political activist, philosopher, and writer who strongly influenced the American Revolution. His most famous political work is “Common Sense,” published in 1776. This pamphlet had a significant impact on public opinion and helped galvanize support for American independence from Britain. In “Common Sense,” Paine argued for the inherent rights of individuals, the illegitimacy of monarchy, and the necessity of creating a republic based on democratic principles. Paine’s writing style was accessible and persuasive, making his ideas widely accessible to the general public. To read more use https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Paine, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/paine/
Thomas Jefferson:
Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, was a prolific writer. His most renowned political work is the Declaration of Independence itself, which proclaims the fundamental rights of individuals and asserts the right to self-governance. Jefferson’s ideas, deeply influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, emphasized the principles of natural rights, liberty, and limited government. Jefferson also wrote extensively on issues such as religious freedom, the separation of powers, and the expansion of the United States through territorial acquisition, as seen in documents like the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and his correspondence.
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While these are some of the significant political writings associated with these individuals, it is worth noting that they were involved in a wide range of political activities and held various views throughout their lives. Their writings and political contributions collectively played a crucial role in shaping American literature, political thought, and the foundations of the United States.
In conclusion, the political writings of Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson hold significant influence in American history and literature. Although their contributions varied, each figure made noteworthy contributions to American society and politics. While not all of them possessed extensive bodies of political writings, they left behind impactful works that shaped the nation’s political discourse.