OptimisticOwl Wrote:Here is my thinking. Jefferson, franklin , and Adams were instrumental in the creating of the basis of our country and our government. They were movers and shakers form 1760 to 1830. Washington's main accomplishment was his generaling. people today quote jefferson in their arguments about the intent of the founding fathers on everything. Considering the entire body of their work and lasting influence, I put people like Jefferson at the head of the class.
I have trouble understanding why most historians hold Washington in such high regard, but mostly because I don't know enough about him. But, from what I know about his generalling, I don't think he was an extraordinary military commander - in fact, I think he lost most of his battles. Nevertheless, I think the reason he was held in such high regard by his peers and by historians was his intellect.
I think one of this countries great treasures is the correspondence between Jefferson and Adams, and between John and Abigail Adams. In many ways, I view Madison as a protege of Jefferson, and he may be lost in the shadows in those terms.
A recurring theme that I've seen from historians is that Jefferson really didn't contribute a great number of original ideas - for instance the phrase "wall of separation" is frequently attributed to Jefferson, but he did not coin it - that distinction belongs to the Scotsman
James Burgh, apparently a good friend of Benjamin Franklin. Likewise, Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, but the ideas and language belong more to Locke than Jefferson. Even when he authored his owen Bible, Jefferson did it with a razor rather than a pen.
Nevertheless, I have tremendous respect for the scholarship and persuasive power of Jefferson. Likewise, Franklin's involvement in diplomacy, politics, and science makes him a fascinating character. Out of the bunch, I think Adams may be the most underestimated. In the end, I wish I understood more about Washington. I would rank them as follows:
Jefferson
Adams
Washington
Madison
Franklin