FIRST DRAW: Benjamin Franklin as the 1st US President
Introduction
September 15, 1784
Philadelphia
“This is madness!”
Jared Ingersoll yelled at the people who were sitting in the conference room. His blood veins in pumped from the forehead and the skin was red of anger. “ The guns and cannons have finally been silenced in our new country days ago, and now this assembly wont even allow the widows and orphans to mourn the dead?”
“Honored Ingersoll, this country is by now nothing more than a loose a federation of settlements, we need to create the foundation of this democracy. Cornwallis and the british are defeated, but the blood of those who died for our freedom must not be in vain. We need to create the constitution of this god-blessed country, and we need to show our enemies that we will not make the same mistakes.” The word came from the earlier governor of Massachusetts, John Hancock.
He was also the man responsible for the meeting right now. After the war against the British was finally over, he gathered delegates from all over the country. The objective was simple. They would create the country's constitution.
But for Hancock, it was personal. His daughter Lydia died only ten months old. The tragedy was complete when his son George died. He fell over a British bayonet when he was out in the woods. The knife went right through his heart. Hancock hated the British from that day.
The convention lasted several days, but soon the constitution of the United States started to shape. The minor details was easily agreed upon, but there was several difficult question the delegates had to agree upon. The most difficult one, was the power of the executive branch. After living under the power of an distant tyrant, they feared being ruled by an near living dictator.
The last day of the convention, the most important decision was made in the halls of the Pennsylvania State House. It was not made in the Independence Hall between the 45 delegates, but in the bar where five important people sat and enjoyed their whisky and cigars.
They were the leaders of the revolution, the Founding Fathers of the United States. In the chair in the middle, Alexander Hamilton sat. ” The most important questions remain gentlemen’s, who are going to be the President of this nation.” The question had been avoided in the assembly. They did not wanted to risk a heated debate between the delegates of the colonies. Rhode Island had already refused to send delegates.
“ There are two men that the people identify as the face of America, the one is George Washington, the second one is..Benjamin Franklin.” Samuel Adams had a stone face when the word came out his mouth.
“ I agree, there are different views on how this union should be, but we can not risk this debate on the birth of the nation. We need men that can unite the colonies and give them an American identity.” Jefferson had already served as the Governor of Virginia, and was known to have strong views on how the union should be. But he was also an educated and smart man, and realized that an up heated political strife between the ever-growing federalists and democrats would mean the end of the union.
John Jay, who was sitting near the fireplace, tried to end the discussion abruptly. “Then we must decide between Washington and Franklin.” The voice from the fifth man flew into the air as he walked out from the dark corner of the room. “May I come with a suggestion?”
“Of course Mr Washington” said Jefferson with a smile on his face.
October 15, 1784
Philadelphia.
He hated to sail over the Atlantic Ocean. The job of being ambassador to France was a job he did with honor. But the long distance home was really a pain. But as Benjamin Franklin putted his leg on American soil, he finally felt that he was home. The notice to get home was urgent and he had appointed his secretary to lead the embassy while he was away. He promised that he would soon return to Paris. But Franklin never put his foot on European soil again.
When he entered the State House the convention was gathered one last time to ratify the constitution, a moment of history Franklin would not miss. The surprise was big when a young man guided him into the office of the governor. There, 12 people were standing, all watching him.
Washington was the one to greet him, but he said only one sentence. “Mr Franklin, this country needs you.” The world stopped.
“ I can not be the President of this union, I am 78 years old. I have, with the lord blessings, ten years left at top.”
“ It is therefore we need you, this country does not need a politician right now, they need a visionary, a man who gives this land their rightful place in history. They need you to shape the things of the future.” The glow in Washington eyes was intense.
“And what about you?” Franklin asked. “What about me, I am a general, I can not be the President, not yet, I have like the rest of the people in the room ideas. But before ideas can grow, we need to stabilize the earth, to create nutrition for the fruit of ideas. You are the man to do it.”
“If I say yes, what will now happen?” Franklin asked, still not convinced.
“First we need to ratify the constitutions, then we must have the electoral vote. I don’t think that is going to be a problem. But we need you to make a decision Mr Franklin.
April 30, 1784
New York City. Federal Hall
The sun shinned over the city on this historical day. Two months earlier Franklin had received all 65 electoral votes of the states. He run unopposed and the real issue to be decided was who would be chosen as vice president. Washington got 45 ballots and became the country’s Vice President. Franklin sat in a wooden chair. According to the ratified constitution he had to publicly take the oath of office as the first President under the Constitution for the United States of America.
Fifteen minutes later, it was over. Benjamin Franklin was the First President of the United States of America.
End of Prologue
Many people will say that President Franklin was a mediocre leader, but what people must remember is that when he took the office; there were non-guidelines or rules at all. He had to create the identity of the presidency all alone. His constant rivalry with Washington also hindered the efficiency of his work.
As the celebration of independence was over, the union had to be created, rules had to made. Franklin loved the idea of a strong state, and hoped that someday USA would be an influential superpower. His most important decision was arguably the creation of the National Bank. Even though many of the federalists objected to this action. It made it possible to create a growing economy in the Union.
=== An brief introduction of our Presidents, by Prof. Sarah Pahlin of Harvard University ===
Even though they were friends for a long time, the job of being President separated Franklin and Washington. Already some months into his period, Franklin felt that it was Washington who made the decision. It was probably true though. Franklin was a scapegoat, a man who would make all the unpopular decision that had to be made. And when Franklin’s four-year term was over, Washington would come in like a knight on a white horse and take over the presidency.
There are recording of a confrontation between Franklin and Washington at some point between the end of November 1786 and January 1787. Franklin was furious at that time. He accused Washington for treating him like a puppy and that he had tricked him to accept the presidency under false circumstances. He then called Washington a coward and said that he should have taken the job when it was his duty to do so. Washington of course denied the accusations, but said that Franklin was only a figurehead, and that politics was not why Frankin was elected.
=== Article on History Weekly 25 January 1967 ===
Franklin made several important decision as President. He recognized the importance of academica and supported the funding of several universities around the country. The merchant marine expanded and trade flourished. His love for France made the diplomatic relationship between the countries reached an all time high. But his most important decision was a private one. In 1788, right before the electoral congress voted Washington as his succesor, he freed his slaves. This was the directe cause to the creation of the abolitionists movment. This was against the strongly advices from Washington, who would be the President to actually handle the issue.
The question of an national capital was also raised by the future President Monroe. He argued heavily to create a new capital, with no ties to the former colonies. Franklin argued against this and wanted Philadelphia as the capital. The compromise in 1789, one of the last major decision that Franklin approved, made the city federal territory.
In March 1788 Franklin got the Polio disease. It took lot of his powers to combat it, and the last year, Washington was the President in everything but the name. Even though they had a stormfull relationship, Washington and Franklin settled their difference around the new year of 1789.
Franklin died as an happy man. His son, who sweared loyality to the crown, fleed to England in 1782. They had not spoken to each other since the war, and it took a heavy toll on the President. The 16 of august 1786 he received a letter from William, who tried to reconnect with his father. The 12 of November the same year, William arrived with his wife, Mary Johnson d’Evelin, and their newborn daughter to Philadelphia. They settled down in a house twenty miles outside the city. The last year of the President life, his grandchild was the cornerstone of his life.
=== A man of the history, Biography of Benjamin Franklin ===
It was easy to see that Franklin was dying under Washington inguration. He was covered in several blankets, even though it was a hot april day. When Washington was ingurated, he thanked Franklin for creating and protecting the union. The whole crowd, maybe 5000, stand up and applauded Franklin for maybe ten minutes. Some witness could swear they saw a their of joy in Franklin’s eyes.
When his heart stopped the eight of may the same year, there was a national mourning. His funeral was attended by the whole political elite in Philadelpia. He was then carried over to Boston where he lay in wake. Washington announced the same day that the new presidential office in Philadelphia would be called The Franklin House.
=== An brief introduction of our Presidents ===
KING GEORGE IS DEAD!
King George III died peacefully in his sleep tonight. Porphyria is probably the cause of his death. The death of the British monarch is bad new for the current Prime Minister William Pitt the younger. His chances to stay in power are certainly weakened by the death of King George, as it was a know fact that the king supported Pitt as the regent against Charles James Fox. The parliament is unanimously agreed upon that HRH The Prince George, Prince of Wales is the best-suited candidate for the throne.
=== Pennsylvania Gazette 3 March 1788 ===
UPRISING IN FRANCE. KING LOUIS ASSEMBLES ESTATES-GENERAL.
The ongoing financial crisis in France is worsening. Today King Louis XVI announced that he is summoning the different classes of France to the Estates-General. This is the first meeting of the classes since 1614, and it is hoped to quell the ongoing uprising in the country.
===Pennsylvania Gazette January 19, 1789 ===
Introduction
September 15, 1784
Philadelphia
“This is madness!”
Jared Ingersoll yelled at the people who were sitting in the conference room. His blood veins in pumped from the forehead and the skin was red of anger. “ The guns and cannons have finally been silenced in our new country days ago, and now this assembly wont even allow the widows and orphans to mourn the dead?”
“Honored Ingersoll, this country is by now nothing more than a loose a federation of settlements, we need to create the foundation of this democracy. Cornwallis and the british are defeated, but the blood of those who died for our freedom must not be in vain. We need to create the constitution of this god-blessed country, and we need to show our enemies that we will not make the same mistakes.” The word came from the earlier governor of Massachusetts, John Hancock.
He was also the man responsible for the meeting right now. After the war against the British was finally over, he gathered delegates from all over the country. The objective was simple. They would create the country's constitution.
But for Hancock, it was personal. His daughter Lydia died only ten months old. The tragedy was complete when his son George died. He fell over a British bayonet when he was out in the woods. The knife went right through his heart. Hancock hated the British from that day.
The convention lasted several days, but soon the constitution of the United States started to shape. The minor details was easily agreed upon, but there was several difficult question the delegates had to agree upon. The most difficult one, was the power of the executive branch. After living under the power of an distant tyrant, they feared being ruled by an near living dictator.
The last day of the convention, the most important decision was made in the halls of the Pennsylvania State House. It was not made in the Independence Hall between the 45 delegates, but in the bar where five important people sat and enjoyed their whisky and cigars.
They were the leaders of the revolution, the Founding Fathers of the United States. In the chair in the middle, Alexander Hamilton sat. ” The most important questions remain gentlemen’s, who are going to be the President of this nation.” The question had been avoided in the assembly. They did not wanted to risk a heated debate between the delegates of the colonies. Rhode Island had already refused to send delegates.
“ There are two men that the people identify as the face of America, the one is George Washington, the second one is..Benjamin Franklin.” Samuel Adams had a stone face when the word came out his mouth.
“ I agree, there are different views on how this union should be, but we can not risk this debate on the birth of the nation. We need men that can unite the colonies and give them an American identity.” Jefferson had already served as the Governor of Virginia, and was known to have strong views on how the union should be. But he was also an educated and smart man, and realized that an up heated political strife between the ever-growing federalists and democrats would mean the end of the union.
John Jay, who was sitting near the fireplace, tried to end the discussion abruptly. “Then we must decide between Washington and Franklin.” The voice from the fifth man flew into the air as he walked out from the dark corner of the room. “May I come with a suggestion?”
“Of course Mr Washington” said Jefferson with a smile on his face.
October 15, 1784
Philadelphia.
He hated to sail over the Atlantic Ocean. The job of being ambassador to France was a job he did with honor. But the long distance home was really a pain. But as Benjamin Franklin putted his leg on American soil, he finally felt that he was home. The notice to get home was urgent and he had appointed his secretary to lead the embassy while he was away. He promised that he would soon return to Paris. But Franklin never put his foot on European soil again.
When he entered the State House the convention was gathered one last time to ratify the constitution, a moment of history Franklin would not miss. The surprise was big when a young man guided him into the office of the governor. There, 12 people were standing, all watching him.
Washington was the one to greet him, but he said only one sentence. “Mr Franklin, this country needs you.” The world stopped.
“ I can not be the President of this union, I am 78 years old. I have, with the lord blessings, ten years left at top.”
“ It is therefore we need you, this country does not need a politician right now, they need a visionary, a man who gives this land their rightful place in history. They need you to shape the things of the future.” The glow in Washington eyes was intense.
“And what about you?” Franklin asked. “What about me, I am a general, I can not be the President, not yet, I have like the rest of the people in the room ideas. But before ideas can grow, we need to stabilize the earth, to create nutrition for the fruit of ideas. You are the man to do it.”
“If I say yes, what will now happen?” Franklin asked, still not convinced.
“First we need to ratify the constitutions, then we must have the electoral vote. I don’t think that is going to be a problem. But we need you to make a decision Mr Franklin.
April 30, 1784
New York City. Federal Hall
The sun shinned over the city on this historical day. Two months earlier Franklin had received all 65 electoral votes of the states. He run unopposed and the real issue to be decided was who would be chosen as vice president. Washington got 45 ballots and became the country’s Vice President. Franklin sat in a wooden chair. According to the ratified constitution he had to publicly take the oath of office as the first President under the Constitution for the United States of America.
Fifteen minutes later, it was over. Benjamin Franklin was the First President of the United States of America.
End of Prologue
Many people will say that President Franklin was a mediocre leader, but what people must remember is that when he took the office; there were non-guidelines or rules at all. He had to create the identity of the presidency all alone. His constant rivalry with Washington also hindered the efficiency of his work.
As the celebration of independence was over, the union had to be created, rules had to made. Franklin loved the idea of a strong state, and hoped that someday USA would be an influential superpower. His most important decision was arguably the creation of the National Bank. Even though many of the federalists objected to this action. It made it possible to create a growing economy in the Union.
=== An brief introduction of our Presidents, by Prof. Sarah Pahlin of Harvard University ===
Even though they were friends for a long time, the job of being President separated Franklin and Washington. Already some months into his period, Franklin felt that it was Washington who made the decision. It was probably true though. Franklin was a scapegoat, a man who would make all the unpopular decision that had to be made. And when Franklin’s four-year term was over, Washington would come in like a knight on a white horse and take over the presidency.
There are recording of a confrontation between Franklin and Washington at some point between the end of November 1786 and January 1787. Franklin was furious at that time. He accused Washington for treating him like a puppy and that he had tricked him to accept the presidency under false circumstances. He then called Washington a coward and said that he should have taken the job when it was his duty to do so. Washington of course denied the accusations, but said that Franklin was only a figurehead, and that politics was not why Frankin was elected.
=== Article on History Weekly 25 January 1967 ===
Franklin made several important decision as President. He recognized the importance of academica and supported the funding of several universities around the country. The merchant marine expanded and trade flourished. His love for France made the diplomatic relationship between the countries reached an all time high. But his most important decision was a private one. In 1788, right before the electoral congress voted Washington as his succesor, he freed his slaves. This was the directe cause to the creation of the abolitionists movment. This was against the strongly advices from Washington, who would be the President to actually handle the issue.
The question of an national capital was also raised by the future President Monroe. He argued heavily to create a new capital, with no ties to the former colonies. Franklin argued against this and wanted Philadelphia as the capital. The compromise in 1789, one of the last major decision that Franklin approved, made the city federal territory.
In March 1788 Franklin got the Polio disease. It took lot of his powers to combat it, and the last year, Washington was the President in everything but the name. Even though they had a stormfull relationship, Washington and Franklin settled their difference around the new year of 1789.
Franklin died as an happy man. His son, who sweared loyality to the crown, fleed to England in 1782. They had not spoken to each other since the war, and it took a heavy toll on the President. The 16 of august 1786 he received a letter from William, who tried to reconnect with his father. The 12 of November the same year, William arrived with his wife, Mary Johnson d’Evelin, and their newborn daughter to Philadelphia. They settled down in a house twenty miles outside the city. The last year of the President life, his grandchild was the cornerstone of his life.
=== A man of the history, Biography of Benjamin Franklin ===
It was easy to see that Franklin was dying under Washington inguration. He was covered in several blankets, even though it was a hot april day. When Washington was ingurated, he thanked Franklin for creating and protecting the union. The whole crowd, maybe 5000, stand up and applauded Franklin for maybe ten minutes. Some witness could swear they saw a their of joy in Franklin’s eyes.
When his heart stopped the eight of may the same year, there was a national mourning. His funeral was attended by the whole political elite in Philadelpia. He was then carried over to Boston where he lay in wake. Washington announced the same day that the new presidential office in Philadelphia would be called The Franklin House.
=== An brief introduction of our Presidents ===
KING GEORGE IS DEAD!
King George III died peacefully in his sleep tonight. Porphyria is probably the cause of his death. The death of the British monarch is bad new for the current Prime Minister William Pitt the younger. His chances to stay in power are certainly weakened by the death of King George, as it was a know fact that the king supported Pitt as the regent against Charles James Fox. The parliament is unanimously agreed upon that HRH The Prince George, Prince of Wales is the best-suited candidate for the throne.
=== Pennsylvania Gazette 3 March 1788 ===
UPRISING IN FRANCE. KING LOUIS ASSEMBLES ESTATES-GENERAL.
The ongoing financial crisis in France is worsening. Today King Louis XVI announced that he is summoning the different classes of France to the Estates-General. This is the first meeting of the classes since 1614, and it is hoped to quell the ongoing uprising in the country.
===Pennsylvania Gazette January 19, 1789 ===
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