Mending broken relationships: A Fourth of July story
The article tells the story of the complex relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of America's Founding Fathers. They worked together to create the Declaration of Independence, but their friendship frayed during their presidential years and they became bitter enemies. However, they later reconciled and exchanged 158 letters over 14 years, rekindling their friendship before their deaths on July 4, 1826.
- ▪The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to work out a reconciliation with England, but a complete separation seemed inevitable.
- ▪John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were chosen to write the Declaration of Independence, with Jefferson ultimately taking on the task.
- ▪Adams and Jefferson exchanged 158 letters over 14 years, rekindling their friendship before their deaths on July 4, 1826.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
June was a fateful time in America 250 years ago. The 13 colonies, still part of the British Empire, had been in rebellion for over a year, ever since fighting had erupted in Massachusetts at Lexington and Concord. Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army had recently forced British troops out of the colonies, but everyone knew the redcoats would soon return to regain control. Meeting in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress, a provisional government created by the colonists to manage the crisis, had tried to work out a reconciliation with England, but to no avail. A complete separation seemed inevitable.If Congress were to take that drastic step, an official document announcing the decision would be needed.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Washington Examiner
