- Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history.
- It declared the 13 American colonies' independence from Great Britain and outlined the principles of freedom, equality, and the right to pursue happiness.
- Franklin was one of the five-member committee responsible for drafting the declaration and made significant contributions to the final text.
2. Treaty of Paris (1783)
- The Treaty of Paris was the peace treaty that officially ended the American Revolutionary War.
- It recognized the independence of the United States and set the boundaries of the new nation.
- Franklin was one of the American commissioners who negotiated the treaty and played a crucial role in securing favorable terms for the United States.
3. United States Constitution (1787)
- The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land and establishes the framework for the American government.
- Franklin was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and, despite his advanced age, played an important role in shaping the final document.
- He is particularly remembered for his efforts to secure the ratification of the Constitution, including his influential essays under the pseudonym "Publius."
These three documents are considered foundational texts of the United States and have had a profound impact on the nation's history and political system. Franklin's contributions to each document were significant and helped shape the course of American history.