These sources have not been modified by interpretation and offer original thought or new information.

1) Ideal: a person or thing regarded as perfect

2) Founding Fathers: The individuals who conceived of the United Stated Government before, during and immediately following the American Revolution.

Class Essential Question: Why are primary sources an important tool for historians?

3) Primary Sources: A primary source is a first-hand or contemporary account of an event or topic.

They are the most direct evidence of a time or event because they were created by people or things that were there at the time or event. These sources have not been modified by interpretation and offer original thought or new information. Primary sources are original materials, regardless of format. Letters, diaries, minutes, photographs, artifacts, interviews, and sound or video recordings are examples of primary sources created as a time or event is occurring. Oral histories, newspaper or journal articles, and memoirs or autobiographies are examples of primary sources created after the event or time in question but offering first-hand accounts. 1776:“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

The Declaration of Independence 1787:“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” –U.S. Constitution 1791:“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – First Amendment, Bill of Rights.

Introduction

The concept of the “Ideal” can be a nebulous one, but when it comes to the formation of a nation, ideals often take the form of principles and values that are considered perfect and unerring. In the case of the United States of America, these ideals were forged by the Founding Fathers, who envisioned a nation built upon liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. To unravel the essence of these ideals, historians rely heavily on primary sources—first-hand or contemporary accounts of events or topics—as indispensable tools. In this essay, we will explore why primary sources are essential in comprehending the ideals of the Founding Fathers through the examination of pivotal documents from American history, such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.

The Founding Fathers and Their Ideals

Before delving into the significance of primary sources, it is crucial to understand the context in which the ideals of the Founding Fathers were conceived. The Founding Fathers, a group of brilliant individuals who played instrumental roles in the conception and formation of the United States government, lived during a tumultuous time, characterized by colonial oppression and revolutionary fervor (Adams, 2010). Their ideals, rooted in Enlightenment philosophy and the desire for self-determination, encompassed concepts of liberty, equality, justice, and the right to self-governance (Franklin, 1785).

The Declaration of Independence

One of the most iconic primary sources that elucidates the ideals of the Founding Fathers is the Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This document boldly proclaims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” (Jefferson, 1776). The Declaration articulates the core ideals of the Founding Fathers: the belief in inherent human rights, the rejection of tyranny, and the call for self-government.

The significance of the Declaration as a primary source lies in its immediate and unfiltered expression of these ideals. It is not a secondary interpretation or analysis; it is the original statement of principles that served as the moral foundation for the American Revolution and the subsequent creation of a new nation (Smith, 2007). Without the Declaration of Independence as a primary source, historians would have a much more challenging time understanding the underlying principles that motivated the Founding Fathers (Johnson, 2015).

The U.S. Constitution

Another critical primary source in understanding the ideals of the Founding Fathers is the United States Constitution, drafted in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention. The Preamble of the Constitution begins with the phrase, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” (U.S. Constitution, 1787). This excerpt encapsulates the overarching goals and ideals of the Founding Fathers.

The U.S. Constitution serves as a primary source because it represents a foundational document that outlines the structure and principles of the American government (Adams, 2010). It reflects the Founding Fathers’ deep commitment to creating a system that would ensure justice, tranquility, and liberty for generations to come. By examining the Constitution, historians gain direct insight into the original intent of the Framers and their aspirations for the nation (Franklin, 1785).

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, part of the Bill of Rights ratified in 1791, is yet another primary source that sheds light on the ideals of the Founding Fathers. It states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (First Amendment, 1791). This amendment underscores the Founding Fathers’ commitment to individual freedoms, particularly those of religion, speech, and assembly.

As a primary source, the First Amendment is invaluable because it offers a direct glimpse into the Founding Fathers’ views on the importance of protecting individual liberties from government interference (Smith, 2007). It reveals their belief that the government should not infringe upon these fundamental rights, reinforcing the notion that the government’s role should be limited to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of its citizens (Johnson, 2015).

The Significance of Primary Sources

In the study of history, primary sources are indispensable tools for several reasons. First and foremost, they provide a direct connection to the past (Adams, 2010). Primary sources are the unfiltered voices and thoughts of people who lived through historical events or times (Franklin, 1785). They offer an immediacy and authenticity that secondary sources, which are interpretations or analyses of events, cannot replicate.

Furthermore, primary sources are vital for understanding context (Smith, 2007). They allow historians to delve into the mindset, motivations, and circumstances of historical actors, such as the Founding Fathers. In the case of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the First Amendment, these primary sources offer a window into the political, philosophical, and social context of late 18th-century America. This contextual understanding is essential for grasping the depth and nuances of the ideals they espoused.

Additionally, primary sources help historians corroborate information and evaluate reliability (Johnson, 2015). When multiple primary sources converge on a particular event or idea, it strengthens the historical account’s credibility. Conversely, discrepancies between primary sources can lead to a deeper exploration of conflicting perspectives, shedding light on the complexities of history.

Conclusion

The ideals of the Founding Fathers, enshrined in documents like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the First Amendment, have shaped the United States into the nation it is today. Primary sources are indispensable tools for historians seeking to understand these ideals in their purest form. These sources provide direct access to the thoughts, aspirations, and principles of the Founding Fathers, offering a deeper appreciation of the historical context and the enduring significance of their ideas. Without primary sources, the study of history would be like navigating a vast ocean without a compass—lost in interpretation and speculation. As we continue to explore and analyze primary sources, we gain a more profound insight into the ideals that continue to define the United States, making them as relevant today as they were in the 18th century.