Card #4321 John Hanson and the Articles of Confederation

John Hanson is considered by some historians to be the first U.S. President. Back in 1781, the "United States of America" was formed under the first US Constitution (Articles of Confederation) ratified March 1, 1781. Under the Articles of Confederation, there was one branch of government. The Articles of Confederation called for the election of a President to lead the new government, and John Hanson was the first elected President by a unanimous decision. The power of the position was much different than it is today under the current US Constitution. John Hanson and his successors under the Articles of Confederation are considered"forgotten Presidents." The official title of the position was President of the United States in Congress. If not for the courage of John Hanson, the US government today might be a monarchy instead of a representative republic. George Washington would have most likely been King George Washington. Ironically, George Washington (referred to in the United States as, "Father of our country") had no naturally born children of his own. His children were adopted. If George Washington had become king, who would have been heir to the throne?

 

The debate over the who holds the title as the first US President may never be resolved; however, it is clear that each of the leaders considered played a role in the early years of America's freedom.

Ponder This: If the first U.S. Constitution were still in effect today, who would historians credit as the first U.S. President? If the current U.S. constitution had failed, and a third constitution had replaced it, would historians have forgotten George Washington as well? The Articles of Confederation, as the first U.S. Constitution, was an important part of American history in leading the country toward its current Constitution, and the Presidents under that Constitution made policy decisions which profoundly affect our freedom today. Why, then, isn't the history of these former Presidents more familiar to all Americans?

Key internet search terms to find out more about this subject: President John Hanson, John Hanson stamp, John Hanson forgotten president, John Hanson Library of Congress

John Hanson - biography

John Hanson - statue

Books to locate: The Patriot's Handbook and Forgotten Presidents: America's Leaders before George Washington by George E. Grant