In the researchers educated opinion what man was the most instrumental
person in creating America of these men and what key thing did they do
to lead you to believe that without them America might not have been
created ? 1.Thomas Jefferson 2.Ben Franklin 3.James Madison 4.George
Washington

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Clarification of Question by matt070104-ga on 02 Oct 2004 13:49 PDT

links and/or references would be appreciated to.

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Clarification of Question by matt070104-ga on 02 Oct 2004 16:59 PDT

I am looking for a person that had they have never existed then maybe
the U.S. might have not been the U.S. They would have to have been
responsible for some very important events or actions. Do any of these
men fit that description?

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Clarification of Question by matt070104-ga on 02 Oct 2004 18:14 PDT

Yes, I forgot to include Hamilton to my list.

This might be useful, regarding Jefferson:

http://www.life.com/Life/heroes/newsletters/nljefferson.html

I like the book "The 100, A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in
History," by Michael H. Hart.  I have the first edition in my hands
(I've loaned out the newer 2nd edition).  He ranked your four people
like this:

27. George Washington
70. Thomas Jefferson
Honorable Mention: Ben Franklin
no mention of Madison

You might want to consider Alexander Hamilton:

http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/hamilton/context.html

Ben Franklin, without any shadow of a doubt.

Just think where America would be without The Franklin Mint.