Were the founding fathers motivated by self interest rather than patriotism?

Answer 1

I think this is a great question. I think that they had to be thinking of self Interest only because of self preservation, England had a strong hold over most of the colony's, the founding fathers had to use patriotism as a motivator to move the people in a way that they wanted to fight back. So both, Unlike today I don't think Money had anything to do With it, Power on the other hand I guarantee was. They did a great job whatever they had been thinking, Great question.. Nice to think about something other then Nov. 7th for a second

Answer 2

Sure, why not and NO!

The term "self interest" is rather vague and open to a broad range of interpretations, depending on the values and views of the person answering this question.

It is difficult to read into the actions of those who have beed deceased for several hundred years, or into what they were thinking. But face it, they were human beings, the same as us, with various hopes and dreams and a range of different motivational factors.

They were ALL Patriots, that is for sure. Were they concerned for their future well being as well as that of their families? How many profited by their position.....pre and post Revolutionary War?

Most stayed in positions of power. Did they benefit financially? Did we benefit by their wisdom?

Answer 3

I notice that there are youngsters on here seeking answers to what appear to be homework questions. For a bit, I thought, they should seek the answers in books and they were just lazy looking for a quick way to complete that assigment. But the more I think about it, The more I believe that open discussion like this is the better way for ALL of us to learn. this is diverse and so I do not mind giving an "opinion" to some kid who will probably remember more of what we say then what they will read in a history book.

ANSWER: It was a combination of both.

Answer 4

Of course. This is not to say they were bad. It is not fair to judge looking back in time, not much fair anyway. But our government was first established with the idea of "we the people" meaning white, propertied males. They were the only ones who could vote.

Patriotism developed over time. In the beginning, the states saw themselves as truly independent entities coming together for some common purposes. It is part of our nation's evolution that the concept of a unified nation developed.

Answer 5

There were motivated by freedom and they were willing to risk their lives for it and that made the patriots. They could have lived fine with British taxes but that wasn't the point. They wanted freedom for the colonists and for themselves. A completely new way of life that hadn't been seen since ancient Greece.

Answer 6

There was no patriotism yet. A school education indicates that many factors caused a cessation movement similar to that of an area from a city. While they were at it they formed a gov better than that from which they came from.

Answer 7

Yes, let me explain. All people are in it for thier self preservation and none so true as it is with our founding fathers. We (figuritively) saught our freedom and found others that also saught the same freedom. To do as we wish without someone watching over us. It is a simple explanation but as I am sick I am not goig to get into much detail. read your history books. Quit asking us adults for the answers.

Answer 8

The founders knew that our laws should be written to hold us to a higher standard than we live up to. One of them wrote "all men were created equal" and he was a slave owner. One of the problems we have to day is that our laws and standards are being used against us.

Answer 9

that is actually true. This crap about patriotism and equal rights is just that, crap. It was about rich property owners wanting more control of their environment.

Answer 10

Both.
ever heard about "No taxation without representation"?