Eleanor Finch
John Hancock is best remembered for his large, flamboyant signature on the United States Declaration of Independence, so much so that in the United States, John Hancock has become a colloquial term for a person's signature. He was also a successful businessman and smuggler in Boston, and an influential voice for independence. However, contrary to popular belief, Hancock did not sign the US Constitution. Instead, he used his influence to ensure that Massachusetts ratified the Constitution in 1788. He also served as governor of Massachusetts from 1780 to 1785 and 1787 to 1789.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1737 [O.S. January 12, 1736] |
| Date of Death | October 8, 1793 |
| Occupation | Founding Father, merchant, statesman, Patriot of the American Revolution |
| Political Affiliation | None Found |
| Signature | Large, flamboyant, iconic |
| Signed | Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation |
| Supported | Ratification of the U.S. Constitution |
| Elected | Governor of Massachusetts |
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What You'll Learn
John Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence
John Hancock is remembered for his large, flamboyant signature on the United States Declaration of Independence. His signature has become synonymous with patriotism and defiance in the face of tyranny. It is said that his signature was the first and largest on the document.
Hancock was the president of the Second Continental Congress when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed. He was also a prominent Patriot of the American Revolution, an early and influential voice for independence, and a successful businessman and smuggler in Boston. Hancock was also one of the wealthiest men in the Thirteen Colonies before the Revolution, having inherited a profitable mercantile business from his uncle.
There are many anecdotes and myths surrounding Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence. One popular myth is that Hancock signed with a large flourish so that King George III could read it without glasses. However, this is unlikely to be true as the document was to remain in the new nation and not travel to England. Another anecdote suggests that Hancock signed the document boldly and conspicuously, pointing to his signature and saying, "There, John Bull can read my name without spectacles, he may double his reward, and I put his at defiance." It is important to note that there is no evidence that Britain offered a bounty on John Hancock.
Hancock's signature has become an iconic symbol of patriotism and defiance. It represents his strong personality and likeability, which helped bring people together from all the colonies and achieve unity during the Second Continental Congress. Today, "John Hancock" has become a colloquial term in the United States for a person's signature.
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John Hancock's influence on Massachusetts' ratification of the US Constitution
John Hancock was an influential Founding Father of the United States, a merchant, a statesman, and a prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He is best known for his large and flamboyant signature on the United States Declaration of Independence, which has become synonymous with patriotism and defiance in the face of tyranny.
Hancock played a crucial role in ensuring that Massachusetts ratified the US Constitution in 1788. On 9 January 1788, he was elected president of the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention, despite his recurring illness, gout, which prevented him from attending the initial debates. Hancock remained silent during most of the contentious debates, but as the convention was drawing to a close, he gave a speech advocating for the ratification of the Constitution with nine recommendatory amendments.
Hancock's speech was designed to obtain ratification of the Constitution while addressing the concerns of both Federalists and Antifederalists. He proposed that the Convention ratify the Constitution unconditionally but recommend that the first federal Congress consider amendments. Hancock argued that the new system established by the Constitution was "indispensably necessary to save our country from ruin."
Hancock's support for ratification was likely a deciding factor. On 31 January 1788, the galleries were filled with eager spectators anticipating Hancock's speech. The Massachusetts convention ultimately ratified the Constitution by a narrow margin of 187 to 168.
In addition to his role in the ratification process, Hancock had previously signed the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and he served as the second president of the Second Continental Congress and the seventh president of the Congress of the Confederation. He was also the first and third governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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John Hancock's role in the American Revolution
John Hancock was a leading figure in the American Revolution, playing a prominent role in the events that led to the Declaration of Independence. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1737, Hancock grew up in privilege, inheriting his uncle's mercantile business and becoming one of the wealthiest men in the Thirteen Colonies. He was elected to the Massachusetts Assembly and became a vocal opponent of the British government's colonial policies in the 1760s, particularly their taxation policies, which he resisted by engaging in smuggling.
Hancock's involvement in the resistance intensified with the passage of acts like the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, which furthered colonial discontent. As a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Hancock was at the forefront of discussions on the revolution's goals and next steps for the colonies. He was also a member of the Committee of Safety, demonstrating his commitment to the cause. During this period, he faced charges of smuggling, which, although dropped, damaged his reputation.
Hancock's most famous act during the American Revolution was his signature on the Declaration of Independence. As president of the Second Continental Congress, he oversaw the creation and adoption of this document, which declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain. Hancock's signature, the first and largest on the Declaration, has become synonymous with patriotism and defiance. According to legend, he signed his name in a bold and conspicuous manner so that King George III could read it without spectacles, though this story is disputed.
After the Declaration of Independence, Hancock continued to serve as president of the Congress until 1777, when he became the governor of Massachusetts. He commanded state forces, served in the legislature, and played a crucial role in ensuring Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution in 1788. Hancock's influence and commitment to the revolutionary cause extended beyond his signature, as he actively shaped the political landscape of the newly independent nation.
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John Hancock's political career
John Hancock was an American Founding Father, merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1737 and was the son and grandson of ministers. After his father died, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Thomas Hancock, a wealthy merchant. Hancock went on to graduate from Harvard College in 1754 and then began working for his uncle.
Hancock's political career began in 1765 when he was elected as a Boston selectman. The following year, he was elected to the Massachusetts colonial legislature. In 1774, he was chosen as a member of the Massachusetts delegation to the First Continental Congress. In 1775, he returned as a member of the Second Continental Congress, which elected him as its president. He was the second president of the Second Continental Congress and the seventh president of the Congress of the Confederation. He was also the longest-serving president of the Continental Congress.
Hancock was an influential voice for independence and used his wealth and influence to aid the movement for American independence. He was an early supporter of independence and played a key role in achieving unity and friendship between the men of the Second Continental Congress. He was president of the Second Continental Congress when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed in 1776. He is famous for his large and flamboyant signature on the Declaration, which has become synonymous with patriotism and defiance in the face of tyranny.
Hancock also had a brief military career. In 1778, he led around 5,000-6,000 Massachusetts soldiers in an attempt to recapture Newport, Rhode Island, from the British. Although the mission was a failure, Hancock remained a popular figure. He then helped to frame the Massachusetts Constitution, which was adopted in 1780. That same year, he was elected as the first governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He served as governor until 1785 when he resigned due to a mounting political crisis caused by sharp inflation and farmers defaulting on loans.
Hancock was put forward as a candidate in the 1789 US presidential election. However, he received only four electoral votes, and Washington was elected as the first president. Hancock continued to be re-elected as governor of Massachusetts until his death in 1793.
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John Hancock's wealth and business success
John Hancock was an American Founding Father, merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He was also the longest-serving president of the Continental Congress, serving as the second president of the Second Continental Congress and the seventh president of the Congress of the Confederation. He was also the first and third governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Before the American Revolution, Hancock was one of the wealthiest men in the Thirteen Colonies. He inherited his fortune from his uncle, Thomas Hancock, who owned a profitable mercantile business. Thomas had close relations with the royal governors of Massachusetts and secured profitable government contracts. John Hancock learned about his uncle's business and was trained to eventually become a partner in the firm. In 1763, he became a full partner in the business, and when his uncle died in 1764, he inherited the entire enterprise, becoming one of the wealthiest men in the colonies.
Hancock's wealth allowed him to indulge in his taste for luxury and extravagance. He was known for his flamboyant dress sense and expensive clothes. He was also charitable, donating large sums to local charities. Hancock's wealth and business success also contributed to his political success. Samuel Adams, a leader of Boston's "popular party", supported Hancock, and it was argued that Adams manipulated Hancock so that his wealth could be used to further the Whig agenda.
Hancock's business success was not without challenges. He was arrested in 1768 for smuggling goods into the colonies to avoid paying taxes. His ship, the HMS Liberty, was confiscated, and although he was found not guilty, his ship was taken from him and burned in 1769 as a protest against British taxation policies. This incident was one of the first violent reactions against King George III and sparked anger, protests, and eventually, the Boston Massacre of 1770.
In addition to his business and political pursuits, Hancock played a significant role in the American Revolution. He was an influential voice for independence and used his influence to ensure that Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution in 1788. He is also remembered for his large and stylish signature on the United States Declaration of Independence, which has become synonymous with patriotism and defiance in the face of tyranny.
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Frequently asked questions
No, John Hancock did not sign the Constitution. However, he did use his influence to ensure that Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution in 1788. He also served as governor of Massachusetts from 1780 to 1785 and 1787 to 1789.
John Hancock is famous for his signature on the United States Declaration of Independence. He was the first to sign the document and his signature is synonymous with patriotism and defiance in the face of tyranny.
John Hancock signed his name in a large and flamboyant style. There is a popular myth that he did so to enable King George III to read it without glasses. However, the document was not sent to England, so the king would never have seen it.
John Hancock was an American Founding Father, merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He was also the longest-serving president of the Continental Congress and the first governor of Massachusetts.
