Who is often referred to as a founding father of the United States?

Benjamin Franklin is often referred to as a founding father of the United States due to his significant contributions to the American Revolution and the establishment of the nation. He played a crucial role in drafting key documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, and was instrumental in the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. Franklin's Enlightenment ideals influenced the development of the U.S. government, particularly his emphasis on liberty, civic responsibility, and the value of education.

Moreover, his involvement in establishing the first public library, the University of Pennsylvania, and various civic projects exemplified his commitment to the betterment of society. Franklin's legacy extends beyond politics; he was also a scientist, inventor, and diplomat, making substantial impacts across multiple fields.

This recognition as a founding father highlights Franklin's central role in shaping American ideals and governance during the formative years of the United States. Other figures like Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and Calvin Coolidge, while significant in their own right, were not part of the founding period and therefore do not hold the same status in the context of the founding fathers.