Roger Sherman was a Founding Father of the United States and a key figure in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. He was born in Massachusetts in 1721 but later settled in Connecticut, where he became a prominent politician and statesman. Sherman is notable for being the only person to sign all four of the great U.S. founding documents: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
As for his potential motivators, they likely included:
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Commitment to Independence: Sherman was motivated by a strong belief in American independence from British rule and the creation of a self-governing nation.
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Advocacy for Compromise: He was known for his ability to bridge differences among conflicting interests, as seen in his role in proposing the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention, which helped shape the legislative structure of the federal government.
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Public Service: Sherman had a deep commitment to public service and governance, valuing civic duty and the importance of established laws and systems to ensure fairness and stability.
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Economic Interests: As a businessman and landowner, Sherman would have been motivated by the desire to create a stable and prosperous economy that would benefit both him and the wider community.
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Religious Beliefs: His Puritan background may have influenced his views on morality, governance, and the role of faith in public life, motivating him to promote a government that aligned with his beliefs.
Overall, Roger Sherman was driven by a combination of ideals related to governance, economic stability, and community welfare, reflecting the broader aspirations of the American Revolution and the early republic.
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