The Role of Freemasonry in the Founding of America: Facts and Fictions

Did you know that a significant number of America's Founding Fathers were members of the Freemasonry order? Yet, surprisingly, this fact is not prominently featured in many American textbooks. Why is this? Despite misconceptions, it is important to acknowledge the positive influence of Freemasonry on the development of Western political order.

Freemasonry in the Lives of the Founding Fathers

Freemasonry played a significant role during the American Revolution. Figures such as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, and George Washington were all members of this fraternal organization, alongside many other prominent revolutionaries. Despite this, a vast majority of significant players in the revolution were not associated with Freemasonry. The idea that Freemasonry was behind a conspiracy to overthrow the British government is a myth.

The Irrationality of Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories are often based on hearsay, conjecture, and half-truths. Historians like Sidney Morse, who published Freemasonry in the American Revolution in 1924 and Freemasonry and the Drums of “Seventy-Five” in 1927, contributed to the myth through their exaggerations and unsupported claims. Morse suggested that Freemasons orchestrated pivotal events such as the Boston Tea Party and even sank the revenue cutter Gaspée. More recent historians, like Bernard Fay for the French and American revolutions in the 18th century, have also contributed to the proliferation of these myths.

The Influence of Freemasonry

Freemasonry did indeed play a role in the American Revolution, but it was more about promoting ideals of sociability and cosmopolitanism. The organization represented around 25% of the founding fathers, a proportion that is not out of line with their membership in other colonial organizations. It is important to recognize that Freemasonry was a cultural force that promoted the brotherhood of man, rather than a political agenda.

Revolution and Freemasonry Mythology

The power of myth often distorts the historical record. The 1884 introduction of the so-called "All Seeing Eye" on the Great Seal of the United States is a prime example. Harvard Professor Eliot Norton perpetuated the myth that this eye was a symbol of Masonic conspiracy. This theory, however, has no basis in fact as the seal's design was influenced by an artist and consultant with no known Masonic connections. The eye was a well-established artistic symbol, often representing an omniscient and universal deity from the Renaissance period and even earlier in Ancient Egypt.

The Reality of Freemasonry's Impact

The impact of Freemasonry on the American Revolution should not be understated, but it should not be misconstrued as a political or clandestine conspiracy. The fact that many of the Founding Fathers were members of Freemasonry speaks more to their social and cultural milieu than to any covert political agenda. The Order was more about promoting a sense of brotherhood and cosmopolitan ideals than about any political imperative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a significant number of the Founding Fathers were indeed Freemasons, the role of Freemasonry in the American Revolution should be understood within the broader context of their social and cultural environment. The exaggeration of Freemasonry's role in revolutionary events is unfounded and detracts from a clear understanding of the historical figures and events. It is crucial to approach historical narratives critically and to separate fact from fiction, even when popular myths persist.