Philip Freneau

While the war with Britain slowly came to a close, a new war staring two National newspapers was just beginning. Philip Morin Freneau, the “poet of the American Revolution,” was an incredible person to read about. A poet, soldier, and above all, The Voice of The People during a confusing time in political news. 

Born in 1752 in New Jersey, Freneau was raised around literature, art, and attended only the best schools. While at college he befriended a key player in the rest of his life, James Madison. Years later, after writing poetry, satires bashing British rule, and working some minor editing jobs, Madison called upon the young writer to create a Republican-based National paper that would oppose Alexander Hamilton’s Gazette of the United States. He agreed, seeing as Hamilton’s ideas were following too closely to those of the despised British and monarchy rule. The paper supported Thomas Jefferson and became a great success sparking controversy and opening the public up to a different side of politics. 

Philip Freneau’s is an inspiration, his poetry and journalism displayed such passion and held such importance that he will forever go down in history as the man who “Saved the Constitution.” What he wrote meant something, the people of the newborn United States were informed because of him. As a future journalist I hope to report with Freneau’s ethic and drive in mind, always eager to produce the truth, always striving to inform the masses.