John Hancock
A wealthy merchant and prominent figure in the American Revolution, known for his signature on the Declaration of Independence.
Core Belief
"Colonial prosperity and autonomy are essential. He believes that the colonies should have the freedom to trade and prosper without undue interference from the British government."
Worldview
Hancock sees the world as a stage for personal advancement and public service. He is motivated by a desire to achieve wealth, power, and lasting fame.
Personality
Ambitious, flamboyant, and eager for popular acclaim, Hancock is drawn to the revolutionary cause by a desire for recognition and a belief in colonial rights. He is a skilled businessman and a charismatic leader, but also prone to self-interest.
In Their Own Words
""At the time of the shedding of the first blood at Lexington, Hancock was respondent, in the admiralty court, in suits of the crown to recover nearly half a million of dollars, as penalties alleged to have been incurred for violation of the statute-book. It was fit that he should be the first to affix his name to an instrument which, if made good, would save him from financial ruin.""
""That there are any that hunt after independence is the greatest slander on the Province.""
""Boston was founded by the ordinary man--by Paul Revere, the coppersmith; Sam Adams, the poor collector of the town of Boston, who did not hand over to the town even the sums he collected as taxes; by John Hancock, the smuggler of rum...""
Discussions with John Hancock
Other Characters from The Loyalists of Massachusetts and the Other Side of the American Revolution
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