Robert Morris

Overview

Robert Morris (1734–1806) was a foundational figure in the financial architecture of the United States and played a critical role in the success of the American Revolutionary War. Born in Liverpool, England, Morris immigrated to the American colonies, where he became a prosperous merchant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His acumen in business and finance soon propelled him into the center of colonial politics, where he became an ardent supporter of American independence. As a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Morris was a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and his leadership in financial matters earned him the unofficial title of “Financier of the Revolution.” His innovative methods in securing funding and supplies were instrumental in sustaining the Continental Army during critical phases of the war.

Following the revolution, Morris’s contributions to the nascent United States continued to be profound. He was a key figure in the creation of the financial system of the new nation, including the establishment of the Bank of North America, which was the precursor to the modern American banking system. Despite declining the position of Secretary of the Treasury, Morris’s influence on the economic policies of the early United States was significant, and his work laid the groundwork for future financial stability and growth. However, his post-war life was marked by financial difficulties, leading to a period of debt imprisonment. Despite these personal setbacks, Robert Morris’s legacy as a patriot and a financial pioneer remains integral to the story of American independence and the establishment of its economy.

Primary Sources

Manuscript Division Staff. “Robert Morris Papers: A Finding Aid to the Collection in the Library of Congress.” Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (blog), 2021. http://rs5.loc.gov/service/mss/eadxmlmss/eadpdfmss/2011/ms011193.pdf.

Secondary Sources

Rappleye, Charles. Robert Morris: Financier of the American Revolution. 1st Simon & Schuster hardcover [ed.]. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2010.

Philadelphia