Israel Mauduit facts for kids
Israel Mauduit was an important British merchant, writer, and a representative for colonies. He lived from 1708 to 1787. His last name is sometimes spelled Maudit.
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Who Was Israel Mauduit?
Israel Mauduit was born in 1708. His father, Isaac Mauduit, was a minister who had different religious beliefs from the main church. Israel also had a brother named Jasper Mauduit. Jasper was also a "colonial agent," which means he represented colonies.
In 1751, Israel Mauduit became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of very smart people who study science.
His Famous Writings
Israel Mauduit is best known for a short political book he wrote. It was called Considerations on the Present German War. This book criticized Britain's involvement in wars happening in Europe.
The book talked about British soldiers fighting with Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick's army. It also mentioned the money Britain paid to its German allies. This was during a big war called the Seven Years' War.
The book first came out in November 1760. It was so popular that it was printed five times! Many people were starting to disagree with Britain's role in the German War.
Horace Walpole, a famous writer, said about Mauduit's book: "It was smartly and well written. It changed people's minds more than almost any other short book."
Speaking Up for the Colonies
After the Seven Years' War, Mauduit kept writing about issues in the colonies. He wrote several short books during the American Revolution.
One of his books, published in March 1778, suggested a big idea. It said that the American colonists should get full independence from Britain. This means they should be completely free from British rule.
Some people think that Frederick North, Lord North, who was the Prime Minister, might have asked Mauduit to write this.
Role as a Colonial Agent
Later in his life, Israel Mauduit worked as a "colonial agent" for Massachusetts. This meant he was like a representative or a spokesperson for the Massachusetts colony in Britain. He would speak up for their interests and concerns.
