Jack D. Warren Jr on "Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution"
“Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” by Jack D. Warren, Jr. (Lyons Press)
This beautiful coffee-table sized book is loaded with full-color illustrations of the most important participants in our War for Independence (American, French and British) and wonderful maps. But the most important part of this new history is that it explores the significance of the War, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.
For the first time in the history of the world, a group of people decided that they no longer wanted to be subjects but citizens. They envisioned a world where every man was equal under the law, and that this worthiness came not from the whims of kings or Parliaments but from the Creator. This new land would allow the citizens thereof to worship in way manner they wished, gather openly to protest without fear of severe reprisal, read a press unencumbered by a government agency, to protect themselves from invasion or attack, and to be safe in their own homes.
We take these things for granted in a modern world that sees these as normative, but 250 years they were radical thoughts embraced by colonies that revolted against the tyranny of their remote empirical government. That same empire treated them with benign neglect for more than a century until they had to actually spend money and military might to defend these American colonies. Their high-handed manner of dealing with people who considered themselves loyal and equal British subjects, turned the attitudes and allegiance of those subjects into open rebellion.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free