The War Years: 1776 – 1783
“As to the history of the revolution, my ideas may be peculiar perhaps singular. What do we mean by the revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.”
John Adams, Letter to Thomas Jefferson, August 24, 1815
“There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston. The war is inevitable. And let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come! It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next gale that surveys from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand idle here? Is life so dark or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains—and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
Patrick Henry
“The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness from which no human efforts will deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore to resolve to conquer or die.”
George Washington, Address to the Continental Army before the battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776
PRINCIPLE OF LIBERTY: Liberty is Worth Dying For
PRINCIPLE OF LIBERTY: Sacrifice
THOMAS PAINE
Read The American Crisis
“THESE are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”
PRINCIPLE OF LIBERTY: Never Give Up
ALLIANCES
WHAT NORTH AMERICA LOOKED LIKE IN THE REVOLUTIONARY ERA
PRINCIPLES OF LIBERTY: WInning the Hearts and Minds
GEORGE ROGERS CLARK
THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION: If Its Broke, It Must Be Fixed!
A LEGACY OF HONOR