Reading the American Revolution

On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies in America declared their independence from the British Empire, which would lead to the greatest Republic in history coming into existence. The causes and consequences of the American Revolution had a profound impact on the rest of the world, especially the young country’s views on liberty. For example, the Bill of Rights protect a significant number of liberties that many countries lack, such as the freedoms of speech, religion, self-defense, silence during arrests, against unreasonable searches and seizures, due process, and equal protection. Because our Founders were devoted to classical republicanism, they held a view of liberty that saw arbitrary government action as the greatest threat to freedom. The creation of a system of checks and balances among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches ensured that no single branch of government could dominate. This protection against tyranny was a practical application of Enlightenment ideas and inspired similar structures in other nations. In addition, the American Revolution emphasized the importance of the rule of law over the rule of men. The idea that laws should govern a nation, rather than arbitrary decisions by rulers, has been a cornerstone in protecting individual liberties.

All Americans should read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and there are many other revolutionary-era readings and primary documents that give exceptional insight into liberty that is still applicable to today’s world. These readings are what help make the American Revolution enduring for centuries, and this essay lists some of the most important documents for Americans to read.

Declaration and Constitution

Reading the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution is vital for all Americans for several compelling reasons. These foundational documents provide the framework for understanding the principles, values, and structure of the United States government and its historical context. First, the Declaration of Independence articulates the core values of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. It declares the inherent rights of individuals and the justification for independence from tyranny, setting the philosophical foundation for American democracy. The Constitution outlines the principles of governance, such as federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of law. It provides the blueprint for the functioning of the American government that protects liberty. Then the Bill of Rights, part of the Constitution, enumerates specific protections for individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. Knowing these rights helps citizens to assert and protect them.

Importantly, reading the Declaration and the Constitution provides insight into the historical context of the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the United States. It helps Americans understand the struggles and aspirations that shaped the nation. Understanding the structure of the government and the checks and balances designed to prevent the concentration of power is crucial for safeguarding democracy. Knowledge of the Constitution helps citizens recognize and oppose actions that threaten democratic principles. Awareness of constitutional rights and the mechanisms for redress empowers individuals to hold the government accountable and resist authoritarianism.

Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, were instrumental in the ratification of the United States Constitution. While all the essays collectively argued for the adoption of the Constitution, some are considered more influential and critical in shaping the understanding of the new government's principles. If one does not have the time to read all of them, here are the most important and influential Federalist Papers:

• Federalist 1 (Hamilton): Discusses the importance of unity and the dangers of disunion and sets the tone for the comprehensive defense of the proposed Constitution.
• Federalist 10 (Madison): Addresses the issue of factions and how a large republic can mitigate their dangers. Argues that a large, diverse republic would be a better guard against tyranny than smaller republics or direct democracy.
• Federalist 51 (Madison): Explains the structure of the government and the necessity of checks and balances, and it argues for the separation of powers within the national government.
• Federalist 70 (Hamilton): Advocates for a single executive (President) to ensure accountability and effective administration as a single executive would provide unity, energy, and decisiveness in leadership, leading to a stable and efficient government.
• Federalist 78 (Hamilton): Discusses the judiciary's role and the principle of judicial review, holding that the independence of the judiciary protects against legislative encroachments. Hamilton emphasizes that the judiciary must have the authority to declare laws unconstitutional.
• Federalist 84 (Hamilton): In this he argues against a bill of rights because the Constitution’s structure and checks and balances are sufficient to protect individual liberties while also arguing that enumerating specific rights could potentially limit other unenumerated rights.

Important Speeches

There were many speeches and pamphlets during the revolution, but some were more important for the idea of liberty than others. These speeches are critical to the American understanding of freedom for today as well.

Patrick Henry's “Give Me Liberty” Speech (1775)

Patrick Henry delivered his well-known speech at the Virginia Convention in 1775 amidst escalating tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. While many Virginia leaders hoped for reconciliation, Henry argued fervently for independence. Henry, a prominent lawyer and critic of British taxation, framed the issue as one of freedom versus slavery. He assured them that divine support would aid their cause, stating that the war was inevitable and urging immediate action with his famous concluding words: "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Samuel Adams' Speech, "On American Independence" (1776)

Samuel Adams, a key figure in the American Revolution, delivered his speech in 1776, highlighting the global significance of the American struggle for independence. He asserted that the conflict was not just about American freedom but about establishing a refuge for civil and religious liberty worldwide. Adams praised the American people's unique ability to form a political society through deliberate and voluntary action, referencing thinkers like John Hampden, John Locke, and Algernon Sidney. He contrasted this with other nations, which received their laws from conquerors or centuries of suffering. He emphasized that in America, honor and public service were based on merit, not birth or wealth.

George Washington's First Inaugural Address (1789)

George Washington's leadership was pivotal in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where his influence helped maintain civility among diverse and strong-willed delegates. After winning the first presidential election, Washington articulated his vision for the nation, linking liberty with duty and order with freedom in his First Inaugural Address. He emphasized the natural union between virtue and happiness and between duty and advantage, advocating for a government grounded in honest and magnanimous policy. Washington believed that the nation's success depended on adhering to the eternal rules of order and right, as ordained by divine providence. He saw the preservation of liberty and the success of the republican government as a critical experiment entrusted to the American people.

Liberty and the Idea of America

The Revolution fostered a unique American identity, grounded in ideals of liberty, republicanism, and a better life. This sense of national identity has been influential in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States and the world to this day. Sir Winston Churchill, the greatest British prime minister and savior of Western civilization, saw a deep connection between the United States and the United Kingdom, especially when it came to our revolutionary values. Churchill gave a speech on July 4, 1918 at a Liberty Day rally, and he is worth quoting at length:

“A great harmony exists between the spirit and language of the Declaration of Independence and all we are fighting for now. A similar harmony exists between the principles of that Declaration and all that the British people have wished to stand for, and have in fact achieved at last both here at home and in the self-governing Dominions of the Crown. The Declaration of Independence is not only an American document. It follows on Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights as the third great title-deed on which the liberties of the English-speaking people are founded.”

The principles of representative democracy, separation of powers, and checks and balances that were championed during the American Revolution have become cornerstones of modern democratic governance. Many countries have adopted similar frameworks to ensure government accountability and protect individual freedoms. Furthermore, the American Revolution has served as an inspiration for numerous other movements and revolutions worldwide. From the French Revolution to anti-colonial struggles in Africa and Asia, the American fight for liberty has provided a model for other nations seeking self-determination and democratic governance.

Our revolutionary principles concerning liberty hold enduring value, and all Americans should read these primary sources to better understand those principles that we hold most dear.

For those who think one cannot accomplish great achievements while enjoying life need only be reminded of the party the Framers of the Constitution threw at the end of the convention in September 1787. At the City Tavern , 55 distinguished guests ordered 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of Claret, 8 bottles of whiskey, 8 bottles of cider, 12 bottles of beer, and seven “large bowls” of punch. For one party. Drinking is part of celebrating our liberty!

July's Cocktail: Long Island Iced Tea

In honor of the brave colonials throwing the tea into Boston Harbor as part of our Revolution, July's cocktail is the Long Island Iced Tea! This simple (seriously) cocktail is absolutely refreshing and will make you want to participate in all kinds of revelry!

Recipe

1. Pour 0.5 ounces of each of the following into a glass: gin, vodka, rum, tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, and lemon juice. [Note: You can use any type of these alcohols you like, but I like to use Bombay Sapphire (gin), Tito's (vodka), Bacardi (rum), and Lunazul blanco (tequila). You can also use Cointreau instead of triple sec. Note 2: Although usually served in a high ball, seeing as it's summer, you should be whimsical and use a mason jar.]
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a bar spoon.
3. Pour in ice into the glass (you mix before adding ice because the ice will already melt, and you don't want it watered down too much before then).
4. Pour 1-2 ounces of Coca Cola into the glass to top it off (amount depends on taste).
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge!