My column in the LA Times explains that the Declaration is a nonviolent manifesto that has much to teach us today about how to sustain and strengthen our democracy
Interesting. But what des it mean to "pledge [our] lives and fortune and sacred honor?" It was written after the war started in April 1775. Do you think that any of the revolutionaries cxpected the king to abdicate as James Ii did?
See my Teaching All Men are Created Equal."The Declaration was written partly to recruit troops. See my substack at historyideasandlessons.substack.com
I think you are right, Jeff. Some hoped for a Glorious Revolution but most knew there would be a civil war, reminiscent of the English Civil War. I agree with your piece––it was in part to rally troops. Amazing thing, that American Revolution. Best, Eli
I appreciate and respect your non-violent sentiment, and I heartily agree that "revolution" does not necessarily mean or even imply violence. Even so, I have to agree with Jeff. I think no one by July 1776 thought that the American Revolution would be bloodless. Have you read "1776" by David McCullough? I'd recommend it.
Everyone understood that independence meant war. Thomas Paine was instrumental in overcoming opposition to independence, in part, by helping overcome opposition to war. “Without the pen of Paine, the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain.” https://www.quotescosmos.com/quotes/Thomas-Paine-quote-43.html
In "Common Sense," Paine explained that Americans would be much better off fighting against Britain in 1776 and fighting at home for their own homes, lives and liberty than fighting later for Britain, far from home, for the greater glory and riches of a loathsome king. Paine warned Americans that if they failed to fight for themselves in America in 1776, America later would be “drained of inhabitants” to “support the British arms” in “Asia, Africa, or Europe.” That argument had the ring of truth to it. Paine was right about that issue, but egregiously wrong about another equally compelling issue. Paine somehow convinced Americans they could easily win the war.
Another reason a bloodless revolution was impossible in America is that we had no replacement king or any nobles with their own armies and bases of power (as they had for The Glorious Revolution). The only way America could be independent (the only way "all men" could be "equal") would be for Americans to risk their own lives fighting for their own liberty.
Yes. The Declaration was was a radical view of Locke's treatise. The revolution was impelled by natural rights. The colonists sought it actively. Jefferson was, however a kind of pacifist in regard to the conflict with Britain and France. He refused to fight and imposed the embargo instead.
Such an inspiring piece and reminder on this day. Democracy is a work in progress and these past recent years have shown us that we all must remain vigilant and stand for the values of equality, compassion, and working hard to make a better society.
Interesting. But what des it mean to "pledge [our] lives and fortune and sacred honor?" It was written after the war started in April 1775. Do you think that any of the revolutionaries cxpected the king to abdicate as James Ii did?
See my Teaching All Men are Created Equal."The Declaration was written partly to recruit troops. See my substack at historyideasandlessons.substack.com
I think you are right, Jeff. Some hoped for a Glorious Revolution but most knew there would be a civil war, reminiscent of the English Civil War. I agree with your piece––it was in part to rally troops. Amazing thing, that American Revolution. Best, Eli
I appreciate and respect your non-violent sentiment, and I heartily agree that "revolution" does not necessarily mean or even imply violence. Even so, I have to agree with Jeff. I think no one by July 1776 thought that the American Revolution would be bloodless. Have you read "1776" by David McCullough? I'd recommend it.
Everyone understood that independence meant war. Thomas Paine was instrumental in overcoming opposition to independence, in part, by helping overcome opposition to war. “Without the pen of Paine, the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain.” https://www.quotescosmos.com/quotes/Thomas-Paine-quote-43.html
In "Common Sense," Paine explained that Americans would be much better off fighting against Britain in 1776 and fighting at home for their own homes, lives and liberty than fighting later for Britain, far from home, for the greater glory and riches of a loathsome king. Paine warned Americans that if they failed to fight for themselves in America in 1776, America later would be “drained of inhabitants” to “support the British arms” in “Asia, Africa, or Europe.” That argument had the ring of truth to it. Paine was right about that issue, but egregiously wrong about another equally compelling issue. Paine somehow convinced Americans they could easily win the war.
Another reason a bloodless revolution was impossible in America is that we had no replacement king or any nobles with their own armies and bases of power (as they had for The Glorious Revolution). The only way America could be independent (the only way "all men" could be "equal") would be for Americans to risk their own lives fighting for their own liberty.
Yes. The Declaration was was a radical view of Locke's treatise. The revolution was impelled by natural rights. The colonists sought it actively. Jefferson was, however a kind of pacifist in regard to the conflict with Britain and France. He refused to fight and imposed the embargo instead.
Such an inspiring piece and reminder on this day. Democracy is a work in progress and these past recent years have shown us that we all must remain vigilant and stand for the values of equality, compassion, and working hard to make a better society.
Yes, John. Working very hard. Thank you. I am so glad you liked the piece. Wow, Amanda Gorman. Amazing poem.
Eli, for a different take on non-violent revolution and the nexus between The Glorious Revolution and the American Revolution, please consider something I just wrote. I hope you find it insightful, and better yet, useful: https://open.substack.com/pub/blackcollarcrime/p/american-sovereignty-is-not-as-limited?r=30ufvh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
That piece was a sequel to another piece pertaining to our Declaration of Independence:
https://blackcollarcrime.substack.com/p/we-the-people-must-exercise-our-first?r=30ufvh