Here we are once again, celebrating the "4th of July," America's "Independence Day!" Most of us celebrate by staying home from work, having cookouts, and lighting fireworks. I believe most Americans pause for a moment, however briefly, and at least think of the Declaration of Independence and the fact that it was signed on this day some two hundred and forty-one years. Some of us can even name a signer or two. One thing that we may not think about is that the War For Independence drug on for nearly a DECADE after the Colonies declared their freedom!
The mighty British Army, the strongest military force in the world in 1776, had a great laugh when the thirteen American colonies (thus thirteen stripes on the Star-Spangled Banner - free trivia) ratified the Declaration of Independence. Great Britain was the strongest colonial power of the time, and no single "native" militia or regular military could stand against the mighty British Army. Nation after nation had come under the rule of the Crown of England over the past hundred years or so before 1776, but England's dominance over the "New World" was at its zenith, although some leaders did not realize it the time. It is possible that the brilliant men who would become known as the "Framers" of the Constitution of the United States were "savvy" to this. Whether that was the case nor not, the timing of the "American Revolution" was key to its outcome. While the British Army was a fine military machine, it was being stretched to its limit as colonial enterprises spread across at least five continents. Were the Framers aware of this factor? No doubt George Washington was well aware of this, and knew it would be in the Colonists' favor.
The Founding Fathers (aka the Framers) also believed the colonists had another advantage. While the British Army would have to receive military supplies and soldiers from across the seas, the colonists had most of what they needed at home. What they could not get or make for themselves, the French government was eager to supply. But perhaps the biggest factor in favor of the colonists (now Rebels) was the "home court" advantage. These men (and a few women, also) had their friends and loved ones close to them, while British soldiers could only "pine" for their loved ones hundreds of miles across the ocean. At the same time, British families could only wonder about their soldiers fighting so far from home, and could only wait for their return, whether alive or in caskets.
As the fighting went on, first for a year, then for fives years, with no end in sight, the citizens of England began clamoring for an end to the war, and demanding that their soldiers be brought home. The English Crown, once so sure of a short, swift victory, came to realize that the American colonists were not growing tired of the war, and indeed, were beginning to see moderate successes here and there. The French war supplies were helping the colonists as well. Eventually the Crown indeed tired of war in North America. There was little advantage in continued fighting, plus a settlement with the colonists would keep American possessions out of French hands. So, seven long years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, and after Lord Cornwallis was soundly defeated, the British and the new American delegation worked out a peace agreement in Paris. The independence of America was recognized and the fighting came to a halt. So, freedom, the original American dream, was realized, at least by most Americans of the time.
Today America is thriving though we have endured many tests over the years. Not the perfect America yet, but we still have time to work on that. I cannot think of anywhere I would rather live than right here in the United States of America. Yes, not a perfect country, and a nation that is maligned by so many of its own citizens. Yet the millions of people entering the nation, legally and illegally, every year testifies to the greatness of this nation. Even our mortal enemies are coming here by the numbers, because they are not tolerated by the leaders in their own lands.
So once again, I say God Bless America, Let Freedom Ring...
Thank you, our Founding Fathers, for giving us a place where we can still pursue our dreams of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A big thanks to all those who over the years have fight, and many died, to gain freedom and to keep our nation free. Your service is not forgotten!
The mighty British Army, the strongest military force in the world in 1776, had a great laugh when the thirteen American colonies (thus thirteen stripes on the Star-Spangled Banner - free trivia) ratified the Declaration of Independence. Great Britain was the strongest colonial power of the time, and no single "native" militia or regular military could stand against the mighty British Army. Nation after nation had come under the rule of the Crown of England over the past hundred years or so before 1776, but England's dominance over the "New World" was at its zenith, although some leaders did not realize it the time. It is possible that the brilliant men who would become known as the "Framers" of the Constitution of the United States were "savvy" to this. Whether that was the case nor not, the timing of the "American Revolution" was key to its outcome. While the British Army was a fine military machine, it was being stretched to its limit as colonial enterprises spread across at least five continents. Were the Framers aware of this factor? No doubt George Washington was well aware of this, and knew it would be in the Colonists' favor.
The Founding Fathers (aka the Framers) also believed the colonists had another advantage. While the British Army would have to receive military supplies and soldiers from across the seas, the colonists had most of what they needed at home. What they could not get or make for themselves, the French government was eager to supply. But perhaps the biggest factor in favor of the colonists (now Rebels) was the "home court" advantage. These men (and a few women, also) had their friends and loved ones close to them, while British soldiers could only "pine" for their loved ones hundreds of miles across the ocean. At the same time, British families could only wonder about their soldiers fighting so far from home, and could only wait for their return, whether alive or in caskets.
As the fighting went on, first for a year, then for fives years, with no end in sight, the citizens of England began clamoring for an end to the war, and demanding that their soldiers be brought home. The English Crown, once so sure of a short, swift victory, came to realize that the American colonists were not growing tired of the war, and indeed, were beginning to see moderate successes here and there. The French war supplies were helping the colonists as well. Eventually the Crown indeed tired of war in North America. There was little advantage in continued fighting, plus a settlement with the colonists would keep American possessions out of French hands. So, seven long years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, and after Lord Cornwallis was soundly defeated, the British and the new American delegation worked out a peace agreement in Paris. The independence of America was recognized and the fighting came to a halt. So, freedom, the original American dream, was realized, at least by most Americans of the time.
Today America is thriving though we have endured many tests over the years. Not the perfect America yet, but we still have time to work on that. I cannot think of anywhere I would rather live than right here in the United States of America. Yes, not a perfect country, and a nation that is maligned by so many of its own citizens. Yet the millions of people entering the nation, legally and illegally, every year testifies to the greatness of this nation. Even our mortal enemies are coming here by the numbers, because they are not tolerated by the leaders in their own lands.
So once again, I say God Bless America, Let Freedom Ring...
Thank you, our Founding Fathers, for giving us a place where we can still pursue our dreams of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A big thanks to all those who over the years have fight, and many died, to gain freedom and to keep our nation free. Your service is not forgotten!
No comments:
Post a Comment