Blog #4: Rethinking the Revolution

Blog #4: Rethinking the Revolution

  1. I learned the reason that the American Revolution is more commonly referred to as a revolution than a war. Although it was both these things, the American revolution was an event that began as a revolution and ended as a war while events such as the Civil War began as a war and ended as a revolution. Also, when people think of the American Revolution, they think of civilian leaders such as Franklin and John Hancock instead of thinking of military men. On the contrary, the leading figures of the Civil War, (Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant) were mostly military men.
  2. I found it interesting that after Washington left the Continental Army, he did not acknowledge much about the awfulness of the war. He did recognize the actions of his officers but failed to recognize the many enlisted men who risked their life for America. Washington also did not commemorate any battle nor did he ask Congress to set a date for remembering these battles during his presidency. 
  3. I also learned about Thomas Paine's Common Sense. This pamphlet was a cry for independence. Paine expressed how America would flourish in a republican world without monarchies. The purpose of this piece was to prevent restoring relationships with Britain.
  4. I thought it was interesting that since military men during the Revolutionary War did not have very powerful weaponry, they fought at a close distance apart from their enemy. These encounters often ended in bayonet charges and hand-to-hand strategies. The article describes the distance between the opposing sides as "no greater than that from home plate to second base on a baseball diamond" which is terrifyingly close.
  5. In addition, I learned of the severe deprivations which the American army suffered. When the Americans invaded Canada, they had a shortage of food and were forced to eat pet dogs and a soup made of boiled shoes and melted candles. They also suffered other shortages and Washington said that many times his men were entirely naked.
    Although often misinterpreted, both the Civil War and the American Revolution resulted in a massive loss of lives. Also, both wars were a fight for independence, the Revolutionary War a fight for independence against Britain and the Civil War a fight for independence against slavery.
      Similar to the American Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement was a group of people fighting for their rights. In the Revolution, colonists were unhappy with the government telling them what to do and violating their rights like the Civil Rights Movement in which minorities were upset about the government imposing rules that went against their rights.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LAD #36: FDR’s Declaration of War

Image
LAD #36: FDR’s Declaration of War: On December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led the US to declare war. And, FDR stated that December 7, 1941, the day which Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, w as " a date which will live in infamy." FDR goes on to explain how the US had originally not intervened in the warfare in these countries. However, the Japanese attack has resulted in destruction in the United States, and America needs to defend itself. He explains how Japan has gotten out of control and have become hostile. Therefore, the United States has to fight them. Jeanette Rankin was the only member of the Houses that voted against the declaration of war on Japan. She later received nicknames including "Japanette Rankin" as she was looked down upon for her vote.  This is similar to the declaration of war during World War I because the US was forced to abandon their policy of neutrality and had to defend the
Read more

LAD #37: FDR’s Executive Order 9066

Image
LAD #37: FDR’s Executive Order 9066: Taking measures to ensure national security, President Roosevelt issued the Executive Order No. 9066. This order essentially allowed the creation of military areas which were then used to relocate Japanese Americans. The President ordered the Secretary of War and Military Commanders to create this military areas where people would be excluded and allowed them to impose their own restrictions. This permitted the Secretary of War and Military Commanders to take adequate measures in enforcing this order. Furthermore, the President asked other federal agencies to assist these military measures by providing support. This is seen in "Home is a Horse Stall" when Sox goes to the internment camp, which was a military area created by the government. I understand the need for national security of the time, however I believe that excluding Japanese Americans was a step too far, especially since these people were United States citizens.  This
Read more

LAD #38: Truman Doctrine

Image
LAD #38: Truman Doctrine: Following World War II, America became concerned with the spread of communism. In attempt to "contain" communism, hence the policy containment, Truman addressed Congress in his Truman Doctrine. He urged that the United States needed to aid Greece. Greece had been destroyed and suffered from economic and political instability in the post war era. Recognizing this, Truman encouraged political and financial installments so Greece could restore their nation. Additionally, Greece was at risk due to communist activities which threatened the nation. This clearly worried Truman as they were vulnerable to succumbing to communism. Truman also recognizes that Turkey is unstable as well and requires attention and work in order to preserve the order in the Middle East. Truman asks Congress for a specific amount of money to loan to Greece and Turkey and to be able to send American civilian and military personnel. All of these efforts instigate attempts to pre
Read more