"The Specter of Emancipation and the Road to Revolution" Topic

… A Rejoinder to Richard Brown et. al.

"I am flattered that six distinguished professors of the American Revolution have taken an interest in my work—or least its potential impact. Just one index of these scholars' significance is that I cite all six of them in my reappraisal of the founding era, Liberty is Sweet: The Hidden History of the American Revolution. It is due out next month.

But it saddens me that these senior professors have chosen to deny the obvious fact that the informal alliance between enslaved African Americans and British imperial officials infuriated white colonists and helped push them toward independence. Surely the professors know that the Continental Congress chose as the capstone for its twenty-six charges against King George III the claim that the king (actually his representatives in America) had "excited domestic insurrections"—slave revolts—"amongst us."…"
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Armand

From History News Network, article by Woody Holton

Book reviewed by Washington Post: link

…Because the revolution brought little change to the status of women, turned Native Americans into "the war's worst victims," left chattel slavery intact and allowed "war-churned disease [to devastate] every segment of the population," Holton finally concludes that "for the founding generation, the American Revolution produced more misery than freedom." Had Holton called this book "The Sour Fruits of Independence," he would have found a more accurate title…

Not having read Mr Holton's book I can't comment on the review itself but I did find it jarring for a "distinguished professor of the American Revolution" to use so casually the reductive terms "British" and "American" in reference to the imminent rupture, as if the future was set and two opposed nations already in existence.

Also, that "German mercenaries" thing.

Self loathing may very well destroy American society before any external schemes accomplish that goal. It's as if the American Civil War never happened.

Has anyone seen or read this new one?

link

'It's the New "Big Lie"'

'According the New York Times's "1619 Project," America was not founded in 1776, with a declaration of freedom and independence, but in 1619 with the introduction of African slavery into the New World. Ever since then, the "1619 Project" argues, American history has been one long sordid tale of systemic racism.'

'Celebrated historians have debunked this, more than two hundred years of American literature disproves it, parents know it to be false, and yet it is being promoted across America as an integral part of grade school curricula and unquestionable orthodoxy on college campuses.'

'The "1619 Project" is not just bad history, it is a danger to our national life, replacing the idea, goal, and reality of American unity with race-based obsessions that we have seen play out in violence, riots, and the destruction of American monuments—not to mention the wholesale rewriting of America's historical and cultural past.'

'In her new book, Debunking the 1619 Project, scholar Mary Grabar, shows, in dramatic fashion, just how full of flat-out lies, distortions, and noxious propaganda the "1619 Project" really is. It is essential reading for every concerned parent, citizen, school board member, and policymaker.'

I have crossed paths with Mr. Holton in the past, so I probably should not comment on his work without giving it a thorough reading to keep out my personal bias.

Even though they are not technically corrrect "British" and "American" are convenient shorthands that most of Mr. Holton's readers would be able to easily follow. The problem with saying we should use the technically correct terms is good luck finding mutually agreeable terms. Views differed depending on which side of the Atlantic you were on, which colony you were in, etc.

Thanks!

Armand

Only a fool hates and despises ones own.
As a child in the 50s growing up in rural Iowa I was fully aware and taught of the short comings and failures (as if no one else had any?)in our history.
Why do we not see books concerning the good such as the AMERICAN RED CROSS and the AMERICAN PEACE CORP just to name a few.
The very fact that the norm today is negative should be enough for any reasonable thinking man to at least raise an eyebrow.

Russ Dunaway

I agree absolutely, Russ. I was a kid in the late 50's early 60's and we (friends and family) all knew the bad (slavery, Indian Wars, whatever) but there is so much good, just in the humanitarian aid to others over the last century. Any other country match that?

Ultimately, I blame the Media and Academia for the worst of it.

Academia primarily. This is where the media was born.

Russ Dunaway

Glup!

Armand

No, the media was not born in academia. It was born in the boardroom. It pretends to love America as it attacks and blames, forms its own tribes, aligns itself with politicians, lies to foster dissention. All to hold our attention to make money. Join our Media Nation!! Be a True Patriot!!

Blamer culture has taken over, leaving no time for the good things that happen all the time, every day. How many actually believe the country is near collapse while they enjoy the same lifestyle they always have? Radical tv network personalities began working the masses for next year's election 10 months ago.

I am a moderate with a long career in public service and I have never met a single person of any political persuasion anywhere who loathes America. Lots of differences, big ones sometimes, but love of country is profoundly more widespread that we are being conned into believing. Stoking fear and anger makes big profits.