Traitors or Patriots?

I always love talking about the American Revolution in class. It always stirs deep emotions among true students of History. There is a certain pride we feel as Americans as we learn about the heroism that made our nation. It's hard not to be proud when we relive moments, real, or slightly exaggerated by the mythology of our history, like Nathan Hale regretting, "...that I have but one life to give for my country," the winter at Valley Forge, or the crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776. The bravery of those who stood face to face against the most powerful army and navy in the world on the green at Lexington, Bunker Hill, and countless other battles should be respected and admired. Our nation and what we stand for was formed in this time of rebellion.

However, I love to play "what if" games with historical moments. What if the British had won? What if Washington had been captured during his retreat from New York? What if Colonel Rahl had interrupted his card game that cold Christmas night in 1776 to read the note warning him of the impending attack from the Americans? Certainly our government would not accept behavior today is similar to our founding fathers in our time of revolution! We would exercise our military might and attempt to crush the "traitors." So, are the brave men and women who fought against the British in our war of revolution patriots or traitors?

Well, both, I suppose! I try to stress in my class that the winners write history. In the case of the American Revolution, the Patriots narrative is the one most cited and remembered by us today. Had the American Army lost, history would tell a different tale. I'm sure Washington, Jefferson, Sam Adams, John Adams, John Hancock , and the rest of the Patriots would still be talked about in History classes, but in a much different light. Not as the heroes we know today, but as scoundrels who led a failed rebellion- much like Nathaniel Bacon, Guy Fawkes, or John Brown. There are always at least two sides to every story. A good historian will find as many narratives of the same event as possible, and evaluate from there. Today there are many ways to find those alternate versions of history including the Internet. Be careful! Not all versions are created equal. Many people write with bias and with a mission to revise the actual events. They might write persuasively and seem to back their ideas with lots of "facts." My parting words...Don't always believe everything you read , see on TV, or hear from someone else- even me!

If you are in my class I have some more bonus opportunities for you. You can bring me in some sources you find that you believe show bias or could be propaganda and explain to me why you think that. You could also write me a one page essay explaining ways our Constitution has built in opportunities for ordinary citizens to legally petition our government to change laws that are unfair. In other words, how can ordinary citizens participate in our government today to make changes to our laws or influence our lawmakers. Bring this stuff to me before Christmas break for your bonus points.

Next post?.......How could a nation dedicated to the proposition that ALL men are created equal leave women out of the process, enslave a race of people, and exterminate (bias word?) the native people of this land?