Common Sense

On January 10th, 250 years ago, a relatively unknown immigrant from England published a 47-page pamphlet called Common Sense. It would change the course of American history.

This immigrant, Thomas Paine, outlined a common sense case for revolution against the British.

Three Big Arguments

Let’s look at Paine’s 3 big arguments for revolution.

1. Monarchy is unjust - Paine took direct aim at the king, declaring the whole concept of monarchy as unjust. After all, he pointed out, the British monarchy was founded by a "French bastard" landing with an armed band of robbers.
2. America needs independence - Furthermore, he argued, America didn’t need England. It needed to stand on its own. Britain dragged America into unnecessary wars, limited its trade, and treated the colonies as economic property. The only logical step forward was complete independence.
3. Democratic vision - Instead of reliance on monarchy, Paine offered a vision of a democratic republic with power vested in the people. Thus, Americans could create a more just system.

Impact

Common Sense was an instant hit, selling over 100 thousand copies in 3 months. By the end of the Revolution, nearly 1 in 5 American households owned a copy. Furthermore, it was commonly shared and read aloud, spreading its ideas throughout the colonies.

The impact was electric. Where once most Americans hoped for reconciliation with the king, 

now many fiercely took up Paine’s call for independence. In taverns across America, the traditional toast to the King’s health ended. Instead, patrons began toasting liberty and independence. Thus, Common Sense paved the way for the Declaration of Independence.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Battle of Quebec

Did you know that Americans once invaded Canada? Well, it happened 250 years ago. On this day in 1775, the final battle for Canada began at Quebec.

Why did the Americans choose to attack? They had 2 objectives:

• Secure their northern flank from the threat of British invasion
• Possibly encourage Canadians to join the rebellion

The Americans planned a two-pronged attack.

• General Richard Montgomery would advance on Montreal then move on Quebec
• Meanwhile, Washington sent Benedict Arnold through the Maine wilderness to Quebec

Montgomery had an easier time – taking Montreal and approaching Quebec with minimal opposition. Arnold’s force, however, struggled through rough terrain, bad weather, sickness and mishaps. Nearly half of his 11-hundred-man force failed to make it to Quebec.

Once at Quebec, Montgomery and Arnold combined forces for an assault on Quebec.

It was a disaster. Montgomery was killed and Arnold wounded. 60 Americans died and hundreds were captured.

Montgomery's Death

In the aftermath, Arnold tried to besiege the city. Ultimately, however, he had to retreat.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Battle of Quebec.

1. Canadian Loyalty - The American defeat ensured that Canada would remain loyal to the king and to England. This is why we are two separate nations today.
2. Threat from the North - British forces in Canada continued to threaten the American colonies. In fact, the British invaded from Canada in 1777.
3. Tough Times Ahead - Quebec presaged tough times in the future. The Patriot successes of 1775 would be forgotten during the troubles ahead. Things would get so bleak that Thomas Paine, in December 1776, would write “These are the times that try men’s souls.” He encouraged the Patriots to persevere, writing “but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

And there you have it – America, and Canada, 250 years ago.

Semper Fidelis

This post is courtesy of my friend and Marine veteran Brett Reno.

On this day, 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress resolved that two battalions of American Marines be “inlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war.” 

They charged Captain Samuel Nicholas to carry out the order. He got some help from his good friend, Robert Mullan, who happened to be the proprietor of “The Tun," A tavern famously located on Water Street & Tun Alley in Philadelphia.

Tun Tavern

Marines today simply refer to it as “Tun Tavern." It was likely chosen for its local lore and the close proximity to the Delaware River, where the new ships of the Continental Navy were being constructed.

Where’s the Tun today? Gone – and has been for over 240 years!

Although often overlooked, those Marines played a vital role during the Revolution. They provided security and enforced discipline on naval ships, participated in naval battles against British forces and carried out the first amphibious landing by American troops. They captured British gunpowder and military supplies from Nassau in the Bahamas in 1776 without firing a single shot!

Three Four Big Things

Let's look at three, no four!, big things about the Continental Navy.

1. The Few and the Proud - The Few and the Proud really were the FEW. Remember I said Congress asked for two battalions. It was closer to only about 100 men from Rhode Island.
2. Naval Unity - Captain Samuel Nicholas also served with a famous Naval officer named John Paul Jones. You may have heard of him.
3. Broken Time - Following the end of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines were disestablished in 1783. However, the Corps was re-established in 1798 by President John Adams by signing an “act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps.”
4. Birthday Traditions - Every year the Commandant of the Marine Corps reads General John Lejeune’s Message. That is then followed by a cake cutting, and finally the Commandant’s own birthday message to the Marines. During the cake cutting (with a Mameluke Sword, no less) it is tradition that the oldest Marine cuts the cake and passes it to the youngest Marine present, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of our Corps.
   

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Semper Fidelis – and happy birthday, Marines!

A New Navy

On this day, 250 years ago, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a national Navy.

Delegates from the colony of Rhode Island petitioned the Congress to raise “a  fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these colonies.” Congress swiftly approved. The Continental Navy was born.

It had humble beginnings, however. Initially, Congress only authorized two small warships, a far cry from Britain’s navy of over 250 ships.

But the little Continental navy gave the British fits. The Americans focused on commerce raiding, attacking and seizing British supply ships.

Most famous of the daring raiders was John Paul Jones.

His raid on Whitehaven in England raised alarm. In a later raid, Jones stole a silver tea service from the home of the Earl of Selkirk in Scotland.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things about the Continental Navy.

• "I have not yet begun to fight!" - In his most famous action, Jones uttered a phrase that has inspired generations. With his ship heavily damaged, the British captain asked Jones if he was ready to surrender. Jones replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” True to his word, the Americans continued the struggle and forced the British to surrender.
• David vs. Goliath - The naval war was a David vs Goliath struggle. The British had more ships and bigger ships. However, the American raiding strategy proved effective in the face of these long odds. The raids forced the British government to reallocate naval resources to protect its home waters.
• A Proud Legacy - These humble beginning created a proud legacy that later generations of American sailors would emulate. Today, the US Navy stands as a symbol of American strength — defending freedom on the seas for 250 years.

The Oneida Alliance

On this day, 250 years ago, General George Washington penned a letter to Massachusetts General Court introducing a chief of the Oneida tribe.

The Oneida chief, accompanied by missionary Samuel Kirkland, visited Washington’s camp out of curiosity. Washington treated the chief with great respect. He then offered to write a letter of introduction to the Massachusetts government. In his letter, Washington asked the Court to “join with me in shewing him all proper Civilities”

An AI interpretation of Washington meeting with the Oneida

Why was Washington so gracious? He recognized the importance of Native alliances.

The Oneida lands held a crucial strategic position in western NY. Their support would benefit the Patriot cause.

Washington’s early gesture of respect laid the groundwork for an alliance, as the Oneida eventually joined on the American side.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things the Oneida during the Revolution.

1. Loyal Allies - They were loyal allies throughout the war. Their contributions were vital: 
• Oneida warriors fought at key battles like Oriskany and Saratoga.
• Their scouts provided critical intelligence on British movements.
• They even provided food to the starving army at Valley Forge
2. Together as One - Again, the Revolution shows the power of diverse groups joining together for a common cause. Here, natives and colonists fought together to forge an independent America.
3. Bitter Results - Unfortunately, this new nation did not always treat the Oneida well. Future generations forgot this crucial alliance and took over much of the Oneida’s land. This reminds us that this new nation was not without flaws. Instead, we must learn from our past and seek to uphold our fundamental beliefs in liberty, justice, and equality.

"Opened and Avowed Rebellion"

I'm a couple of days late on this one. Apologies.

On August 23rd, 250 years ago, King George III issued a proclamation declaring the American colonies to be in a state of "open and avowed rebellion.“ 

With this proclamation, King George authorized the use of force to suppress the rebellion.

And what of the Olive Branch Petition, which we mentioned last month? American delegates delivered a copy to the colonial secretary on August 21st followed by the original on September 1. But King George refused to receive it. He already decided that there could be no compromise.

Three Big Things

1. Escalating Events - The proclamation escalated hostilities between the British government and the colonists. It closed the door to negotiations. Instead, both sides would prepare for war.
2. Blame Shifts to the King - The colonists shifted blame to the king. Until now, they saw Parliament as the agitator. But now, more colonists blamed the king himself. Loyalty to the Crown began to unravel, and support for independence grew.
3. Divided Colonies - The proclamation deepened divisions—not just between Britain and the colonies, but within the colonies themselves. Some colonists remained loyal to the King. These Tories found themselves at odds with their rebellious neighbors. Tensions rose, and in some places, violence broke out. The path to independence was not only against Britain—it was also a struggle among Americans.

The Olive Branch Petition

On this day 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress approved the Olive Branch petition.

A fanciful AI imagining.
It did not really happen this way, as we shall see.

Addressed to King George the Third, the petition sought to avert further hostilities. In it, the colonists expressed their loyalty to the king. Yet they affirmed that they had grievances with some of Parliament’s actions. They asked the king to intervene, with the goal of ending conflict and resolving the issues peacefully. The tone of the petition was conciliatory, asking the king to mediate between the colonies and Parliament.

You can imagine how King George took the petition. But we’ll talk about that next time.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Olive Branch Petition

1. Hope for Peace - Despite the battles at Lexington-Concord and Bunker Hill, most colonists still hoped for peace. Therefore, they were willing to seek diplomatic solutions to their grievances.
2. Problem with Parliament - The colonists primarily blamed Parliament for those grievances. They claimed that it had usurped authority that properly belonged to the colonial legislatures. Thus, they hoped that the king would step in and redress their issues. That’s why they still considered themselves loyal subjects of the king.
3. John Dickinson - John Dickinson, no relation to the state park, was the primary author of the petition. He was a steadfast proponent of reconciliation with Britain. Like many other Americans, he had to wrestle with conflicting loyalties as independence loomed nearer. He refused to sign the Declaration of Independence but still served as a militia officer for Pennsylvania.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.