King George: What Was His Problem?

Chapter 5 highlights Benjamin Franklin, the elder statesman of the Continental Congress, whose adept diplomacy, profound wisdom, and esteemed reputation laid the groundwork for the revolutionary ethos. Alongside Franklin, Thomas Paine’s 1776 work, “Common Sense,” catalyzed the colonial demand for separation from Britain and the establishment of a democratic republic. This publication demystified the concept of independence, converting many who were previously undecided. The impact of “Common Sense” was monumental. Its widespread distribution and the donation of its profits to the Continental Army not only made it a key persuasive tool but also a direct support to the revolutionary cause. It transformed public sentiment, uniting fragmented protests into a unified quest for a democratic republic.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by figures like Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin, signaled America’s first step toward self-governance. Initially aiming for rights within the British Empire, escalating tensions and King George’s response––in which he declared the colonies in rebellion and hired German mercenaries, known as Hessians, to suppress them––led to the push for full independence. Adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence asserted inalienable rights, charged King George with their violation, and announced the formation of a new nation. Celebrated as the inception of American freedom, this event also embodies the contradictions in America’s history. The Declaration of Independence proclaims “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as inalienable rights, yet paradoxically, several of the signatories owned enslaved people, highlighting a profound irony in America’s founding. By signing, the founding fathers faced accusations of treason, risking death for ideals they themselves compromised, illustrating a commitment to principles despite personal contradictions. Likewise, British critiques of the Declaration’s moral inconsistencies ignored their own entanglement in the transatlantic slave trade and history of exploitation, adding more irony to the narrative of freedom and slavery.

In July 1776, George Washington’s soldiers tore down King George III’s statue in New York City, a moment rich in irony and symbolism. Washington read the Declaration of Independence to the soldiers, igniting a fervor that led to the physical dismantling of a monument once symbolizing colonial loyalty to the British monarchy. The statue, erected following the Stamp Act, represented British authority and colonial subjugation. The irony lies in its removal by those who erected it, marking a dramatic break from Britain and the shift from loyalty to rebellion.

The leadership challenges faced by George Washington during the American Revolution offer insights into the governance of nascent military forces under extreme adversity. Commanding an untrained army against superior British and German forces, Washington’s wartime leadership was marked by quick decision making and strategic foresight. The situation in November, with its defeats, retreats, and shrinking demoralized army, highlighted the pressure Washington was under as the revolutionary cause faced dissolution. Washington’s ability to steer his army illustrates a fundamental tenet of effective governance: instilling hope where there is none. Facing enlistments, expirations, and desertions, he managed to sustain his makeshift army. He leveraged the element of surprise at Trenton and Princeton, demonstrating leadership that transcends battlefield tactics.

Between July and December 1776, a series of events unfolded whose details are often omitted from most historical accounts. They reveal the unpredictability of warfare, such as the serendipitous fog that aided the Continental Army’s retreat to Manhattan. It was a stroke of fortune that prevented capture and surrender at Long Island. Alongside this was the unexpected victory at Trenton, where the Hessians were literally “caught off-guard” on Christmas due to cold weather. George Washington capitalized on this opportunity, crossing the Delaware river at night as Hessians skipped routine patrols, thereby shifting the war’s momentum. These occurrences demonstrate that the American Revolution’s course was shaped not only by celebrated heroes and battles but also by moments of chance and strategic brilliance that are frequently absent from traditional accounts, demonstrating the theme of The Unconventional Stories of the American Revolution.

Similarly, Nathan Hale’s sacrifice exemplifies the dedication and risks faced by unsung American heroes. In 1776, under George Washington’s command, the British assault on Long Island forced Washington’s troops to retreat to Manhattan. Fearing another attack, 22-year-old Hale undertook an espionage mission, posing as a teacher and venturing into enemy territory to gather information on British plans. His eventual capture and execution highlight the brutal cost of resistance. Hale’s last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” embody the sacrifice and spirit of many overlooked patriots whose stories remain relatively unknown (96).