Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death! Research Paper

Leslie Reyes
Humanities
Ms. Guererro
April 1, 2009
“Give me Liberty, or Give me Death”
The slow growing agitation burned within the souls of the Americans as the Britain’s held the hot iron towards their pride, mindlessly. They were pushed towards rebellion as that which held their empire together had been the hard hand of the British Parliament and the thought that all colonist would allow their souls to be lost by the oppression of the “Just Ruler”. Yet the pride of many grasped tightly to their will as the constant outburst of various Americans incited enraged words of independence to fellow colonists. This is what is read within the book Rise to Rebellion as many who venture within this time portal are reminded of the pride which won the American Revolution. Jeff Shaara showed the importance of patriotism and its role in the success of independence and reminds the reader of patriots in America today.
Embarking on this adventure through the roots of the United States, readers relive enraging event which caused patriotism to arise within the souls of the colonists. Jeff Shaara begins his historical fiction by allowing his audience to view the foundations of Revolution, which began with agitating the citizens of the colonies that led them to revolt against “His Majesty”. Taxes would be one example of the oppressing action. The British Parliament pressed upon the Americans unfair acts without, at times, representation and had caused the uprising of various patriotic beings, such as the Sons of Liberty. Their first act, which led them to continue their fight against the unjust ruler, had been the unfair law of the Stamp Act. This, in truth, had been the first real act which Parliament had shown any assertion of government authority over the colonies. Yet this was well known to be an unjust act that had caused hardworking men of the colonies to rebel and defend the rights of the Americans.
Some acts of rebellion were shown against the parliament by such groups as the Sons of Liberty who fought for independence. During a scene in the novel by Jeff Shaara, the reader is viewing through the eyes of Captain Hall as he is faced with two decisions, both resulting in loses. “There are no names here, Captain. We are Mohawks. If your men do not interfere, our business will be complete very soon”(Shaara 145). He is saved by the “Mohawks” that had raided his ship from tea. This was an act which was done by the Boston’s own Sons of Liberty as they would not allow the plan of the British to break their spirit. This was the Boston Tea Party, an act which contributed to the fight for independence; this had shown true detest towards the vexing laws set by the British Parliament
Yet rebellion in the colonists was brought to life with the thoughts of being free from the tight grasps of the so called “Just Ruler”. In the story of Rise to Rebellion, John Adams states, “If we do not unite, if we do not send a message to the king, to Parliament, to the royal governors of every colony that we will not only allow our rights and our laws to be trampled, then God help us there will be more blood”(Shaara 95). As the words seemed to take a life of their own, it is evident that the slow growing irritation began to infect all within the colonies even those who had wanted to be secluded from this inevitable war; a war which caused Americans to feel the growing irritation, pride and a need for independence. These are true patriotic acts that were important to the American independence.
The British Parliament had begun to notice the threat of the American pride. “……..no one in England thought they would ever hear: the sharp voices of the thirteen colonies, coming together to speak as one”(Shaara 192). From then on it began to snowball; and from then on many had begun to distinguish the loyalist from the Patriots. So as the loyalist within the empire across the sea began to notice the constant outburst of rebellion, they had decided to conceive the concept of ruling with an iron fist by allowing the restraints kept by the soldiers to be let free onto the colonist. This as well had contributed to the agitating need of independence for the colonists.
An act which pushed the colonist to their final limit had been the Boston Port Bill which caused the colonist to unite for the cause of independence and freedom. This act put a hold on all trades to Boston and gave permission to the General to arrest all who oppose “His Majesty”, as though to rid of rodents. Yet this would not hold the mighty fire that burned within the soul of many Americans. “You may return to General Gage with this message. Tell him I am astounded that he would suggest in such a clumsy manner that personal considerations of any kind would induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country. Tell him that Sam Adams offers him one bit of advice. I advise General Gage to no longer insult the feelings of an exasperated people” (Shaara 244). This had occurred once General Gage was given permission to arrest all who rebelled against the King’s rule. Even in the face of danger, patriotism led men to brave acts.
American pride is not one that can be grasped by the stubborn British Parliament as it is given that the colonist are English no more. “No one who is three miles away can be simply told what the American spirit is, or how the minds of the colonist perceive the world”(Shaara 42).It is seen by those who live across the vast ocean, that the colonist were but criminals for their outburst of rebellion against “His Majesty”. “He thought of Howe’s words: criminal element. Describe the congress as you will, sir. But if they are criminals, then you may as well arrest me now” (Shaara 231). And it is true they were criminals, yet what would they be today if this was not done? Would they fall under the hard rule of the British like Ireland? Limit their talents because their voices are lost by the oppression. They would still be under the rule of the king, not enjoying this freedom, this pride they each hold even today; that pride which is most evident when threats are put upon this prosperous nation of today.
When the America of today is threatened by outside countries they unite as one. They say they are Americans and they feel the pride of their fore fathers running through their veins as they join souls saying that they shall prevail. During September 11, Americans faced a tragedy in which all had watched with angry and grieving eyes. They watched as those buildings collapsed amongst the soil of America. They watched as they had held those angry tears of passion. They said that they were Americans and none could stop their spirit as they opposed all who were against them. They are one as their pride gleamed over their country. Even those who are not citizens of America fight for the United States, and strive today to become part of this diverse country.
Patriotism today has spread to people around the world. Such an example would be the citizenship ceremony that had taken place March 18th, 2009. Many immigrants from 63 countries attended this event to hold the same freedoms of Americans today. Descendents of those who had contributed to the fight for independence during the American Revolution, also known as the Daughters of the American Revolution, led the new citizens through the Pledge of Allegiance. A wave of new hands raised their right hand, resting it upon their left breast. “I pledge of allegiance, to the flag………..” And their voices chanted across the large room. They all sang with pride within their voices as they are living proof of the patriotism which is spread across this world.
The youth of America as well holds the patriotism which was fought by our past Americans. A student from HTHCV had stated, “I am proud to be an American.” (Anonymous). Another student as well held the same feelings towards America by stating, “If they were saying a lot of things against America, then I would say things to contradict it.” (Anonymous). A patriot of the past still seep through the young generation of today, and the pride is held strong by the youth of America.
Through the words of Jeff Shaara every American of today is reminded of the pride which had won the independence of this country. He shows the reader that the Americans fought for a voice in government by rebellion. He reminds them of the war they had gone through to hold this freedom. As they read the pride runs through their veins when they are being invaded. They are Americans and to keep their country intact, they must remember their patriotism. Pride and the need for freedom had created this country, through the blood and tears which had been shed patriotism had prevailed.
Bibliography
Federal Judge of San Diego County. Personal interview. 18 March 2009.
Kindig, Thomas. “Sons of Liberty”. Independence Hall Association, 24 March 2009 http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/related/sons.htm.
Shaara, Jeff. Rise to Rebellion. New York. The Ballantine Publishing Group: 2001

Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death!

Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!
By: Andrew Apodaca, Daniel Huante, Leslie Reyes, and Aryeh Ruiz
Photography and edited with Photoshop

On December 26, 1776 George Washington led his men across the Delaware River and onward to victory during the American Revolution. America’s mother-country, England, had been unfairly taxing the colonies through the Tea Act, Stamp Act, Boston Port Bill, Townshend Act, etc... The colonies, wanting a representative government, decided they were ready to become their own independent country. The Americans formed the Continental Army to oppose the English, directed by George Washington. By reading Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara, which takes place during this process of establishing freedom, our group was able to see the colonists’ perspective as they worked towards building America.
This portrait is designed to show the leadership of George Washington and his men ready to head into battle, despite how underprepared they were. The Continental Army was outnumbered by the English army, but they charged valiantly into battle. The flag and uniform on George Washington are key elements in the portrait; they show the time period as well as Washington’s authority as commander in chief. Also, the color blue is especially important, as that represented America. English soldiers wore the opposite color, red. This portrait was taken with a digital camera and enhanced in Adobe Photoshop. Our initial plans were to take the portrait at Imperial Beach, and decided to use the rocky outcrop as the background when we arrived. Throughout the photo shoot we had trouble capturing a believable scene, but managed to find a shot that we were proud of.

Here lies an outline for my research paper on Rise to Rebellion

Leslie Reyes

Guerrero

Humanities

2/25/2009

“Give me Liberty, or Give me Death”

I. Introduction: This will involve background info on the revolution as well as the book Rise to Rebellion.

a. Thesis: Within the story, Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Sharra, is the importance of patriotism as it brought America to be independent with the contributions of fellow Patriots and even today various people strive to keep the patriotism alive.

II. Readers relive the events leading to the American Revolution as they embark on a journey through the eyes of various patriots as well as loyalist in the book Rise to Rebellion.

a. “Americans” felt abused by the constant laws and taxes being put upon them. Which the result of this had been the uprising of the Sons of Liberty.

i. “There are no names here, Captain. We are Mohawks. If your men do not interfere, our business will be complete very soon”-Sons of Liberty (pg 145)

b. “No one who is three thousand miles away can be simply told what the American spirit is, or how the minds of the colonist perceive the world.”-Benjamin Franklin (pg 42)

i. Within this phrase holds the tension between two friends of different perspectives on the rights of the colonist. Yet as shown above Benjamin thinks these words of the Americans.

ii. “That, Will, is the difference between us. You place no value on the efforts of one man”-Benjamin Franklin (pg 105)

c. “If we do not unite, if we do not send a message to the king, to Parliament, to the royal governors of every colony that we will not only allow our rights and our laws to be trampled, then God help us there will be more blood”-John Adams (pg 95)

i. During this speech John is slowly being convinced himself that revolt is needed as he speaks to all during a meeting which shows the growing American pride that needs to be protected.

d. Even the loyalist, who was sent to the colonies, had noticed the patriotism which flourished throughout the lands of Americans.

i. “……no one in England thought they would ever hear: the sharp voices of thirteen colonies, coming together to speak as one.”-General Gage (pg 192)

e. All those who rebelled against the Parliament were seen as criminals rather than patriots yet those like Benjamin Franklin had accepted this “crime” to fight for our independence.

i. “He thought of Howe’s words: criminal element. Describe the congress as you will, sir. But if they are criminals, then you may as well arrest me now.” –Benjamin Franklin (pg 231)

III. Research as well had been done to further understand the patriotism which was held tightly by the Americans. That of which had been understood greatly by the Sons of Liberty and that of the Continental Congress.

a. The Sons of Liberty, at times, used violence to get their point across such examples would be that they had tarred and feathered soldiers who enforced the laws of Parliament.

i. Such as the stamp act which was unfair and unjust.

ii. The Boston Port Bill as well had caused the colonies to take action against Great Britain.

b. Soon enough throughout all of the colonies had been a group of Sons of Liberty and as the restraints by the British troops increased the colonies had been caused to unite.

i. Continental Congress had met in Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia from September 5 to October 26 1774.

1. All colonies except Georgia sent delegates which were elected people by the colonial legislatures.

c. The thought of unity had brought them together and though some were sent to strictly to find a compromise with the King yet the colonies’ voices were defensive of the colonial rights.

i. A goal was set to make Parliament as well as the King understand the grievances of the colonies

d. Committees of Correspondence were formed throughout colonies to coordinate action against Great Britain.

IV. And today the pride of America still lives within the people of our country today. As the pride is even shown within the souls of those who are not even citizens as they fight for the United States.

a. Many immigrants from many countries come to America to hold the freedoms as well as rights of the United States.

i. In one citizenship ceremony people from 63 different countries had attended the ceremony.

1. Examples would be: The United Kingdom, Vietnam, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Yugoslavia, Beijing, Mexico, Philippines, Argentina, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Peru, Dominican Republic, South Korea, Turkey and other countries as well.

b. A federal judge of San Diego had reminded all of the patriotism within this country as she herself had been a true Patriot.

i. “Be a proud and loyal American”- Federal Judge

ii. She continued lingering on the pride and joy of becoming a U.S. citizen that they had undertook a special occasion in becoming an American Citizen.

iii. “Each of your American Dream today is recognized and you must enrich our nation.”-Federal Judge

c. Daughters of the American Revolution spoke within this ceremony as they showed their patriotism by leading the new citizens of America through the pledge of allegiance.

i. They had met in Halecrest in the year of 1891 and they have a number of 157 members.

ii. During World War II, as well as today, they supported patients of war by supporting their families and had in the past cared for the wounded soldiers that served America.

iii. Their National motto is: God, Home, and Country

iv. Their National theme is: "The spirit of hospitality opens doors of opportunity”

v. Their State theme for the year of 2008-2010, "Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum"

d. A man of the military had said that “We preserve the freedom and rights, in the military, so all can enjoy”

i. Those who presented within the ceremony first had been those not citizens of America that had served America in various battles.

V. Conclusion: Patriotism is still held strongly within this country as it was in the past and even others who are not citizens of this country fight for its freedom.

Thesis Statment Rise to Rebellion

Within the story, Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Sharra, is the importance of patriotism as it brought America to be independent with the contributions of fellow Patriots and even today various people strive to keep the patriotism alive.

QQC Rise to Rebellion

Quote: "That, Will, is the difference between us. You place no value on the efforts of one man."-Benjamin Franklin page 105
Question: Why hadn't the ideas of Franklin been changed during his long stay in London? Had his Patriotism grown because of what he had witnessed within London?
Comment:Though this is far behind from where I am currently reading within the book I have chosen this quote due to its passion driven emotion which I felt when reading this. This quote is thought out in the end of Benjamin Franklin's and Will Strahan's conversation, which discussed the events occuring in the colonies. This conversation had begun to stir the emotions of both Franklin and Will as they discovered they were on different views on the colonies as well as the British Parliament. I believe this proves as some of the evidence in which Franklin is shown as a true patriot as he defends the Americans, which includes himself.

Question rewrite Rise to Rebellion

I have considered all suggestions for my research question which include the citizenship of my mother. My question will thus far be "How has the patriotism of Americans today differed from that of the patriotism during the American Revolution?" Sorry if it is a bit rough. If you have any suggestions please feel free to comment I will gladly take all into consideration.

Explaination To the Rise to Rebellion

Thank you for inputting both your comments and your suggestions. To make it a bit clear my question had been itching within my mind on how the patriotism has changed throughout the courses of the years here in America. The character which shows this most I believe is Benjamin Franklin, even though Sam Adams is very much or even more the patriot. Yet Benjamin is the one which is most described within the story. Again thank you for your suggestions.

American Citizenship

Zieger, Robert. Confronting the "Tough Stuff" in American History: Copyright Johns Hopkins University Press Sep 2003

Within this article had been the questioning of US citizenship and the rights of being a US citizen.The topic which is being discussed within Robert H Zieger's article is the hard truth of being a US citizen. My reason to choosing this site had been due to the question I am proposing. Which is a question that shows the the pride of being an american citizen during the revolution to the present. I used this site to have a view upon the present rights of being a citizen within america now.

Rise to Rebellion Leslie

Rise to Rebellion
By: Jeff Shaara
Within the midst of agitating the citizens of America, the Americans begin to feel as though they are being abused. And in such an aggravating situation many men of Boston are beginning to rebel against their "Just Ruler". Which is disturbing the laws and peace of the British and his majesty. The Sons of Liberty respond to the tea plan, which is brought in from Britain, by throwing the tea overboard. Many may know this act as the Boston Tea Party. And these acts of rebellion are beginning to enrage the iron fist of his majesty. Many of those within this true spirit of striving for independence are John and Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, General Thomas Gage and many more to be read.
The Revolution in which this independence had brought to us all had been the American Revolution. Just as shown within the book the British had abused the Americans as they had thought themselves to be superior. Yet these acts of abuse would not be allowed by the Americans as they had so wished it to be and as they held to their laws the Americans fought for their rights. Various members had contributed to the thought of revolution such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Samuel Adams and many more. Wars and battles were fought during the year of 1776 which had resulted in the United States we know today.

How has the pride of being an American citizen differed from that of during the fight for independence? Though my research question may still be a little rough I know for certain that I want to research on something to do with American citizenship.