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.
