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