1776 The Legacy of Freedom: Gifts from the American Revolution

By Charles L. Dumas

1776: Gifts from the American Revolution is an illuminating yet condensed history of The United States of America starting with the Puritan's arrival in 1620 at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. As well as covering our Revolution and the creation of the Constitution the book also devotes separate chapters to Blacks and slavery, and to Nat

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writers Publishing House
• Release date: Sep 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781648734199

Charles L. Dumas

Charles' career, after Navy service as an Electrician's Mate on the icebreaker USS Burton Island (1954-58), was in engineering and operations management in the computer industry beginning in 1961 after graduation from the University of Alabama. Upon retiring in 1997, he started a home remodeling business. At that same time, he also began an intensive hobby involving detailed research, leading to writing essays on many contemporary topics such as climate change, energy policy, Islamic terrorism, politics, the culture wars, the economics of government, religion, and more. That avocation then developed into an increasingly broader appreciation and understanding of our founding and the Constitution. That work then naturally morphed into producing this book.He is married to Sam Dumas, and their family includes five children and twelve grandchildren.This book, now in its 5th edition, began as a project to better inform his grandchildren about America's founding and the singular uniqueness of our Constitution. It has now grown to be much more comprehensive and improved than the first edition. Charles and Sam live in the central highlands of Arizona.

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The Legacy of Freedom

Gifts from the American Revolution

By

Charles Dumas

5th Edition

Copyright © 2020 Charles L. Dumas.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by; Writers Publishing House

ISBN: 978-1-79487-726-9

LCCN: 2020906751

Cover design by Melissa@turnkeywebsolutions

5th edition, 2023

Table of Contents

Author’s Foreword

Introduction

Chapters

Section 1, About American History

1. The Awakening of Western Civilization

2. America's Discovery

3. The 13 Colonies with maps

4. The Approaching Revolution

5. The American Revolutionary War

6. The Constitution and a Government

7. The Presidents

8. Understanding American Freedom

9. On Slavery in America

10. Native Americans

11. Hispanics in America

12 American Exceptionalism

13. The American Civil War

14. America Moves On

15. World War I

16. Boom and Bust

17. World War II

18. Creating Modern America

Section 2, Faith & Politics

19. The Jews Among Us

20. Islamic Beginnings

21. FAITH and REASON

Section 3 on Politics of 2023

22. Structural Politics

23. The Democrat Party, Liberals and Progressives

24. The Republican Party

25. The Others

26. The Debts of America

27. The Politics of Today

Section 4, Modern Domestic Challenges

28. The 2020 Trials of America

29. Covid19, the Pandemic.

30. Protests and Riots

31. Healing America

Section 5, Climate and Energy

32. Energy & Climate Overview

33. Fossil Fuels

34. Renewable Energy

35. How Big is Big?

36. The Atmosphere and Politics

37. Energy & Climate Sources - A Select Reading List

Section 6, Timeless Wisdom

38. Gems & Nuggets

39. Last Words

Editorial Comment

A ‘What If’ Epilogue

Acknowledgements & Thanks

Appendix: About the Betsy Ross Flag on the rear cover

About the Author

Author’s Foreword - Setting the Stage

This 5th edition was undertaken to significantly improve the edit quality and to update, expand and clarify some of the text, significantly so in the new energy & climate chapters. The outline remains intact. If this book were to be offered for commercial sale in a 6th edition it will be reviewed by a professional editor because writers, like me, should never be their own editor.

It is common for governments to fall for a variety of reasons. Parliamentary governments, notably in Europe, are frequently nullified with ‘lack of confidence’ votes that then force irregular or snap elections. The formation of consensus governments is often stalemated. In countries such as Italy and France government instability is a regular feature of their politics. In their favor, however, they mostly succeed at maintaining their traditional structure and values amidst such ongoing and disruptive political turmoil. Of course, dictatorial and abusive governments only fall when the opposition acquires more guns.

Governments can fail their citizens in many ways with financial mismanagement, brutal dictatorships, institutional corruption and, as in Russia and China, harsh and intrusive micromanagement of the people’s private lives and behavior.

Not so in America. For over 240 years our Constitution and form of government has prevailed and served us well. Our great Civil War of 1861-65 succeeded by maintaining the Union and began the legal completion of the righteous struggle to end slavery. The addition of 27 Amendments to our Constitution and ongoing clarifying legislation over the years since our founding emphatically underscore our continuing efforts to keep improving our governance for all.

Most impressively, America has peacefully and through regular elections renewed our government through a Constitutionally defined election process. This is prominently revealed every four years when a new President is sworn in, often when the outgoing President, peacefully and in a dignified ceremony, transfers his office to a successor of the opposite party. This Constitutional tradition is one of the finest examples of the stability and strength of our nation.

As well, our strong national character, enabled and reinforced by the rule of law has, again and again when confronted with crises, displayed unique togetherness and a willingness to sacrifice for others with a strong charitable nature. 

This quality was best evinced in America’s amazing response to World War II that was described in Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation. That momentous worldwide event transformed our nation from a militarily weak, depression weary and isolated nation into a formidable power in just months. During the war 12 million Americans, about 8% of the nation, were in uniform. We endured severe rationing and price controls and worked tirelessly in hastily converted defense industries to produce prodigious amounts of war materials for our armed forces and our allies. Popular support for the war was strong and sustained.

On a local level many parents, such as mine, entrusted their small children to the care of others while they went to war. Great credit also accrues to those many generous and loving temporary parents.

Other examples abound. The exhausting efforts of government, medical workers and volunteers during the devastating Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 and then in the scary corona virus pandemic are beyond admirable. The epic Mississippi River flooding of 1927 was handled in a similar fashion by the people of that area. Across the country we have a history of local people coming together to respond to floods, tornados, hurricanes and other disasters. During recent severe floods in the American South the volunteer Cajun Navy’s efforts to rescue, aid and supply those who were stranded were inspiring.

Resources from large companies and countless brave individuals who have spontaneously relocated to affected areas with their trucks, supplies, food and tool boxes to serve after every disaster are common responses. Internationally, America has always been generous with our military, our treasure and with boundless humanitarian aid. Yet, though valued, America is not universally loved.

When our nation or our neighbors are threatened Americans always respond. In real numbers we are a world leader in generosity and mutual support. Such is the American character. These important and enduring characteristics of our people and our legal system are as unique in the 21st century as they were in 1776. Our revolution created the governing principles that inspire and support this exceptional American character.

Then, in the early months of 2022, America was again beset with great social and political divisions that seemed intractable.  The corona virus pandemic resurged with the Omicron variant that, while not as severe, infected record numbers.  The economy struggled with high and growing inflation that hit middle and lower-class workers most severely. 

Internally there are strong efforts in Congress and the Democrat Party to radically change our Bill of Rights, our electoral process and the very culture of our country in ways that will permanently broaden their power. America’s borders have been intentionally and wrongfully opened wide to massive and damaging illegal immigration by the Biden administration. Our international relations are also being set back with renewed aggression from China and Russia while our retreat from Afghanistan was a severe setback to our reputation that led to a widespread questioning by our friends and allies of our resolve regarding our mutual defense agreements.

Further research has reinforced this book’s focus on the importance of context when evaluating and learning from history.  Debunking the 1619 Project, a book by Mary Grabar, is particularly strong about the error of judging events and people of hundreds of years ago by today’s norms. The 1619 project is not just anti-American, it is anti-context.

The 2020 elections proved to be a setback for American strength and wellbeing as did the weak Republican showing in the 2022 midterms although they gained a small majority in the House of Representatives.  It is my strong opinion that liberal Democrat policies can only be reversed with a landslide Republican majority in 2024 that strengthens the House majority and captures the Senate and the Presidency with veto-proof numbers. And it is my prayer that if that happens Republicans will finally govern with courage, unity and determination.

Introduction

The purpose of this book is twofold; first, to help correct a growing lack of knowledge about American history, our founding and the Constitution that woefully short-changes our younger generations. In recent decades palpable hostility has arisen from the political left and academia that challenges the legitimacy of our wonderful country. This book attempts to take on those damaging notions with the truth and proper context surrounding our founding, including blunt discussion about the questionable parts of our history.

Second, to reinforce the need for truth, compromise and collegiality. Too many influential people twist facts or invent new ones to reinforce their biases and opinions. Everyone has a right to their sincere beliefs but not their own facts. Such distortion and lying is particularly acute in today’s political climate. Political differences have incited so much hate and anger that truth becomes a bewildered bystander. Ideally, debates should start with a sharp focus on laying out and agreeing to the relevant facts followed by a collaborative search for solutions that would be more likely to succeed. This is not the norm in today’s unreconcilable partisan politics and lying has simply become, not just reprehensible, but a purposeful tool for raw power.

The American experience with slavery and the treatment of native populations and Hispanics is covered directly and bluntly in separate chapters. We should honor our founding and cherish our Constitution but to avoid the truth about these matters would be a lie. The whole truth must be our history especially if we are to fully achieve the unity the Constitution promises.

Context is a necessary foundation of meaning toward historical truth. Historical context is about taking into consideration the contemporary social norms and environment of an act or event when it happened. A few examples may be helpful toward understanding this idea of context:

Many American's are materially well off yet their idea of wealth is likely about people who have millions of dollars, live in large houses in gated communities, dine in gourmet restaurants, ride in luxury automobiles and fly in private jets. However, for many of the world’s billions just having shelter and dependable food is rich while having TV, sanitary facilities like a bathroom and a basic car means real wealth. To them, a vacation or flying to another country is an impossible dream yet their dream is our reality. This is the physical context of materiality.

Five hundred years ago universal education did not exist and governments were autocratic and usually brutal. Conquest itself provided the right to rule and enslave people. Disease, hunger, and misery were just the luck of the draw. People’s lives were largely defined by their birth. That is the way it was. Today there are democratic governments, rule of law, freedom of choice, quality health care and opportunity unimaginable back then. No one today could realistically imagine the conditions of life five centuries ago. This example of context addresses governance comparisons. Also, governing educated, intelligent people is an entirely different challenge than it is to rule illiterate and insecure populations.

This book will point out differing contexts to, for instance, illustrate why we should not judge leaders or events at the time of our founding by today's evolved moral standards. It will show that the American founding was a very radical and moral step forward in recognizing the rights of people to be self- governing. Modern leftists condemn the founders for a variety of false reasons based on their flawed assumption that today's relativistic and often hypocritical morality was in place throughout the ages. But it was not. They are ignoring context to support radical political and social policy and they are wrong. Yet context guides us to recognize that the founders were, in fact, the moral exemplars of their day and they acted courageously in the face of extreme danger to their reputations and very lives.  They opened the doors to the more enlightened and largely more gentle world we have today.

One thing can be assured: a thoughtful study of our Constitution and the struggles and sacrifices that built  American history will lead to an enduring love of our country and a commitment to protect it for all time. This is exactly what led to my confidence to write this history primer for young Americans.  Fortunately I have enjoyed a lifelong fascination with history, particularly American history. That has resulted in a deep appreciation for what the Founders created; a hopeful, bold and new beginning of the freedom and prosperity we now enjoy. And so dear readers, I hope this book will open a new window for you through which to better understand the great and wonderful country our founders created for us.

Later chapters move into broader cultural and social subjects and related topics because they are history in the making. Added material and chapters beginning with Chapter 32 have been featured because energy and climate have emerged as ever more crucial and consequential factors in America’s further development.

Section 1

About American History

Chapter 1

The Awakening of Western Civilization

(The Age of Science and Reason Begins)

This chapter will summarize the most influential periods in human development and, before getting into the American story in the next chapter, is intended to illustrate how history is so informative toward better understanding of our contemporary lives. The focus of this chapter is on Western civilization as it relates directly to America. The past shaped the present and urges us to learn from it in order to make better and more moral decisions today, if only we would.

The Renaissance was an exciting period in Europe during the 14th to the 17th century that yielded rapid cultural, artistic, political, scientific and economic development to the great benefit of Western civilization and of all mankind. The Enlightenment arose during and then following the Renaissance into the 18th and 19th centuries. It was an even more intensive period of intellectual development that raised reason and the application of logic to improve the human condition by making knowledge more widespread. Of course, the foundation of the Renaissance kept growing along with this new freedom of thought and individualism. It is likely that the industrial revolution that began in the mid-19th century would have been much less robust without the overlying influence of these periods of fantastic and positive change. Indeed, it might not have happened at all. Perhaps we should think of this as the age when humankind began to visualize and pursue its full potential.

Earlier as the 2nd millennium arrived Europe was emerging out of a period called, for good reason, the Dark Ages. Governments were non-existent in terms of freedom and impartial rule of law. At the top there were Kings and Queens and rich noblemen and landowners. All others were serfs or peasants who worked as sharecroppers with the noblemen and landowners getting the biggest share. Life was, in a word, mean. Formal learning for most people was non- existent and the education that did exist was permeated with primitive traditions and superstitions. Literacy was primarily concentrated within the religious ranks and in court-designated scribes.

Commoners were forced into armies with no training to fight and die for arbitrary reasons they could not have understood. Fact-based science was not a significant factor yet although navigation by the sun and stars was an ancient accomplishment though still limited in accuracy by the inability to know the exact time. Medical science was still far in the future. Cures were based on barbaric superstitions in which practices like leeches and bloodletting were routinely employed and they cured nothing.

Medicines were, at best, helpful herbs and yet others were poisons such as mercury, called quicksilver then. Epidemic diseases like the plague were common and killed the majority of those who became sick. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were a part of everyday life. Although STDs were a strong argument for self-control and monogamy few had any idea about what caused them or how to avoid them. The rich and the royalty were also defenseless against these epidemics. Children frequently died in infancy and average life expectancies were less than 40 years. Indeed, life was a daily struggle for survival and most were not aware there could be something better.

By 1300 scientific curiosity and fact-seeking had emerged and became more common. There were still esteemed and supposedly learned people trying to convert lead into gold and other impossible dreams but factual learning was on the move. The Christian Church was a leader in establishing universities for learning and investigation. Yet somewhat mysteriously more than 100 years after Columbus’ voyage of discovery, Galileo, a noted scientist, was imprisoned by the Church for daring to claim the earth revolved around the sun. The conventional wisdom was that the earth was the center of everything and church authorities mistakenly claimed to have backup in scripture. Nevertheless, amid all the progress such backwardness continued well after Columbus’ voyages and the daring exploits and world discoveries of the Spanish, Dutch, British and Portuguese explorers.  Habits die hard even when faced with reality.  Tobacco and alcohol addicts are a lesson about this.

The following are just a few of the notable developments to illustrate how Europe moved from brutal existence, superstition and semi-slavery for commoners toward the modern world of today.  Much like  Moore’s Law about 20th century technology, progress kept growing exponentially and steadily moved us into the world of iPhones and Air Jordans. Lucky us?

The Protestant Reformation of Christianity, inspired by Martin Luther, a German Priest in the early 16th century, gave new and greater impetus to intellectual and religious freedom.

The Invention of the printing press steadily brought more information to the masses.

Development of optics led to eyeglasses, microscopes and telescopes; the better to see and learn with.

Universities sprang up and established organized scientific research institutions.  Many early efforts were crude and focused on such illogical ideas like alchemy but false starts are the beginning of learning.

Refinement of music composition and musical instruments led to sophisticated music and operas.

The Science of Physics took hold and grew with Newton’s Law as the foundation.

Great libraries were established, primarily at Universities and in the Vatican.

Astounding architectural achievements were abundant as evidenced by the many grand cathedrals, forts and palaces of Europe; remarkable for their beauty, endurance and elaborate construction as early as the 11th century.  A tour of these wonders cannot help but to awe and inspire.

Development of advanced mathematical methods such as calculus, trigonometry and analytical geometry came forth. Mathematics became the great disciplinary force behind intellectual growth.

Great refinements of interpretive art such as painting, sculpture, architecture and music became abundant and inspired millions.

The Invention and refinement of clocks, initially as a vital aid to navigation on the oceans, rapidly developed without digital help.

The Invention of more and deadlier weapons and explosives steadily advanced, providing a basic necessity for war and peacekeeping.

Improved road systems, canals, ports and railroads continuously developed to greatly aid commerce and transportation between communities, cities and nations.

The early beginnings of sanitary sewage and water systems eventually led to better health and hygiene.

The nascent science of Astronomy opened up a better understanding of our solar system and the first recognition of a vast universe.

The study of world geography grew and gave birth to more accurate mapping.

Charles Darwin traveled the world for five years (1831- 1836) aboard HMS Beagle from which he studied, beautifully drew and cataloged and then published his groundbreaking book about his seminal Theory of Natural Evolution that is still studied today.  His work accelerated efforts to understand and eventually to protect wildlife.

The study of archeology began, opening us up to understanding the humans, flora and fauna of bygone ages.

Summarizing this period, mankind accelerated from times of superstition, tribalism and general backwardness into a factual science-based and educated people that eventually yielded our modern governments and educational systems. Specialization of all sorts greatly improved economic efficiency. Food and shelter became more abundant to more and more people. More people could get an education with more information resources available than their ancestors could have dreamed of.

Modern life is now vastly more complicated and mentally stressful though less physically arduous. There is much to be thankful for and even more astounding and beneficial developments await us.

During this amazing period of progress a never- ending problem stayed with us – war. With the advance of weaponry like guns, cannons and gun powder, wars killed more and more people without let up and, it can be argued from hindsight, only decided who had the most guns. A mathematical specialty called ballistics made these weapons increasingly more deadly. Disturbingly, the problem of war continues and will probably never end. The power of our modern weapons is truly of the Star Wars kind and can now strike from space with pinpoint accuracy. This would be easier to take if wars were fought only for good and compelling reasons such as World War II which will be described in a later chapter. War is often described as a failure of diplomacy as well as a tool of it but neither reason is acceptable to the young men and women who must die or be maimed.

The Renaissance and Enlightenment greatly and continuously improved knowledge and spirituality with beneficial impact on material conditions while also producing civilizing institutions. At roughly the juncture between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, the 15th and 16th centuries, global discovery began and led to the exploitation of the North and South American continents and the beginnings of America.

Amidst all this development, however, there was not a meaningful middle class and the common man continued to live in tough conditions of poverty and need. As well, the lack of religious and personal liberty and of any say in government must have fostered restlessness and deep yearnings for something better.

The discovery of the Americas firmly established a clear and vibrant path to the fulfillment of those very human needs.

Chapter 2

America's Discovery

In elementary school we learned that Columbus discovered America in 1492, over 530 years ago. While it is true that he discovered islands near the eastern coast of North America he did not set foot on land that is now the United States of America. His first landing was on an unnamed island in the Bahamas and from there he touched on the Caribbean Islands of Cuba and then Hispaniola, now home to Haiti and The Dominican Republic.

Columbus made a total of three trips to this area but cannot be called the discoverer of mainland America. However, a more important accomplishment was that he was arguably the first to unequivocally demonstrate the earth to be round by, day after endless day, chasing after an ever disappearing and unreachable horizon while constantly accompanied by fear of the unknown. Columbus did not carry slaves as some are taught. This was truly a history making voyage that would influence physical science and global navigation for all time.

Of interest, the name America was derived from another Italian explorer of that era whose name was Amerigo Vespucci. Otherwise, Mr. America was not otherwise a particularly consequential explorer.

The first known European to actually reach North America was the Viking Leif Erickson.  Amazingly, he and his brave crew crossed the dangerous northern latitudes of the Atlantic Ocean in open boats that provided no protection from bad weather before landing at several sites in the Canadian Maritime Provinces circa 1100, thus putting them here almost 400 years before Columbus. Clearly, this remarkable feat exceeded the dangers and daring of Columbus. Archeologists have discovered Viking campsites in multiple places. Danish explorers also set up thriving settlements of farms and fisheries on the southwestern shores of Greenland in the 11th century, greatly aided by a global warming period lasting until about 1500. It is both interesting and puzzling that these earliest and hardy people, once safely here at great expense and effort, went no further than Greenland and the maritime islands of eastern Canada. There is no known evidence of hostile natives in their path and it is probable that they would have been excited about the unfolding possibilities had they explored further. Without going beyond their original beachheads they eventually returned to Denmark and ended any further exploration.

We must credit the original Native Americans who migrated into North America more than 10,000 years ago by crossing an ancient land bridge to Alaska from what is now extreme northeastern Russia. Over centuries this migration turned southward and spread into the North and South American continents. Recent archeological findings put those