Conventional Wisdom: 1776 Edition
Summary
The article looks back at the key figures and events around the year 1776, when the United States declared independence from Britain. It highlights the struggles and actions of people like George Washington, King George III, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin during the Revolutionary War period.Key Facts
- In 1776, a group of men signed the Declaration of Independence, committing treason against Britain.
- George Washington led the Continental Army through difficult times but won a surprise victory at Trenton in December 1776.
- King George III was unaware of the Declaration of Independence on the exact day it was signed because news traveled slowly across the Atlantic.
- British Prime Minister Lord North oversaw policies that angered the American colonies but often wanted to resign from his position.
- Thomas Jefferson wrote most of the Declaration of Independence at age 33 but had parts of his text, including a criticism of the slave trade, removed.
- Benjamin Franklin, at 70, was famous worldwide and helped convince France to support the American cause.
- John Adams strongly pushed for independence and famously anticipated July 2 as the important date, though the Declaration was actually adopted on July 4.
- Abigail Adams was a significant figure, advising and supporting the revolutionary cause.
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