The Journey Towards Independence (1776-1789)

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in peoples minds" - Samuel Adams.

.

"Fear is the passion of slaves." - Patrick Henry

.

Colonial Minute Man

.

On the 4th of July many Americans celebrate Independence Day and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I myself tend to think of our nation as being born on the 4th of July 1776 in a single point in time before which the United States did not exist while often overlooking the fact that on the 4th of July 1776 all that happened was that a group of 56 men signed a document that was just one more step in a very long hard process of social & political reform. A process of reform & refinement that is still underway at the present time and a process I hope never ceases.

While the signing of the Declaration of Independence was a major milestone for the colonies it would take another 7 hard years of struggling, fighting, debating, failing and succeeding for the 13 colonies to finally break free from the British crown in 1783 and achieve sovereignty through the Treaty of Paris. It would take another 5 years for the Constitution to be ratified and another year for George Washington to be elected and sworn in as the first President of these United States.

So celebrate the 4th of July and the following 14 years of our fledgling nations history in honor of the relatively small group of men & women whose vision, strength, endurance and willingness to sacrifice allow us to enjoy the liberties & freedoms we have today in these United States.