The World in Time / Lapham’s Quarterly Episode 83: Joseph J. Ellis
Feb 4, 2022
Joseph J. Ellis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian renowned for his work on early American history, discusses the paradoxical nature of the American Revolution. He argues that its success stemmed from not being a true revolution, highlighting the complexity of founders' choices, including those surrounding slavery. The conversation delves into George III's role in catalyzing independence, the resilience shown at Valley Forge, and the ideological currents shaping revolutionary thought, all while drawing striking parallels to modern political challenges.
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Prudent Revolutionaries
- The American Revolution succeeded by deferring its most radical implications rather than imposing them immediately.
- Founders delayed sweeping changes like abolishing property voting requirements and confronting slavery to preserve unity and win independence.
George III Pushed Colonies To Break
- Britain, confident after the French and Indian War, chose to consolidate empire and provoked colonial resistance.
- George III's insistence on prosecuting the war converted political dispute into irreversible rebellion.
Not Losing Was Winning
- Washington often lost battles but preserved the Continental Army, realizing he only had to avoid defeat rather than win outright.
- That strategic patience turned battlefield losses into ultimate victory.
