The Art of Manliness Would You Have Been a Patriot or a Loyalist?
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Jul 3, 2023 Historian H.W. Brands dives into the complexities of loyalty during the American Revolution. He reveals that many iconic figures, like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were surprisingly unlikely Patriots at first. The personal ambitions and relationships that shaped these historical decisions come to the forefront, including the fascinating divide between Franklin and his Loyalist son. Brands also explores John Adams' motivations and Benedict Arnold's treacherous flip, challenging our assumptions about who would truly be a rebel or a loyalist.
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Personal Factors in the Revolution
- The American Revolution was complex, driven by personal factors like respect and ambition, not just policy.
- Many colonists remained loyal to Britain, and even Founding Fathers' allegiances weren't always clear.
Unlikely Patriots
- George Washington, a wealthy man, was an unlikely revolutionary, as the status quo suited him.
- Benjamin Franklin, whose success was enabled by the British Empire, also became a patriot.
Franklin's Extreme Reversal
- Benjamin Franklin's transformation was extreme, going from a British Empire enthusiast to a revolutionary.
- His success, from obscurity to fame, was largely due to the British Empire.
