Excerpts from: Americanism Redux: May 30, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1774
Fueled by responses to the Boston Port Act, a change occurs with blinding speed in Williamsburg, capitol of the colony of Virginia. In less than seven days: a group of pro-colonial rights legislators in Virginia succeed in designating June 1 as an official day of prayer and public parade in support of Boston; Governor Lord Dunmore disbands the legislature in retaliation; the pro-colonial rights group meets and re-declares itself in existence and then proceeds to adopt key principles and actions. No one could have foreseen the rapid course of events along the slow and winding James River. Events in Boston and Massachusetts remain tense and swirling. Groups form to support the ex-governor Thomas Hutchinson and enslaved black men petition the new governor, General Thomas Gage, to adopt a form of emancipation in the colony.
The unfolding war in the Ohio River valley between Virginians and Native tribes is still ablaze. And monarchs and emperors elsewhere in the world, from western Africa to eastern China, share with British King George III the common desire to maintain power and squelch threats to their control.
Americanism Redux, a series by historian author, Dr. Dan Miller, explores what Americanism meant 250 years ago and its significance for America today. Visit Dr Dan Miller’s website>
Reference: The Remnant Trust Collection
The global context of the American Revolution is vitally important and often dimly understood. Similar to George III, such rulers as Qianlong in China and Abiodun in western Africa dealt with challenges to their monarchical power. The Remnant Trust’s Item (#1308), “A Brief Survey of the Terraqueous Globe” by John Mair, published in London in 1775 but with a drawing of the world from 1774, included descriptions of government and social order in China as well as Africa. Mair categorized the world’s government as empires, kingdoms, or republics.
View The Remnant Trust “Wisdom of the Ages Athenaeum PDF for reference>