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Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution
Published under the auspices of the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati, The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution is a narrative history of the War for Independence. It tells the pivotal story of the courageous men and women who risked their lives to create a new nation based on the idea that government should serve people and protect their freedom. Written for Americans intent on understanding our national origins, but also appropriate for teachers and secondary classrooms, Freedom argues that the American Revolution is the central event in our the turning point between our colonial origins and our national experience. This volume includes 167 full-color paintings, maps, illustrations, and photos—many of them seen only in historical institutions across the country!
The Freedom narrative spans from the American Revolution’s origins in the nature of colonial British America—a society in which freedom was limited and in which everyone was the subject of a distant monarch—through the crisis in the British Empire that followed the French and Indian War, to the events of the War for Independence itself, and ultimately to the creation of the first great republic in modern history. This is the story of how Americans came to fight for their freedom and became a united people, with a shared history and national identity, and how a generation of founders expressed ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible ideals that have shaped our history and will shape our future—and the future of the world.
The Freedom narrative spans from the American Revolution’s origins in the nature of colonial British America—a society in which freedom was limited and in which everyone was the subject of a distant monarch—through the crisis in the British Empire that followed the French and Indian War, to the events of the War for Independence itself, and ultimately to the creation of the first great republic in modern history. This is the story of how Americans came to fight for their freedom and became a united people, with a shared history and national identity, and how a generation of founders expressed ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible ideals that have shaped our history and will shape our future—and the future of the world.
- GenresHistory
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 11, 2023
Spanning from British America to the birth of a new nation, Jack D. Warren’s Freedom is an insightful guide that goes beyond basic history. From page one, Warren makes his purpose clear: defining freedom within the context of the American Revolution, detailing every event leading up to the war, the war itself, and how America established itself as a new country.
This book is essentially four parts: British America, what caused the need for freedom, the Revolutionary War, and America's beginnings as a free nation. Each part is meticulously organized by chapter, highlighting key events and people in an easy-to-understand but extremely thorough manner. This book is also accompanied by a wide array of color photos, providing a visual element to the written information. Such a collection of high-quality paintings, photos, maps, and other material balance out the text and provide an entertaining experience for readers!
Additionally, Freedom highlights the ongoing importance of the American Revolution and how it impacts us to this day. America came to be because of a vast amount and variety of people working together to reach a common goal, which is something we can still learn from. The idea of “freedom” has evolved and changed over hundreds of years, but the key concepts remain. We can see this even in modern issues, such as human rights. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the true meaning of freedom, this book is for you.
In short, Warren’s book is a detailed, thought-provoking, and engaging history lesson that any American can benefit from. Warren himself seems very passionate about his subject matter, and that is obvious from his writing style and sheer knowledge. I couldn’t believe how much he was able to cover in one book! From the historical accounts to Warren’s collection of footnotes to the supplemental visuals, this book is one of a kind!
This book is essentially four parts: British America, what caused the need for freedom, the Revolutionary War, and America's beginnings as a free nation. Each part is meticulously organized by chapter, highlighting key events and people in an easy-to-understand but extremely thorough manner. This book is also accompanied by a wide array of color photos, providing a visual element to the written information. Such a collection of high-quality paintings, photos, maps, and other material balance out the text and provide an entertaining experience for readers!
Additionally, Freedom highlights the ongoing importance of the American Revolution and how it impacts us to this day. America came to be because of a vast amount and variety of people working together to reach a common goal, which is something we can still learn from. The idea of “freedom” has evolved and changed over hundreds of years, but the key concepts remain. We can see this even in modern issues, such as human rights. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the true meaning of freedom, this book is for you.
In short, Warren’s book is a detailed, thought-provoking, and engaging history lesson that any American can benefit from. Warren himself seems very passionate about his subject matter, and that is obvious from his writing style and sheer knowledge. I couldn’t believe how much he was able to cover in one book! From the historical accounts to Warren’s collection of footnotes to the supplemental visuals, this book is one of a kind!
October 10, 2023
Growing up just outside Boston, Massachusetts, gave me a front-row point of view when it came to discovering the places, the people and the passions of those who populated the 13 U.S. colonies. I didn’t have to imagine what Paul Revere’s house looked like because there it was, right in front of me.
Massive in size and scope, “Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution,” by Jack D. Warren Jr., is a fascinating and most enjoyable reading experience. Warren distinguishes himself as a formidable chronicler of the American Revolution. The perfectly placed illustrations, reproductions of period paintings and old maps combine with an almost poetic prose to make this a must-have book for those who love history.
This is a comprehensive and complete history of what is now known as the American Revolution. Warren’s approach is to place the events you’ve been learning about all your life into a context that is relatable and understandable by telling the story of the earliest settlers and how they did or did not interact with Native Americans, or Indians, as they were called. The author shows how, as the colonies grew more independent, in many ways, they also grew more dependent, especially during the French and Indian War. Through this greater involvement by the crown, and an increase in taxation, without any form of representation, a people already hyper-sensitive to living under a king without the rights they had earned in America are simply not willing to go along with what the monarch was dictating.
The author paints a colorful and nuanced picture of all facets of colonial life, from work to school to places of worship. He shows how the events both defined and created a new world where enlightened ideas about personal independence, human rights, liberty, equality and citizenship had very deep and resounding meaning. The question of who has the right to govern, levy taxes and impose laws was on the minds of these new Americans. Meanwhile, back in London, the new king and parliament are depicted as being out of touch with the frustrations of those in the colonies. With France and Spain jockeying for geography and jurisdiction throughout the new continent, England found itself caught between a rock and a hard place. As people begin to revolt and yearn for independence, the crown clumsily tried to tighten its grip with the occupation of Boston (and later, New York City and Philadelphia). The rebellion that led to a new nation changed history and the world as the sun began to set on the British Empire.
“Freedom” works as both a textbook in schools or as a more encyclopedic history of the American Revolution. The narrative is conversational and easy to understand. And while events like the Battle of Lexington and Concord may seem familiar, their importance takes on new meaning in Warren’s telling. As the author takes us through the most decisive skirmishes and major events of the war, this book gives us a grunt’s eye view of what it would have been like in the trenches, the churches and the meeting houses around colonial America. “Freedom” is living proof of what was sacrificed for the importance of the rule of law, freedom of expression and the rights of all to live freely. At a time in our history when the future of democracy seems more perilous than ever, this book is an invaluable reminder of the freedoms and rights we all enjoy. Highly recommended.
Book provided to reviewer by the publisher.
Massive in size and scope, “Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution,” by Jack D. Warren Jr., is a fascinating and most enjoyable reading experience. Warren distinguishes himself as a formidable chronicler of the American Revolution. The perfectly placed illustrations, reproductions of period paintings and old maps combine with an almost poetic prose to make this a must-have book for those who love history.
This is a comprehensive and complete history of what is now known as the American Revolution. Warren’s approach is to place the events you’ve been learning about all your life into a context that is relatable and understandable by telling the story of the earliest settlers and how they did or did not interact with Native Americans, or Indians, as they were called. The author shows how, as the colonies grew more independent, in many ways, they also grew more dependent, especially during the French and Indian War. Through this greater involvement by the crown, and an increase in taxation, without any form of representation, a people already hyper-sensitive to living under a king without the rights they had earned in America are simply not willing to go along with what the monarch was dictating.
The author paints a colorful and nuanced picture of all facets of colonial life, from work to school to places of worship. He shows how the events both defined and created a new world where enlightened ideas about personal independence, human rights, liberty, equality and citizenship had very deep and resounding meaning. The question of who has the right to govern, levy taxes and impose laws was on the minds of these new Americans. Meanwhile, back in London, the new king and parliament are depicted as being out of touch with the frustrations of those in the colonies. With France and Spain jockeying for geography and jurisdiction throughout the new continent, England found itself caught between a rock and a hard place. As people begin to revolt and yearn for independence, the crown clumsily tried to tighten its grip with the occupation of Boston (and later, New York City and Philadelphia). The rebellion that led to a new nation changed history and the world as the sun began to set on the British Empire.
“Freedom” works as both a textbook in schools or as a more encyclopedic history of the American Revolution. The narrative is conversational and easy to understand. And while events like the Battle of Lexington and Concord may seem familiar, their importance takes on new meaning in Warren’s telling. As the author takes us through the most decisive skirmishes and major events of the war, this book gives us a grunt’s eye view of what it would have been like in the trenches, the churches and the meeting houses around colonial America. “Freedom” is living proof of what was sacrificed for the importance of the rule of law, freedom of expression and the rights of all to live freely. At a time in our history when the future of democracy seems more perilous than ever, this book is an invaluable reminder of the freedoms and rights we all enjoy. Highly recommended.
Book provided to reviewer by the publisher.
October 16, 2023
Embark on a meticulously crafted journey through the tapestry of American history with Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution, penned by Jack D. Warren Jr. This narrative doesn’t merely recount events but enthralls readers, weaving them through the pivotal years that sculpted a nation from the fervent throes of the Revolutionary War to poignant celebrations of liberty.
Warren's narrative eloquently traverses through the myriad facets of colonial British America, elucidating the variegated groups and revolutionary intellects that forged the path toward liberty. Moreover, it spotlights poignant tales of conflict and sacrifice, underlining the indefatigable pursuit of freedom that became a hallmark of American identity. As one navigates through Freedom, there is a palpable unveiling of the energies that cemented the foundations of national identity and engendered the establishment of a republican government steadfastly committed to the ideals of freedom and equality.
One astonishing revelation presented by Warren, among myriad, is the historical prerequisite of at least modest property ownership for voting eligibility, a nugget that underlines the continuous evolution of American democracy. The book brims with comprehensive revelations, providing a rich reservoir of knowledge and insight.
Freedom doesn’t merely chronicle history but brings it to life, allowing readers an intimate glimpse into the minds and plights of historical figures. Warren narrates George Washington’s battle for liberty with an evocative immediacy, offering insights into his mental and emotional states amidst the formidable challenges encountered in the rebellion against British rule. In another instance, the reader encounters Phillis Wheatley, a sixteen-year-old who overcame her dire circumstances to bloom into a lauded poet despite being enslaved after being born in West Africa and sold in Boston.
Adorned with reflections from historical figures, astute commentaries from the author, and a gallery of impactful paintings and images, Freedom doesn’t just inform; it immerses and captivates. This compelling read, abundant in rich historical tales, is poised to be a treasure for history and political discourse enthusiasts alike.
The book paints a vivid tableau of history and compels reflection on societal progress. It highlights our transition from an era where public hangings were a norm to their current rarity, providing a sanguine perspective on social transformation. Freedom serves as a potent reminder and instrument, ensuring that we persist in sculpting a future that is ever more just and humane. This masterful work is not only a repository of the past but a beacon that illuminates the pathway toward an equitable future, making it an indispensable read for those who seek to understand and forge ahead, informed by the indelible lessons of history.
Warren's narrative eloquently traverses through the myriad facets of colonial British America, elucidating the variegated groups and revolutionary intellects that forged the path toward liberty. Moreover, it spotlights poignant tales of conflict and sacrifice, underlining the indefatigable pursuit of freedom that became a hallmark of American identity. As one navigates through Freedom, there is a palpable unveiling of the energies that cemented the foundations of national identity and engendered the establishment of a republican government steadfastly committed to the ideals of freedom and equality.
One astonishing revelation presented by Warren, among myriad, is the historical prerequisite of at least modest property ownership for voting eligibility, a nugget that underlines the continuous evolution of American democracy. The book brims with comprehensive revelations, providing a rich reservoir of knowledge and insight.
Freedom doesn’t merely chronicle history but brings it to life, allowing readers an intimate glimpse into the minds and plights of historical figures. Warren narrates George Washington’s battle for liberty with an evocative immediacy, offering insights into his mental and emotional states amidst the formidable challenges encountered in the rebellion against British rule. In another instance, the reader encounters Phillis Wheatley, a sixteen-year-old who overcame her dire circumstances to bloom into a lauded poet despite being enslaved after being born in West Africa and sold in Boston.
Adorned with reflections from historical figures, astute commentaries from the author, and a gallery of impactful paintings and images, Freedom doesn’t just inform; it immerses and captivates. This compelling read, abundant in rich historical tales, is poised to be a treasure for history and political discourse enthusiasts alike.
The book paints a vivid tableau of history and compels reflection on societal progress. It highlights our transition from an era where public hangings were a norm to their current rarity, providing a sanguine perspective on social transformation. Freedom serves as a potent reminder and instrument, ensuring that we persist in sculpting a future that is ever more just and humane. This masterful work is not only a repository of the past but a beacon that illuminates the pathway toward an equitable future, making it an indispensable read for those who seek to understand and forge ahead, informed by the indelible lessons of history.
October 11, 2023
The magnum opus of American history and consummate core of Freedom
Virginia author Jack D. Warren, Jr. is the founding director of the American Revolution Institute, and has served as executive director of the Society of the Cincinnati. His focus in both his research and his publications is on the impact of the American Revolution, and in this definitive tome he places the concepts of freedom before the reader through the retelling of history, making the book informative, engaging, and challenging. How his writing can be so academically and meticulously detailed and still remain a fascinating exploration of a vivid history and impact defies understanding! FREEDOM: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution is completely cinematic while revisiting the myriad important details, facts, and developing concepts that serve to inform us of the origins and definitions of ‘freedom’ at every step of colonial America and the Revolutionary War and its impact on today’s mindset and perspective.
Broadening the spectrum of information about the Revolutionary War from the compressed/abbreviated facts usually taught in schools, Warren states his goal in the Prologue: ‘This book tells the story of how Americans came to fight for their freedom, and how they won their independence in the Revolutionary War, established a republican system of government, and became a united people, with a shared history and national identity.’ That aim is fully achieved in this beautifully written, readily accessible extrapolation of colonial British America under the rule of the King of England - a population of refugees from religious oppression by the Church of England and loyalty to a distant king, migrants fleeing poverty, indentured servants, transported convicts, and enslaved Africans - through the gradual development of unity and the combined aspects of seeking freedom from British monarchy that initiated the Revolutionary War and the subsequent Declaration of Independence, the Continental Court, the Constitution, and true freedom.
It is rare to find a well researched and written history book that is supplemented with the vast number of color reproductions of period paintings of the colonies, the people, battles, maps and documents found in this now quintessential book on the American Revolution. Add to those attributes the cogency of ideas and concepts that are so relevant to contemporary times, including human rights and women’s rights, and the result is the definitive resource of American history both for classroom and the general reading public, and a platform for examining current philosophies. As Warren states, ‘The idealism of the Revolution is the foundation of our freedom and the hope of people who long for freedom in every part of the world.’ Brilliant!
Virginia author Jack D. Warren, Jr. is the founding director of the American Revolution Institute, and has served as executive director of the Society of the Cincinnati. His focus in both his research and his publications is on the impact of the American Revolution, and in this definitive tome he places the concepts of freedom before the reader through the retelling of history, making the book informative, engaging, and challenging. How his writing can be so academically and meticulously detailed and still remain a fascinating exploration of a vivid history and impact defies understanding! FREEDOM: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution is completely cinematic while revisiting the myriad important details, facts, and developing concepts that serve to inform us of the origins and definitions of ‘freedom’ at every step of colonial America and the Revolutionary War and its impact on today’s mindset and perspective.
Broadening the spectrum of information about the Revolutionary War from the compressed/abbreviated facts usually taught in schools, Warren states his goal in the Prologue: ‘This book tells the story of how Americans came to fight for their freedom, and how they won their independence in the Revolutionary War, established a republican system of government, and became a united people, with a shared history and national identity.’ That aim is fully achieved in this beautifully written, readily accessible extrapolation of colonial British America under the rule of the King of England - a population of refugees from religious oppression by the Church of England and loyalty to a distant king, migrants fleeing poverty, indentured servants, transported convicts, and enslaved Africans - through the gradual development of unity and the combined aspects of seeking freedom from British monarchy that initiated the Revolutionary War and the subsequent Declaration of Independence, the Continental Court, the Constitution, and true freedom.
It is rare to find a well researched and written history book that is supplemented with the vast number of color reproductions of period paintings of the colonies, the people, battles, maps and documents found in this now quintessential book on the American Revolution. Add to those attributes the cogency of ideas and concepts that are so relevant to contemporary times, including human rights and women’s rights, and the result is the definitive resource of American history both for classroom and the general reading public, and a platform for examining current philosophies. As Warren states, ‘The idealism of the Revolution is the foundation of our freedom and the hope of people who long for freedom in every part of the world.’ Brilliant!
October 13, 2023
FREEDOM is THE definitive work of the day about the American Revolution and is a powerful resource for reflection!
Finally a book that defines Freedom in a manner that presents history as an immersive novel! Author Jack D. Warren Jr., the founding director of the American Revolution Institute, offers a straightforward analysis of the universal need for freedom by tracing American history back to the origins of reaction to England’s rule of the early colonies of British America. The story of man’s need for freedom is delivered with the vivid imagery of famous artworks that accompany the move away from religious oppression by the Church of England, from servitude both as indentured servants and transported convicts, from African slaves – aspects that gradually lead to unity in reaction against the British monarchy and resulting in the American Revolution.
The timing of the release of this valuable book is particularly poignant, a book that successfully informs and reminds the reader of the impact and importance of embracing and defending freedom, at home and in other countries currently fighting oppression. Warren’s definition of freedom extends to all human rights, equality, women’s rights, and in response to attacks from oppressors, encouraging understanding of contemporary issues by reflecting on history.
Warren’s prose, supplemented so richly with famous artwork, provides a very satisfying (and educational!) opportunity to explore the importance of understanding the meaning and history of Freedom.
The book tells the story of how Americans came to fight for their freedom, how they won their independence in the Revolutionary War, established a republican system of government, and became a united people, with a shared history and national identity. FREEDOM tells the reader, ‘Here’s how we became Americans and why we are who we are.’
This book is a must-read, go-to book to reinforce the meaning and impact of being Free! With hundreds of footnotes, 172 images from private and public collections of 71 libraries, museums, historical societies, FREEDOM is THE definitive work of the day about the American Revolution.
This book belongs in the collection of Libraries, museums, and institutions and on the shelves of anyone who loves America and all that she stands for.
Very highly recommended.
Finally a book that defines Freedom in a manner that presents history as an immersive novel! Author Jack D. Warren Jr., the founding director of the American Revolution Institute, offers a straightforward analysis of the universal need for freedom by tracing American history back to the origins of reaction to England’s rule of the early colonies of British America. The story of man’s need for freedom is delivered with the vivid imagery of famous artworks that accompany the move away from religious oppression by the Church of England, from servitude both as indentured servants and transported convicts, from African slaves – aspects that gradually lead to unity in reaction against the British monarchy and resulting in the American Revolution.
The timing of the release of this valuable book is particularly poignant, a book that successfully informs and reminds the reader of the impact and importance of embracing and defending freedom, at home and in other countries currently fighting oppression. Warren’s definition of freedom extends to all human rights, equality, women’s rights, and in response to attacks from oppressors, encouraging understanding of contemporary issues by reflecting on history.
Warren’s prose, supplemented so richly with famous artwork, provides a very satisfying (and educational!) opportunity to explore the importance of understanding the meaning and history of Freedom.
The book tells the story of how Americans came to fight for their freedom, how they won their independence in the Revolutionary War, established a republican system of government, and became a united people, with a shared history and national identity. FREEDOM tells the reader, ‘Here’s how we became Americans and why we are who we are.’
This book is a must-read, go-to book to reinforce the meaning and impact of being Free! With hundreds of footnotes, 172 images from private and public collections of 71 libraries, museums, historical societies, FREEDOM is THE definitive work of the day about the American Revolution.
This book belongs in the collection of Libraries, museums, and institutions and on the shelves of anyone who loves America and all that she stands for.
Very highly recommended.
October 11, 2023
The Oxford dictionary describes "comprehensive" as "including all or nearly all elements of something." Well, let me tell you that Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution, by Jack D. Warren, Jr., is as comprehensive as it gets. We get the decades leading up to the American Revolution and right up to the time the Federal Constitution was passed in 1787. In between we learn how it all happened. And we learn it in such a way that you don't want to put the book down. On top of that, we get all kinds of portraits, maps, and other pictures to help us really see how it all happened.
My goal in this review is to give you a just a few facts that I know you will find interesting. It will make you crave to know much more about how we became an independent country. You will NOT be bored!
1. More than 50% of all British citizens who came to the colonies were indentured slaves. They were either guilty of a crime or weren't able to pay off debts. When they came to America, many of them were able to become free citizens after they performed several years of servitude.
2. African slaves were brought to America as early as 1639. And by 1740, there were 150,000 of them here.
3. At the beginning of the war, Blacks made up 5-10% of the soldiers. And by the end of the war, that number jumped to 15-20%. You will want to know why.
4. The initial goal of the colonies was not to become an independent country but, rather, to become independent within the British Empire.
5. Hundreds of women traveled with the army. They cooked, cleaned, sewed, and tended to the wounded.
Does that whet your appetite? It certainly should. I suspect you will be fascinated, as I was, to learn a lot about George Washington in the early years...and to find out how the colonies became independent states...and what happened to the loyalists who supported the British Army throughout the war...and on and on. Freedom makes the history books that we all had to read in school seem like abridged versions of abridged versions. Get your copy of Freedom right away. You will be very glad you did!
My goal in this review is to give you a just a few facts that I know you will find interesting. It will make you crave to know much more about how we became an independent country. You will NOT be bored!
1. More than 50% of all British citizens who came to the colonies were indentured slaves. They were either guilty of a crime or weren't able to pay off debts. When they came to America, many of them were able to become free citizens after they performed several years of servitude.
2. African slaves were brought to America as early as 1639. And by 1740, there were 150,000 of them here.
3. At the beginning of the war, Blacks made up 5-10% of the soldiers. And by the end of the war, that number jumped to 15-20%. You will want to know why.
4. The initial goal of the colonies was not to become an independent country but, rather, to become independent within the British Empire.
5. Hundreds of women traveled with the army. They cooked, cleaned, sewed, and tended to the wounded.
Does that whet your appetite? It certainly should. I suspect you will be fascinated, as I was, to learn a lot about George Washington in the early years...and to find out how the colonies became independent states...and what happened to the loyalists who supported the British Army throughout the war...and on and on. Freedom makes the history books that we all had to read in school seem like abridged versions of abridged versions. Get your copy of Freedom right away. You will be very glad you did!
October 21, 2023
Some books are informative and interesting, some are entertaining and educational, some are just fun, and then some are important, necessary and should be required reading. ‘Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the America Revolution’ by Jack D. Warren, Jr. is, and should be for generations, firmly encased in the latter. This amazingly compelling book, which needs to be read multiple times, provides the necessary foundation, context and info to fully grasp the uniqueness of events leading to 1776, the Declaration of Independence, the fighting of the Revolution and beyond.
I intend on making my teenage offspring read and properly digest the contents. With color historical exhibits to highlight the text, Warren continually reminds the reader of several important points about the moments surrounding the Declaration: this was a radical document and the path forward was laced with promise, high ideals, uncertainty, danger and the real possibility of failure. The section where he goes through the evolution of all the 13 colonial state constitutions during the Revolutionary War, all contributing eventually to the final federal version, is truly fascinating.
Warren goes to great lengths to analyze the Declaration of Independence, going thru parts phrase by phrase to identify past philosophical underpinnings and to emphasize that it “was a beginning. The Declaration did not make the American states independent. There remained a war to fight.” He writes how declaring many things so, like the American people being “one people” and having the “rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” did not “change the lives of the women and men for whom those rights were routinely ignored.”
Beyond that and seeking to encourage whoever reads this review to BUY THE BOOK, it is one of those fantastic history books I love so much for a simple reason: ‘Freedom’ is a feeder book, for me that being a book that points the historically curious in a thousand different directions for additional fields of inquiry. Warren covers so many topics it is impossible to list them all. The Notes and Epigraph sections at the end, about 60 pages, is well worth perusing for info and other books to read.
Here is the touchstone, take this to heart and honor all those who sacrificed to create and preserve it: “The U.S. was the first nation in modern times to achieve its independence in a war of national liberation. The Revolution was not merely the defining event in the nation’s political and constitutional history—a moment in which political theory was harnessed to political practice to establish the first constitutional republic in human history.”
Brad Butler, Author of 'Without Redemption.'
I intend on making my teenage offspring read and properly digest the contents. With color historical exhibits to highlight the text, Warren continually reminds the reader of several important points about the moments surrounding the Declaration: this was a radical document and the path forward was laced with promise, high ideals, uncertainty, danger and the real possibility of failure. The section where he goes through the evolution of all the 13 colonial state constitutions during the Revolutionary War, all contributing eventually to the final federal version, is truly fascinating.
Warren goes to great lengths to analyze the Declaration of Independence, going thru parts phrase by phrase to identify past philosophical underpinnings and to emphasize that it “was a beginning. The Declaration did not make the American states independent. There remained a war to fight.” He writes how declaring many things so, like the American people being “one people” and having the “rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” did not “change the lives of the women and men for whom those rights were routinely ignored.”
Beyond that and seeking to encourage whoever reads this review to BUY THE BOOK, it is one of those fantastic history books I love so much for a simple reason: ‘Freedom’ is a feeder book, for me that being a book that points the historically curious in a thousand different directions for additional fields of inquiry. Warren covers so many topics it is impossible to list them all. The Notes and Epigraph sections at the end, about 60 pages, is well worth perusing for info and other books to read.
Here is the touchstone, take this to heart and honor all those who sacrificed to create and preserve it: “The U.S. was the first nation in modern times to achieve its independence in a war of national liberation. The Revolution was not merely the defining event in the nation’s political and constitutional history—a moment in which political theory was harnessed to political practice to establish the first constitutional republic in human history.”
Brad Butler, Author of 'Without Redemption.'
December 8, 2023
Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution was a great history book! It is written in language that we, as a society, have forgotten, but easily understood. Most people have a short attention span and in school, we teach the children short snippets of history. Mr. Warren knows his materials inside and out as evidenced by his research into the Revolutionary War. He includes great illustrations and historical documents. This covers more than just the fighting, this goes into depth about the reasons WHY America fought for its independence. I would recommend this book to middle and high school teachers. It's too costly for an individual.
December 28, 2024
Insightful look at how the American Revolution progressed from knowing to acting on what Americans came to realize. Certainly most didn’t demand independence at first but came to the notion logically. Freedom shows how the US is organized, that government derives its power from the people.
December 17, 2024
On Context
This book provides context behind the values and ideology behind the most important events of the American Revolution. I gave this book four stars because of the reading level that the author used - 10th grade I estimate.
This book provides context behind the values and ideology behind the most important events of the American Revolution. I gave this book four stars because of the reading level that the author used - 10th grade I estimate.
October 16, 2023
Honestly, I am not a fan of history books. Reading them reminds me of middle and high school history class, where we look at microscopic photos and read a whole bunch of text, expecting to interpret and understand for pop quizzes, unit tests, essays, and final exams. This book is different and not boring, but it is very educational. The paintings are well-detailed, like we were reliving the American Revolution, finally finding the truth on why it occurred in the first place. I appreciated that Jack D. Warren Jr. highlighted the key terms in bold for their meaning and their actual significance for the book's theme. I wished we were reading this book in my history class rather than a dull, lengthy textbook filled with an insurmountable amount of text. Separating each chapter through section headings linking with the index made the 438-page book a fluid read. I applaud Warren Jr. for the extensive research, attention to detail, and clean organizational structure.
Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution by Jack D. Warren Jr. is the ultimate guide to the American Revolution that history class will never teach you. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars, a rare rating from me for a history book.
Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution by Jack D. Warren Jr. is the ultimate guide to the American Revolution that history class will never teach you. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars, a rare rating from me for a history book.
October 23, 2023
Hard read
Unless you like to learn more details than you did in history class this may not be the book for you. I hard a hard time staying awake while reading this novel, just like in history class. It was so detailed I could only get through a section at a time. I would have much more preferred to have the key points and more about the key players in the American revolution. Less about each individual group of the start of America.
Unless you like to learn more details than you did in history class this may not be the book for you. I hard a hard time staying awake while reading this novel, just like in history class. It was so detailed I could only get through a section at a time. I would have much more preferred to have the key points and more about the key players in the American revolution. Less about each individual group of the start of America.
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