The Myths and the Motivations Behind the American Revolution

Soldiers in the early years of the American Revolution wore mismatched uniforms and civilian clothing, illustrated by H.A. Ogden, 1891. Lithography by G.H. Buek & Co. Public Domain

Commentary

Our culture has many myths regarding America’s founding principles and the American Revolution. I highly recommend the EpochTV series entitled “The American Story” to learn the inspiring and true story of America’s early years, which often contrasts with the narratives we hear today. In episode six, “The Road to the Revolution,” host Timothy Barton, president of WallBuilders, and Jonathan Richie, former assistant director of the American Journey Experience, use historical documents and artifacts to tell of the events and values that led to the American Revolution.

Biblical Values

In episode five of the series, Barton and Richie explain how early colonial pastors had taught the colonists biblical principles of government and liberty and how those ideas eventually expressed themselves in the American Revolution. “Taxation without representation is tyranny” was one of these values that originated in the writing of Pastor John Wise. However, the American Revolution was about much more than taxation.