The capture of Louisbourg in June of 1745 was, according to George Whitefield, a victory “contrary to all human probability.” (WHITEFIELD 134). The siege at Cape Breton was part of the ongoing King George's War and has been remarked by contemporaries and modern historians alike as an example of God's Providence. Against what was considered little odds, a New England coalition of colonial militia managed to conduct a covert expedition against the French forces at the fort. Contemporary preachers wrote sermons and correspondence on the event that has proved valuable not only in piecing together the event itself but the event in the context of the fervor of the Great Awakening. King George's War succeeded Queen Anne's war as the third …show more content…
Many notable preachers and theologians of the day remarked on the presence of God's Providence during the capture. In a letter to a Scottish friend, Jonathan Edwards detailed the events at Cape Breton. His letter shows his belief that the siege was a sign of God's protection and guidance. (EDWARDS). In the letter's introduction, Edwards mentions an event where God “has shown us something of his wonderful power and mercy.” (EDWARDS 181). He also concludes the capture of Louisbourg was an example of man's need for God's assistance in earthly matters. Before he begins his description of the capture, Edwards takes the time to mention “a great thirst appearing,” in Virginia. The great thirst Edwards references is the growing popularity and influence of the Great Awakening, where people had a longing to learn more of God's grace and love. In beginning his discussion on the capture of Louisbourg, Edwards mentions that Breton was a “place of vast importance.” (EDWARDS 185). He also mentioned the vast amount of prayers among the people pertaining to the war and Louisbourg. This shows the religious fervor that was the Great Awakening was far reaching across the colonies. In his explanation of the events, Edwards contends that “Providence made provision for the expedition.” (EDWARDS 186). He supports his contention mentioning the favorable weather both leading up to and during the siege. He …show more content…
Looking at the event in the context of the Great Awakening, it was used as kindling in a growing fire. The North American colonies were in the midst of a religious awakening and any victory on their side could be used as an example of God's love for the people of Britain. The works of contemporary religious leaders are key in piecing together how people viewed God's hands in daily life. One of the key motivations of the Great Awakening was finding a personal, tangible connection to God. Such connections were found in remarkable events, such as the capture of Louisbourg. In the grand scheme of things, the events of Louisbourg were not in themselves remarkable, but for the people of the eighteenth century, they were remarkable in that they showed God's loving guidance, protection, and
The battle of New Orleans was a significant battle in the war of 1812. It was a crushing defeat for the British, increased patriotism, and Andrew Jackson emerged an American hero.
Edwards died roughly 20 years before the American Revolution, which means he was a British subject at birth and death. Edwards believed that religion is tied to nations and empires, and that revivals were necessary in history. Edwards’ belief in revivals began what is known as The Great Awakening. Edwards’ purpose in ministry was the preaching that God is sovereign, but also loving towards his creation. Since God is sovereign, Edwards claimed that God worked through revolutions and wars to bring the message of the gospel (Marsden, Jonathon Edwards, 4, 9, 197). Edwards’ most known sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was preached to revive the demoralized congregations. The congregations of New England had low memberships within different churches, and competition from denominational pluralism was stagnant (Lukasik, 231). Getting the colonists to return back to God was the mission and purpose of The Great Awakening. Through this, Edwards hoped that this movement will foster a great increase in learning about God (Marsden, Jonathon Edwards,
He was a man whose very words struck fear into the hearts of his listeners. Acknowledged as one of the most powerful religious speakers of the era, he spearheaded the Great Awakening. “This was a time when the intense fervor of the first Puritans had subsided somewhat” (Heyrmen 1) due to a resurgence of religious zeal (Stein 1) in colonists through faith rather than predestination. Jonathan Edwards however sought to arouse the religious intensity of the colonists (Edwards 1) through his preaching. But how and why was Edwards so successful? What influenced him? How did he use diction and symbolism to persuade his listener, and what was the reaction to his teachings? In order to understand these questions one must look at his life and works to understand how he was successful. In his most influential sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, Jonathan Edwards’ persuasive language awakened the religious fervor that lay dormant in colonial Americans and made him the most famous puritan minister of the Great Awakening in North America.
With colonial, French, and British armies awaiting battle, tension during 1781 rose dramatically. Continental Army General George Washington and French army General Comte de Rochambeau were deliberating the decision of what move to make next on the American side. Unknown to either man, the decision that they were about to make could forever change the outcome of the Revolution. With Washington pushing for battle in New York City and Rochambeau pushing for battle in Virginia, French Admiral Francois-Joseph-Paul de Grasse made the ultimate decision in the next battle plan of the Revolution. It was Comte de Grasse's intelligent planning and performance in the Battle of the Chesapeake Capes that led to the defeat of the British in Yorktown. If not for Comte de Grasse's military move to blockade Cornwallis in the Chesapeake, the entire outcome of the American Revolution might have been different.
...is skills as a navigator or his explorations of North America, his relations with native peoples, or his perseverance in colonial enterprise, Champlain can only be seen as an incredible historical figure to Canada and its development. Today, the culture and history of French Canadians remind us of the reputable travels of a man four centuries earlier, thus proving Champlain has become one of the most legendary figures of North American modern society. Through example of the conquest of New France, expulsion of the Arcadians, and Jacque Cartier’s initial arrival, we witness in comparison Champlain’s renowned leadership skills he is so famously known for. His story is influential, and time cannot minimize its charm. A man of the French Renaissance, Champlain tried to exemplify its principles, and his life’s efforts rest as a continuing legacy to Canadian civilization.
Taylor’s “From God’s Determinations” and Wheatley; s “Thoughts on the Work of Providence” project the feelings of love, faith, and dedication they have toward their religion. Both texts are fine examples of two men writing how they feel, giving accounts of what they believe, and explaining how God, a supernatural being, has played an important role in the shaping their lives through the many acts of miracle He has performed such as creating the Earth. To explain in further detail, both Taylor and Wheatley are constantly inserting examples of what their God has done throughout each text. It is made obvious to the reader that both men are very spiritual
Many people, including many historians, believe that the American and French allied victory at Yorktown was a “miracle” and that the battle there ended the American Revolution. In fact, my research suggests that these conclusions are overstated. The victory at Yorktown was the realization of a series of events that happened to work in favor of the allies (and against the British). Some of them might be considered the result of “luck,” but most of them were the result of either human attributes or failings. Further, while Yorktown was certainly a turning point in a war that up to that point had been virtually a series of British victories, it did not assure that the British would admit defeat in the war. After Yorktown, the Colonies were
An unfortunate placement, General St. Clair’s forces were discouraged, malnourished, over worked and complacent setting the stage for the upcoming defeat. They had setup camp on the frigid night of the 3rd of November, 1791 without fear of any enemy, even though there had been spotting of enemy along their route. The next morning, as complacency in full gear, Soldiers stacked their arms and commenced to eat breakfast, completely unaware they were being watched and about to come under attack. Apart from their arms, they were either bunched up or scattered while eating, unorganized and unprepared for the assault that was about to take place.
...in later years. Pontiac’s rebellion also caused Britain to be short of cash after having to pay for two consecutive battles. The British looked to the colonies for money without giving the colonies any say in the matter. This lead to the famous phrase, “no taxation without representation.” Another thing that happened during the French and Indian war was a much underpublicized meeting between the colonists. This was the first meeting the colonists ever had by their own accord. The meeting was called by Benjamin Franklin and was known as The Albany Plan of Union. Although the meeting got very little accomplished it still has to be considered a success because it showed that there were colonists willing to have independence. The over taxation and the fact the colonists got to see someone stand up to the British were the major events that lead to the American Revolution.
Religion motivates people to not stray from the path of virtue, but in return, their fear of God keeps those who believe from deviating from the morals set in place by the bible. This can be problematic. You see, people following God’s rules would not be doing so for the right reasons, instead they do it because they fear God’s wrath. This person would be unreliable in terms of morality, and would probably stray from God’s morals if they believed God would not offer a reward for their ‘good’ behavior.
During the American Revolution, the French sent about 12,000 soldiers and around 32,000 sailors to the New World to help the American war effort ("France Allied with American Colonies"). Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier otherwise known as Marquis de Lafayette was the biggest French captain that would be involved in the Revolution. Although he was important in many other important events and wars with his own country, France, his role in winning American independence gave him the most fame (“Marquis de Lafayette”). The main strategy thought of by the Continental Congress and its generals was to use French army and navy to slowly start taking out the existing British on land and at sea. George Washington thought that this one-by-one plan would eventually defeat King George’s forces in America ("American Revolution, French Alliance, Siege of Yorktown"). The first direct French military support to get to America was in July 1778. The first group was a military expedition force of 4,000 soldiers and 16 ships. They were under the command of Comte d’Estaing. The first couple attempts to mount a joint American-French military ended in failure. The failures were thought to be due to cultural differences and communication issues between the new allies ("American Revolution, French Alliance, Siege of Yorktown"). The only action of importance where the Colonists and the French fought together with success in the end was the capture of Yorktown (Perkins 1). Although the two militaries were having trouble fighting together, the French continued to send money and supplies. The year 1780 was probably the lowest point in the American struggle to win independence. The British had taken over New York, Charleston, and South Carolina. They did this all after a brief siege in May. At this point the British were also on the verge of taking over the Carolinas ("American Revolution, French
Middlekauff, Robert. The Glorious Cause; The American Revolution, 1763-1789. New York: Oxford University Press, 1982.
...e gun, it seemed, the greater the owner‘s pride in it.” (McCullough 33) The Continental army certainly did not look like an army yet these people were brought together in this fight for freedom and prevailed even winning the support of Americans who had no hope the British would be defeated.” Merchant Erving had sided with the Loyalists primarily because he thought the rebellion would fail. But the success of Washington‘s army at Boston had changed his mind as it had for many” (McCullough 108). The reader must comprehend the power of this accomplishment for the rag-tag army. “Especially for those who had been with Washington and who knew what a close call it was at the beginning-how often circumstance, storms, contrary winds, the oddities or strengths of individual character had made the difference- the outcome seemed little short of a miracle.” (McCullough 294).
When the war ended France lost all of its territory in America except for New Orleans. The colonists now felt a sense of strength and pride. They had joined together and fought to protect their land. They felt they no longer needed the British Army to protect them and remind them that they must obey English laws....
The concept of God can be a difficult one to grasp especially in today's world - a world in which anyone that believes in God is trying to define exactly what God is. To even attempt to grasp such a concept, one must first recognize his own beliefs in respect to the following questions: Is God our creator? Is God omnipotent (all-powerful) or omniscient (all-knowing) or both? Does God care? Is God with us? Does God interfere with life on earth? These questions should be asked and carefully answered if one should truly wish to identify his specific beliefs in God's existence and persistence.