John Paul Jones Analysis

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John Paul Jones, Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy, by Evan Thomas, explores the life of a true American hero, while providing meaningful context to historically significant events. Thomas gives a compelling account of John Paul Jones’ life that shows his fascinating personality and impact on the American Revolution. This biography uses intricate information to fit specific pieces into a larger puzzle, that helps explain the progression of the American Revolution. This intimate account of the life of John Paul Jones, a Scottish-born American sailor and naval fighter, has strengthened my understanding and changed my perspective of the American Revolution. In this book, Thomas narrates John Paul Jones early life in Scotland to provide …show more content…

Originally named John Paul Jr., he added the last name Jones as a way of reinventing himself when arriving in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1774 (Thomas 34). Jones found his new home in Virginia, looking to escape the social realities and limitations of where he was born, similar to many other colonists. Through his connections with the Freemasonry, a secret society, Jones was offered various opportunities on ships to help fight with American rebels (Thomas 45). After working his way up to becoming captain of the Providence, Jones received the orders to “cruise against our enemies,” meaning that he was finally given the opportunity he was waiting for, to capture British vessels or “prizes” of all kinds (Thomas 57). Although he valued the prizes that his crew was desperate to capture, Jones was far more concerned with attaining patriotic glory and fame for himself. Some of his seaman valued wealth so much that they would “run off” after being given money by Jones, being satisfied with personal gain over honor (Thomas 68). I knew patriotism had an impact on some colonists’ desire to go to war, but before reading this biography I had no idea that for many colonists the war was a way to pursue personal …show more content…

His impact on the Battle of Saratoga and efforts in controlling the sea for American were not recognized as much until after his death. He might not have won “the glory he sought,” but he definitely “helped win a nation’s freedom” (Thomas 311). This biography has provided me with information that has widened by understanding of the American Revolution and a new perspective on the intricacies of the battles at

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