Patriotism Dbq

The Founding Fathers, in the 1700s, consisted of men looking to set up democracy and a structured government that would be successful in shaping America. In 1789, the first president of America, George Washington, delivered a speech to congress after taking an oath for the position of Presidency. In his famous speech, he urged Congress to add a set of rights (Bill of Rights) to the Constitution that would allow a sense of public unity and individual freedom/rights. He was a supporter of the people’s good. Washington declared, “I behold the surest pledges, that as on one side, no local prejudices, or attachments; no separate views, nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests.”

Henry is calling to action the secession of the colonists from Britain. His persuasive speech urged delegates to raise a militia to defend themselves against British control. In the conclusion of his speech, Henry is confident that there is no compromise and fighting for freedom is practically a responsibility. The idea of patriotism is invoked in this speech. As Henry proclaimed, “If we wish to be free if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight!” The ideals of what being an American is are invoked in this speech. Therefore, this literature being more personal and indulging is the epitome of America. American literature proves to not only be stories and poems describing events in history but to be pieces expressed from Americans and to Americans with the goal of unity. It is not always about teaching lessons, for American literature can simply be common goals and ideals yearned for to all