For nearly 250 years, Americans have engaged in a peculiar yet passionate habit: preserving and celebrating the legacy of the American Revolution. From erecting monuments to publishing books and staging theatrical productions, this national pastime has become an enduring ritual. Michael D. Hattem’s insightful book, The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History, dives deep into this cultural phenomenon, tracing how the Revolution’s memory has shaped the nation’s identity—for better or worse.
TL;DR
- Embrace Complexity: Acknowledge the complexities and contradictions within the history of the American Revolution.
- Question Narratives: Critically examine how the Revolution’s memory is used to support different political and ideological agendas.
- Learn from the Past: Understand how the past shapes the present and use historical knowledge to inform contemporary debates and challenges.
A Nation Built on Memory
Hattem meticulously chronicles America’s obsession with its revolutionary roots, highlighting countless tributes to the founding era. Some are inspiring, others amusing, and a few downright bewildering. One standout example is Warren G. Harding’s coining of the term “Founding Fathers” at the 1916 Republican National Convention. Though Harding’s speechwriting skills left much to be desired (H.L. Mencken’s scathing critique compared his prose to “stale bean soup”), the phrase stuck. Today, “Founding Fathers” is a staple in discussions about the nation’s origins—proof that even bad writing can make history.
When Relics Hit the Road
Americans have not only celebrated the Revolution through words but also by taking its relics on the road. Perhaps the quirkiest example is the 1885 journey of the Liberty Bell, which traveled by special train from Philadelphia to New Orleans for the World’s Industrial and Cotton Exhibition. Along the way, crowds gathered in small towns to pay homage to the cracked bell, a symbol of liberty that had been ringing since 1846. Ironically, even Jefferson Davis, the former Confederate president, joined in the festivities, proclaiming the bell’s universal demand for reverence. Talk about awkward symbolism!
Other iconic artifacts, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, also had their share of adventures. From temporary safekeeping in Leesburg, Virginia, during the War of 1812 to eventual display at the Library of Congress in 1921, these documents have been both celebrated and safeguarded. By 1952, they found a permanent home in the National Archives, thanks to President Harry Truman’s decision—a move that cemented their role as national treasures.
The Tug-of-War Over Revolutionary Ideals
Hattem’s book goes beyond chronicling events; it delves into the ideological battles over the founding principles of liberty and equality. Conservatives have often emphasized liberty, using it to justify limited government, while progressives have championed equality, pointing to America’s shortcomings in realizing its ideals. Hattem argues that the memory of 1776 has become particularly contentious during times of political polarization, economic instability, and major anniversaries.
Notably, he critiques the conservative movement’s “misuse” of the Revolution to promote agendas like Christian nationalism and constitutional originalism. According to Hattem, this trend began in the 1960s and gained momentum during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, fueling culture wars that persist today.
My Take on the Memory Game
Here’s the thing: Americans’ obsession with their revolutionary past is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s admirable that a nation takes such pride in its origins. The Revolution’s ideals of liberty and self-governance are worth celebrating. On the other hand, the selective memory often distorts history to fit contemporary agendas. By clinging to sanitized or exaggerated versions of the past, we risk losing sight of the Revolution’s complexity—and its lessons.
For instance, while the Liberty Bell’s journey was a charming display of patriotism, it also highlighted the contradictions of a nation grappling with its divisions. Jefferson Davis’s participation underscores how even symbols of unity can be co-opted for conflicting purposes. Similarly, debates over “limited government” and “equality” show how the Revolution’s legacy is continually reshaped to serve different narratives.
A Unique National Identity
One thing Hattem’s book makes clear is that America’s founding holds a unique place in global history. Unlike countries with ambiguous origins, the U.S. boasts clearly defined milestones: declaring independence in 1776 and securing it in 1783. This clarity has allowed Americans to create a cohesive narrative about their national identity—whether by walking Boston’s Freedom Trail or visiting monuments that echo ancient civilizations.
Speaking of monuments, Hattem misses a fascinating example: Baltimore’s 1815 Washington Monument. Designed by Robert Mills, it depicted George Washington in a Roman toga, channeling the spirit of Cincinnatus, the Roman general who returned to farming after serving his country. This classical imagery, along with Washington, D.C.’s obelisk, reflects America’s aspiration to surpass the great civilizations of the past. And let’s be honest—dressing Washington like a Roman senator is both ambitious and a little ridiculous.
Why This Matters Today
As Hattem points out, the Revolution’s memory is more than just historical trivia; it’s a tool for understanding America’s present and future. The persistent tug-of-war over its ideals reveals a nation still grappling with questions of identity and purpose. Are we a land of liberty, equality, or some mix of both? And how do we reconcile the contradictions between our ideals and our actions?
The answer, as Hattem suggests, lies in embracing the complexity of the past rather than reducing it to convenient slogans. By doing so, we honor not just the memory of 1776 but the ongoing experiment that is America.
Final Thoughts
In The Memory of ’76, Michael D. Hattem offers a compelling exploration of how Americans have turned their Revolution into a cornerstone of national identity. Whether through monuments, speeches, or traveling artifacts, the founding era continues to inspire and provoke debate. As a nation, we’d do well to remember that history isn’t just about the past—it’s a mirror reflecting who we are and who we aspire to be. And let’s face it: if Jefferson Davis can wax poetic about the Liberty Bell, maybe there’s hope for bridging some of today’s divides too.
