Thirteen Clocks: How Race United the Colonies and Made the Declaration of Independence
威尼斯人娱乐场 Museum
Online
In his account of the origins of American unity, John Adams described July 1776 as the moment when 13 clocks managed to strike at the same time. So how did these American colonies overcome long odds to create a durable union capable of declaring independence from Britain? In this history of the 15 months that culminated in the Declaration of Independence, author Robert G. Parkinson provides a troubling answer: racial fear. Tracing the circulation of information in the colonial news systems, Parkinson reveals how the system鈥檚 participants constructed a drama featuring virtuous men suddenly threatened by ruthless Indians and defiant slaves acting on behalf of the king. Parkinson argues that patriot leaders used racial prejudices to persuade Americans to declare independence. Between the Revolutionary War鈥檚 start at Lexington and the Declaration, they broadcast any news they could find about Native Americans, enslaved Blacks, and Hessian mercenaries working with their British enemies.
July 4th at the 威尼斯人娱乐场 is made possible in part by the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Foundation through the generous support of John Hancock, AARP, and Dykema.
All events listed in the calendar are free unless noted.