The historical landscape of the American Revolutionary War was shaped by a rhetorical assault that occurred alongside the first real shots fired in the conflict. According to the J. Willard Marriott Library Exhibits' 'Fighting Words' exhibit, the voices of Thomas Paine and those sharing his sentiments rang throughout the British Empire during the period of 1776-1777. This era was defined by a clash of ideals where the British appeal for good citizenship was met with a demand for good government worthy of loyalty.
Thomas Paine, whose lifespan was recorded as 1737-1809, was a creator of significant political literature. According to the 1776 printing of 'Common Sense; Addressed to the Inhabitants of...', Paine was the creator of this influential work. This specific text, titled 'COMMON SENSE; ADDRESSED TO THE INHABITANTS OF...', was published in 1776 and was printed in Philadelphia by Newbury-Port. The document notes that the work was also reprinted for Samuel Phillips, jun. of Andover.
The intellectual struggle of the era was not limited to the battlefield. According to the 'Welcome' page of the 'Fighting Words' exhibit, before the first shots were fired at the battles of Lexington and Concord, American colonists and British imperialists had already begun to fight on the ideological front. This struggle involved various pamphleteers who worked to determine the meaning of the revolution and the consequences of victory or defeat. The words produced during these conflicts would ultimately define what it meant to be an American.
Visitors to the 'Fighting Words' digital exhibit can encounter the works of several historical figures. The exhibit features videos of 41 dramatic readings, along with texts and images from original pamphlets sourced from the University of Utah's rare book collections. Through these resources, viewers learn about the origins, conflicts, and ultimate conclusions of the American Revolution. This learning is facilitated by listening to and reading contemporary printings of the works of several individuals, including Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, and William Pitt.
The exhibit organizes these historical materials into specific chronological sections to help viewers navigate the era. These sections include 1765-1770, 1773-1774, 1775, 1776-1777, and 1778-1780. The documents from the 1776-1777 period highlight how the rhetorical landscape was shifting as the war progressed. For example, the exhibit notes that during this time, the voices of writers like Paine were central to the political discourse of the British Empire.
By examining these original pamphlets, historians and the public can trace the evolution of political thought. The work of Paine, specifically his 1776 writings, serves as a primary example of how printed media influenced the direction of the American colonies. As the war moved from ideological debate to physical combat, the pamphlets provided the framework for the arguments that would define a new nation.
What this means for Willard
For the residents of Willard, the historical legacy of figures like Thomas Paine demonstrates how printed words can shape the direction of a nation. The documents show that the American Revolution was fought on both physical and ideological fronts, using pamphlets to define the very meaning of being an American through the late 18th century.
