We Don't Know the American Revolution, And It's Dangerous, Scholar Warns

A leading historian argues that most Americans today are culturally ignorant of their nation's founding era. This lack of understanding is not just a historical problem, but a serious modern risk. The claim comes from an author who spent years studying the personal letters and diaries of George Washington and his contemporaries. This research reveals the deep motivations and fears of the Revolution's key figures. The scholar calls the public's current knowledge gap "scandalous and scary." The concern is that without truly knowing the founders' complex ideas and struggles, citizens cannot wisely uphold or debate the principles they established. The founding era was defined by fierce arguments over liberty, power, and unity. The historian suggests that revisiting these original debates through the founders' own words is urgent. It provides crucial context for today's political challenges. The expert's New Year's resolution for 2026, the nation's 250th anniversary, is clear: America must relearn its Revolution.