The Language of Freedom
The Language of Freedom – How Revolutionary Rhetoric Inspired a Nation
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
This presentation takes an exciting look at the American Colonies before and during the Revolution to understand how rhetoric inspired its people. We’ll delve into patriotic church leaders and some of their inspiring sermons from various colonies. Many sermons were reprinted and distributed across the many colonies. Sermons were not the only documents printed for widespread reuse. People had opinions and wrote motivating pamphlets, today’s blogs; most were anonymous for fear of the King’s repercussions. Newspapers reprinted excerpts from sermons and pamphlets. Other newspapers simply reprinted the articles, spreading a common message across the colonies. Broadsides, large single-page newspapers, carried graphic illustrations often designed to inspire and were often nailed to public buildings.
Most of these printed documents found their way into the lively hubs of colonial taverns. Citizens read the materials aloud so all those who could not read would hear the opinions. Initially, the language sparked long debates between loyalists and patriots, but as the options narrowed under British control, colonists came to see rebellion as their best option. See and experience some of the pressures that helped to brew a revolution.
Speaker Bio – John Cilio
Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
