Omar Bennett
The word patriot has evolved over time, but it generally refers to someone who loves and supports their country. In the context of the American Revolution, patriots were those who advocated for independence from Britain and rejected monarchy and aristocracy, supporting individual liberty and natural rights. Today, patriotism is often associated with positive values such as freedom, justice, and equality, and the belief that the government and citizens work together for a better quality of life for all. Being a patriot, according to the Constitution, can be interpreted as upholding and applying the values and principles enshrined in America's founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, while respecting the rule of law and protecting individual rights and freedoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Love for one's country | N/A |
| Support for the country | N/A |
| Pride in one's country | N/A |
| Devotion to one's country | N/A |
| Belief in the inherent goodness of the system of government and fellow citizens | N/A |
| Belief in the promotion of freedom, justice, and equality | N/A |
| Belief in individual liberty and natural rights | N/A |
| Belief in the right to resist an illegitimate government | N/A |
| Belief in the right to self-government | N/A |
| Belief in the right to reject taxes imposed by legislatures in which taxpayers are not represented | N/A |
| Belief in the right to promote the independence of their land or people from colonial rule | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
The evolution of the meaning of 'patriot'
The word "patriot" has undergone a significant evolution since its early usage in the 17th century. Initially, the term was frequently used without modification, as in "good patriot," and it was associated with support for the ruling monarchy. However, by the tumultuous period leading up to the American Revolutionary War, the meaning of "patriot" had shifted. It took on a derogatory connotation, referring to hypocritical individuals who professed devotion to their country and government but whose actions or beliefs contradicted this allegiance.
During the American Revolution, the word "patriot" took on a new significance. It described colonists who opposed British rule and advocated for the independence of their land and people from colonial rule. Inspired by the Enlightenment ideals of individual liberty and natural and legal rights, these patriots included prominent political theorists such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine. They fought against British authority, rejecting taxes imposed by legislatures in which they had no representation and resisting what they perceived as violations of their constitutional rights.
Following the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States, the term "patriot" continued to hold a place of honor. It was associated with the brave men and women of the armed forces who defended the rights and freedoms of their country. Over time, the definition of "patriot" expanded beyond active resistance or fighting. Today, a patriot is generally understood to be someone with a strong sense of love, pride, devotion, and support for their country.
While patriotism is often associated with positive values such as freedom, justice, and equality, it is distinct from nationalism. Nationalism can include elements of love and pride for one's country, but it can also degenerate into separatist and superior beliefs, fostering distrust or disapproval of other citizens, ethnic groups, or nations. In contrast, patriotism is based on the belief in the inherent goodness of the system of government and the fundamental equality of all citizens working together for a better quality of life.
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Patriots and nationalism
The word "patriot" has evolved over time, and its meaning has shifted depending on the historical context. During the American Revolution, the word "patriot" was used to describe those who opposed British rule and advocated for the independence of the American colonies. They believed that the British government had violated the constitutional rights of Englishmen, and their cause was strongest in the New England Colonies. The patriots included members of various social and ethnic groups, and some prominent leaders of this movement are considered the Founding Fathers of the United States.
In the present day, a patriot is generally defined as someone who loves and supports their country. This can include feelings of pride, devotion, and vigorous support for their homeland and fellow citizens. However, patriotism is often confused with nationalism, and while they share a love of country, they are not the same. Patriotism is based on positive values such as freedom, justice, and equality, with a fundamental belief in the inherent goodness of the system of government and fellow citizens working together for a better quality of life for all.
On the other hand, nationalism can include positive elements of love, pride, and protection of one's country, but it can also degenerate into superior and separatist beliefs that foster harm instead of well-being within a country. Nationalism often promotes distrust or disapproval of other citizens, ethnic groups, or countries, which can lead to extremism and the emergence of hate groups. Thus, while both patriotism and nationalism involve a strong sense of connection to one's country, they differ in their underlying values and potential consequences.
In the context of the United States Constitution, a patriot could be seen as someone who upholds and respects the nation's founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and its Amendments. This includes recognizing the branches of government and their roles in protecting individual rights and institutions. A patriot, in this sense, would strive to abide by the rule of law and demand the same from others, working to protect the nation's character, identity, and stability.
Being a patriot, therefore, entails a commitment to the positive values upon which a nation is founded and a willingness to defend and preserve those values for the benefit of all citizens. It is a sense of loyalty and devotion to one's country, its principles, and its people.
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Patriots and the Declaration of Independence
The word "patriot" has evolved over the centuries. Initially, the term was used to refer to a supporter of the monarchy. However, by the end of the 17th century, it was frequently used without modification, as in "good patriot," and tended to apply to those who supported the ruling monarchy. As tensions escalated in the lead-up to the American Revolution, the term "patriot" took on a new meaning, referring to those who advocated for the independence of their land or people from colonial rule.
The American Revolution divided the colonial population into three groups: patriots, loyalists, and those who remained neutral. Patriots, also known as Revolutionaries, Continentals, Rebels, or Whigs, were colonists in the Thirteen Colonies who opposed British control and supported the launch of the American Revolution, which ultimately led to American independence. They were inspired by English and American republican ideology, rejecting monarchy and aristocracy in favor of individual liberty and natural and legal rights. Notable patriot political theorists included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine, who were influenced by European Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
The patriots took a stand against the British government, protesting policies on taxation and frontier matters. They believed in "no taxation without representation," referring to their lack of representation in the British Parliament. While colonial leaders initially hoped for reconciliation with Britain, the closing of the port of Boston and the declaration of martial law in Massachusetts, among other factors, pushed many colonists toward the idea of independence. Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense", published in early 1776, further fueled the movement for independence.
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion in Congress, declaring that the colonies "are and of right ought to be free and independent states." A committee was formed to draft a declaration of independence, chaired by Thomas Jefferson. The final draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to Congress on June 28, 1776, and it was adopted on July 4, 1776, marking the official severance of political connections between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking independence and allowed for the recognition of the United States by foreign governments, leading to an official alliance with France.
Today, patriotism is generally defined as having a genuine love for one's country, including feelings of pride, devotion, and vigorous support. Active fighting or resistance is not a requirement for being considered a patriot; instead, it is about embracing positive values and beliefs, such as freedom, justice, and equality, and working towards a better quality of life for all citizens.
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Patriots and the Constitution
The word "patriot" has evolved over time, and its meaning has shifted depending on the historical context. During the American Revolution, the word "patriot" was used to describe those who advocated for independence from Britain and rejected monarchy, aristocracy, and taxation without representation. They were inspired by the Age of Enlightenment, embracing individual liberty and natural and legal rights.
In the years leading up to the American Revolution, the term "patriot" took on a negative connotation, as it was used to refer to those who were seen as seditious rebels against the monarchy. After the revolution, the patriots who fought for independence became known as the Founding Fathers, and the term "patriot" evolved to honour those who defend their country's rights and freedoms.
Today, patriotism is generally defined as having a genuine love, pride, and devotion for one's country. It is based on positive values such as freedom, justice, and equality, and the belief in the inherent goodness of the system of government and fellow citizens. Active fighting or resistance is not a requirement to be considered a patriot in modern times; instead, it refers to those who promote and uphold the values and principles of their country.
In the context of the United States, being a patriotic nationalist means understanding, upholding, and applying the sacred documents that form the foundation of the nation, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and its Amendments. It involves respecting and supporting the branches of government and the institutions that protect individual rights and freedoms. Patriotic nationalists strive to adhere to the rule of law and demand the same from others, working against anything that might undermine the nation's character, identity, and stability.
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Patriots and the American Revolution
The word "patriot" has evolved over time, and its meaning shifted in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Initially, the term was used to refer to supporters of the monarchy. However, as tensions escalated, the word "patriot" took on a new meaning, describing those who advocated for the independence of their land from colonial rule.
During the American Revolution, patriots were the colonists in the Thirteen Colonies who opposed British control and governance. They were inspired by the English and American republican ideology of the Age of Enlightenment, embracing concepts of individual liberty and natural and legal rights. Notable patriot political theorists included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine, who were influenced by European thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
The American Revolution divided the colonial population into patriots, loyalists, and those who remained neutral. The patriots were a diverse group, consisting of members from various social and ethnic backgrounds, including African Americans, who were known as Black Patriots. While the majority of patriots supported the abolition of slavery, there were also those who held pro-slavery beliefs. The patriots' cause was strongest in the New England Colonies and weakest in the Southern Colonies.
As the revolution progressed, many patriots joined the Continental Army, commanded by George Washington. They fought against the British Army and ultimately secured victory, leading to the British acknowledgement of American independence and the establishment of the United States in 1783.
Today, patriotism is generally understood as having a genuine love for one's country, including feelings of pride, devotion, and support. Active fighting or resistance is not a prerequisite for being considered a patriot. Instead, individuals only need to possess a strong sense of commitment and attachment to their nation.
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Frequently asked questions
A patriot is someone who loves and supports their country.
The US Constitution does not define a patriot. However, the Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and its Amendments, are considered "sacred documents" that patriots should understand, uphold and apply.
The word "patriot" was used to refer to colonists who took action against British control before the American Revolution. These colonists rejected monarchy and aristocracy and supported individual liberty and natural rights and legal rights.
While patriotism and nationalism share a love for one's country, they are not the same. Patriotism is based on positive values and feelings like freedom, justice and equality, and the belief that the system of government and fellow citizens are inherently good. Nationalism can degenerate into superior and separatist beliefs, and often includes the promotion of distrust or disapproval of other citizens, ethnic groups, or other countries.
Patriotic actions can include reciting the pledge of allegiance, singing the national anthem, and celebrating Independence Day. During the American Revolution, patriots rejected taxes imposed by legislatures in which the taxpayer was not represented, and some even tarred and feathered tax collectors and customs officers.
