Chapter 1
The Revolution
The American Revolution took place in the hearts and minds of the people long before the first shots were fired. Their leaders had inspired them with visions of independence from monarchical rule-a type of government they frequently called "tyranny." Americans became skeptical of the British government's integrity, and suspected that neither the King, Parliament, nor the Royal Governors had their best interests at heart. Nevertheless, allegiance to the Crown died hard. Despite unpopular taxes, forced quartering of troops, and actions of a judiciary system that gave preferential treatment to loyalist officials, the Continental Congress made more than one effort to appeal to the King. When George III decided to send more troops to enforce the law, the kindling for the fire was placed. It needed only a spark to start a war.
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Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!  –Patrick Henry
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But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations...This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution. -John Adams
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We have...given Britain one more chance, one opportunity more, of recovering the friendship of the colonies; which, however, I think she has not sense enough to embrace, and so I conclude she has lost them forever. -Benjamin Franklin
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For God's sake, let us come to a final separation...The birthday of a new world is at hand.  -Thomas Paine
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Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God. -Thomas Jefferson
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The war is inevitable-and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come! -Patrick Henry
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Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here. -American Captain John Parker, at the battle of Lexington
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Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes! -American General Israel Putnam, at the Battle of Bunker Hill
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The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.  -Patrick Henry
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These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. -Thomas Paine
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I have not yet begun to fight! -Captain John Paul Jones
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We have therefore to resolve to conquer or die: Our own country's honor, all call upon us for vigorous and manly exertion, and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world. Let us therefore rely upon the goodness of the Cause, and the aid of the Supreme Being, in whose hands victory is. -George Washington
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I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country. -Nathan Hale
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I know that the conquest of English America is an impossibility. You cannot, I venture to say it, you cannot conquer America...If I were an American, as I am an Englishman, while a foreign troop was landed in my country, I would never lay down my arms-never-never-never! -Sir William Pitt, speaking to Parliament
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For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. -Thomas Jefferson
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Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind. -George Washington
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No man in his senses can hesitate in choosing to be free, rather than a slave. -Alexander Hamilton
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The government we mean to erect is intended to last for ages. -James Madison
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. -Thomas Jefferson
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Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.  -John Adams
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I've lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-That God governs in the affairs of men. -Benjamin Franklin
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Your love of liberty-your respect for the laws-your habits of industry-and your practice of the moral and religious obligations, are the strongest claims to national and individual happiness. -George Washington
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Conscience is the most sacred of all property. -James Madison
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Let them revere nothing but religion, morality, and liberty. -John Adams, in reference to his children
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Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur not at the ways of Providence. So shall the life into which you have entered be the portal to one of eternal and ineffable bliss. -Thomas Jefferson
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A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one. -Alexander Hamilton
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We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. -Thomas Jefferson
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In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.  -Benjamin Franklin
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Religion is the only solid basis of good morals; therefore education should teach the precepts of religion and the duties of man toward God. -Gouverneur Morris
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Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages. -George Washington
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The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. -Thomas Paine

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Excerpted from The Founding Fathers: Quotes, Quips and Speeches by Gordon Leidner
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.