quotes Flashcards
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I would have been content to bring France to her knees; now I will not rest until I have laid her on her back.” –
Author: William Pitt, a British statesman, was a key figure during the Seven Years’ War.
Meaning: Pitt’s statement reflects his aggressive stance against France during the conflict. He wanted to not just weaken France but decisively defeat it, altering the balance of power in Europe and securing British dominance.
They stand no longer in need of her protection. She will call on them to contribute towards supporting the burdens they have helped bring on to her, and they will answer by striking off all dependence.
Author: Comte de Vergennes, a French foreign minister, was speaking about France’s relationship with its colonies after the Seven Years’ War.
Meaning: Vergennes is suggesting that after France had defended its colonies, those colonies would now have to share in the financial burden of the war. This foreshadows the growing tensions between the colonies and France, especially in terms of self-reliance.
“If I can be but the instrument of preserving one life, his blessing or tears of transport shall be sufficient consolation to me, for the contempt of all mankind.
Author: John Adams was quoting Cesare Beccaria, an Italian philosopher who advocated for justice and against cruel punishment.
Meaning: Adams is emphasizing the moral duty to protect lives, even if it meant facing public disapproval. The quote speaks to Adams’ dedication to justice, particularly in his defense of the British soldiers in the aftermath of the Boston Massacre.
“We have always governed ourselves
An American soldier, giving the reason why he fought
Author: This was said by an American soldier during the Revolutionary War.
Meaning: This statement reflects the American colonists’ long-standing belief in self-governance and independence. It underscores their frustration with British control and their desire for autonomy.
“He that accepts protection stipulates obedience.”
“I would have been content to bring France to her knees; now I will not rest until I have laid her on her back.” – William Pitt on the French
Author: William Pitt, a British statesman, was a key figure during the Seven Years’ War.
Meaning: Pitt’s statement reflects his aggressive stance against France during the conflict. He wanted to not just weaken France but decisively defeat it, altering the balance of power in Europe and securing British dominance.
“They stand no longer in need of her protection. She will call on them to contribute towards supporting the burdens they have helped bring on to her, and they will answer by striking off all dependence.” – Comte de Vergennes, French official at the end of the 7 Years’ War
Author: Comte de Vergennes, a French foreign minister, was speaking about France’s relationship with its colonies after the Seven Years’ War.
Meaning: Vergennes is suggesting that after France had defended its colonies, those colonies would now have to share in the financial burden of the war. This foreshadows the growing tensions between the colonies and France, especially in terms of self-reliance.
“If I can be but the instrument of preserving one life, his blessing or tears of transport shall be sufficient consolation to me, for the contempt of all mankind.” – John Adams, quoting the Marquess di Beccaria
Author: John Adams was quoting Cesare Beccaria, an Italian philosopher who advocated for justice and against cruel punishment.
Meaning: Adams is emphasizing the moral duty to protect lives, even if it meant facing public disapproval. The quote speaks to Adams’ dedication to justice, particularly in his defense of the British soldiers in the aftermath of the Boston Massacre.
“We have always governed ourselves.” – An American soldier, giving the reason why he fought
Author: This was said by an American soldier during the Revolutionary War.
Meaning: This statement reflects the American colonists’ long-standing belief in self-governance and independence. It underscores their frustration with British control and their desire for autonomy.
“He that accepts protection stipulates obedience.” – Samuel Johnson
Author: Samuel Johnson, a British writer and lexicographer, was a staunch defender of British authority.
Meaning: Johnson argues that by accepting protection from a government (in this case, Britain), one also agrees to obey its laws. This reflects the British viewpoint on colonial submission during the Revolutionary era.
“It is my opinion that this kingdom has no right to lay a tax upon the colonists. The Americans are the sons, not the bastards of England.” – William Pitt
Author: William Pitt again, this time expressing his opposition to British taxation of the American colonies.
Meaning: Pitt argues that the colonies should not be taxed without representation. He sees the colonists as legitimate children of England, not outsiders who should be treated as lesser.
“Affairs here are worse than even the time of the Stamp Act… If you think 10,000 men enough, send 20,000; if a £1 million is thought enough, give two; you will save both blood and treasure in the end.” – General Gage
Author: General Thomas Gage, a British officer in America during the Revolutionary War, was commenting on the dire state of affairs between Britain and the American colonies.
Meaning: Gage is acknowledging that the tensions and military costs of suppressing the American rebellion are escalating. He advocates for more force and resources to avoid a prolonged conflict.
“They call me a brainless Tory. But tell me which is better – to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants not one mile away?” – An American Loyalist
Author: This quote comes from a Loyalist perspective during the Revolutionary War.
Meaning: The Loyalist is arguing that the American Revolution could lead to chaos and oppression by local leaders (the “three thousand tyrants”), as opposed to the British monarchy. It highlights the internal conflict and differing views on governance during the period.
“The die is now cast; the colonists must either submit or triumph.” – King George III
Author: King George III, the British monarch during the Revolutionary War.
Meaning: George III is acknowledging the finality of the situation with the American colonies. The conflict has reached a point where either the colonies must submit to British rule or successfully achieve independence.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” – Thomas Jefferson
Author: Thomas Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence.
Meaning: This famous line asserts the inherent equality of all people, laying the philosophical foundation for American independence and human rights.
“These are the times that try men’s souls… Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.” – Thomas Paine, The American Crisis
Author: Thomas Paine, a writer and revolutionary, authored “The American Crisis” to inspire the American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
Meaning: Paine is acknowledging the difficult and trying nature of the war against Britain, encouraging perseverance and resistance against tyranny.
“To say that America, with some French aid, defeated England is like saying ‘Daddy and I killed the bear.” – Unknown
Author: This quote highlights the American perspective on the help they received from France during the Revolutionary War.
Meaning: It downplays France’s role in the American victory, emphasizing that the true credit belongs to America, even though France’s aid was crucial in the outcome.
“The die is now cast, the colonists must either submit or triumph” – King George III
This quote is the same as #9 above, expressing the finality of the decision facing the colonies.
“Give me Liberty or give me death.” – Patrick Henry
Author: Patrick Henry, in his famous speech to the Virginia Convention.
Meaning: Henry is declaring his willingness to fight and die for freedom, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the necessity of choosing liberty over submission.
“Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.” – William Prescott or Israel Putnam
Author: Likely attributed to either William Prescott or Israel Putnam during the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Meaning: The order to conserve ammunition and wait for the right moment to fire during the battle, showing strategic caution in the face of a stronger enemy.
“We have probably had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation.” – George Washington
Author: George Washington, expressing concerns about the Articles of Confederation.
Meaning: Washington is acknowledging the weaknesses of the Articles and the unrealistic expectations of human nature, as the Articles failed to create a strong enough central government.
