4. Revolution's War Among Masonic Brothers.m4a
This historical topic explores the complex and often contradictory roles of Freemasons on both sides of the American Revolution, illustrating that the conflict was not just about taxes but about fundamental rights and the Crown's authority. The narrative highlights the political divisions, noting figures like the Anglo-Irish Edmund Burke, who eloquently supported the American cause in Parliament, and the Loyalist James Galloway, a close friend of Ben Franklin whose "Plan of Union" nearly prevented the war. Furthermore, the source details the influence of Masons in key events, from Paul Revere’s famous ride and the martyrdom of Dr. Joseph Warren to the establishment of military lodges that fostered unity among Continental Army officers and the later founding of the controversial Society of the Cincinnati by Washington’s officers. Finally, the text traces the parallel, yet segregated, history of Prince Hall Freemasonry, chronicling how free black men formed their own lodges after being rejected by white brethren, a struggle for recognition that persists today.
The story of the American Revolution is often painted in broad, simple strokes: a tale of patriotic colonists rising up against an oppressive king over an unbearable tea tax. But the historical record reveals a far more nuanced and surprising drama. The infamous tea tax, for instance, was remarkably minuscule—hardly a grievance worth dying for. The real issue for Great Britain was not revenue, but reputation. Facing potential rebellion in Ireland and managing a new global empire, the Crown feared that giving in to "snotty insubordination" from the American colonies would project a show of weakness that could inspire revolt elsewhere.
This complex political landscape set the stage for a conflict filled with contradictions, near-misses, and moments of profound human drama that are often left out of the textbooks. The clean lines between hero and villain blur into a portrait of flawed, brilliant, and conflicted men, wrestling with loyalties to their friends, their principles, and their King.
In this article, we will uncover four surprising truths hidden within the historical record of the American Revolution, revealing a past that is far more complicated and compelling than the simplified version we think we know.
Before the first shots were fired, a genuine path to reconciliation was laid before the Continental Congress that could have prevented the war entirely. The proposal came not from a radical, but from James Galloway, a devout Loyalist and one of Benjamin Franklin's most trusted friends. In September 1774, as delegates debated the escalating crisis, Galloway put forth his "Plan of Union," a stroke of diplomatic genius designed to satisfy both colonial and Crown interests.
The plan called for the creation of a colonial legislature, the Grand Council, with members appointed by each colony, to be presided over by a President-General appointed by the king. Under this framework, the colonies would gain the right to regulate their own internal affairs while formally acknowledging Britain's authority to tax. Crucially, any laws passed by the English Parliament would be approved or disapproved by the council. The proposal was so compelling that fellow Masons John Dickinson and John Jay became its loudest supporters, and it garnered enough backing to seriously worry the pro-independence faction. Fearing the plan would succeed, its opponents mustered enough votes to postpone its discussion indefinitely. When the plan was tabled, the die was cast for eventual revolution, and two close friends, Franklin and Galloway, found themselves on opposite sides of a divide that would make one a Founding Father and the other an exiled traitor.
In March 1783, with the war effectively over but its government bankrupt, the fledgling American republic faced its most dangerous internal threat: a planned military coup. Disgruntled Continental Army officers, many of whom had fought for years without pay, met in Newburgh, New York, to finalize a plan to seize control of the government. As they gathered, General George Washington, who they knew opposed the scheme, made an unexpected and unwelcome appearance.
Washington delivered a passionate speech, pleading with his men not to "open the flood Gates of Civil discord, and deluge our rising Empire in Blood." But his words were not well received; the men remained restless and unconvinced. He then pulled out a letter from Congress to read to them but stumbled, squinting at the words. The room fell silent as he reached into his coat and pulled out a pair of spectacles, something few of the men had ever seen him wear. As he put them on, he spoke quietly.