Jo Freeman's Book Review: Give Me Liberty: A History of America’s Exceptional Idea

Give Me Liberty: A History of America’s Exceptional Idea

By Richard Brookhiser

Published by Basic Books, 2019; 292 pages

The desire for liberty is at the core of the United States — which Brookhiser calls America — from long before there were any states. In 13 detailed case studies ranging from 1619 to 1987, the author identifies instances in which the pursuit of liberty has framed the future.

Liberty takes many forms. In 1619 it was the idea of elected representatives voting on matters of public importance in the Jamestown General Assembly. When the colonies rebelled 150 years later, an extension of that idea was used to justify rejection of the King’s "absolute Tyranny over these States." These chapters take you into the words of the participants to explore in detail what led them to these conclusions.

Others explore less seminal moments. Peter Stuyvesant was sent by the Dutch to run its trading post of New Amsterdam. He was "both a martinet and a bigot." A firm believer in the Dutch Reformed Church, he would not let those of other faiths worship openly in his colony. Quakers, Jews and Lutherans all felt his wrath. The response by 30 villagers, known as the Flushing Remonstrance*, planted the seed of religious liberty. Those who know of the many things named for Stuyvesant in New York should study this chapter. Stuyvesant High School may need to follow the fate of Robert E. Lee High School.

Slavery was the antithesis of liberty. The first attack on slavery came in 1688, not surprisingly from Pennsylvania Quakers. Some patriot slave-owners understood the contradiction; some did not. Nine of the 13 states began gradual emancipation; four tightened slavery’s grip. Brookhiser writes about New York, "a middling state where slavery was concerned." New York City had a large population of slaves, but it was a small percentage of the total population. A manumission society was formed in 1785; slavery was legally abolished in 1827.

Of course everyone should read the chapter on the Seneca Falls Convention, out of which came the **Declaration of Sentiments for women’s rights. Brookhiser tells us what brought Elizabeth Cady Stanton to draft the Declaration, whose most controversial provision was Suffrage but says nothing about Lucretia Mott. Suffrage came slowly. Of the hundred signers, only one lived to see the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Among the other seminal moments are chapters on the Statue of Liberty, embossed with Emma Lazarus famous poem***, William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold speech, and one of FDR’s fireside chats.

There is an unintended subtheme. Culture change is slow. Even when lighted by the lamp of liberty, ending slavery and giving women the vote took a long time.

If you like to re-live historical moments, you will enjoy this book. Brookhiser takes you inside, using words to help you feel and see what it was like to be there.

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Jo Freeman's Book Review: Give Me Liberty: A History of America’s Exceptional Idea

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