John Dickinson did more to promote American resistance to British oppression than anyone else, not only as the lead draftsman in the national Congresses, but also in his popular writing. His influential essays taught the colonists to think of themselves as Americans united in a common cause. Because of his association with Quakerism, he took stances unlike any other major figure of his day – the first to advocate civil disobedience, freeing slaves and embracing abolitionism, and advocating rights for women, Indians, prisoners, and the poor. Though his opposition to a sudden break with Britain kept him from signing the Declaration of Independence, he still served in the militia. Early histories and subsequent narratives have presented a distorted view of Dickinson as a coward and loyalist. Jane E. Calvert, the Director and Chief Editor at the John Dickinson Writings Project, restores Dickinson’s name to a place of prominence in the story of the American Revolution.
This program will be hosted in-person at the League House. Registration is required. Signed copies of Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson by Jane Calvert, will be sold at the reception.
Reception: 6:00pm
Program: 6:30pm
End of Program: 7:30pm
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Speaker:
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