Technology and the Revolution

Over the July 4th holiday, we went to Philadelphia to see

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and all of the other historical things in

the area. Being someone whos steeped in technology, its fascinating to stop

and think how much people at the time of the Revolution were able to accomplish

without the assistance of the technology we have today.

We take for granted such things as computers, printers, web

sites, cell phones and so forth that its difficult to remember how things were

done before these things existed. A while back ago, I posted a blog that asked what

we did before computers and got some interesting responses.

But in that day and age, they fomented a revolution that

defeated the most powerful empire in the world. It took 8 years to do, but even

so they were able to accomplish it. Communication between major cities like

Boston and Philly could take a week one way, and communicating across the ocean

could take months. Pamphlets and newspapers were printed using a printing

press, but by hand in a slow process. And they werent easily distributed.

Even though communication was slow and difficult, I think

that helped the Revolution more than it hurt it. Because not only did poor

communications slow down the patriots, it also slowed down the British.  The British didnt know what was going on in

a timely manner in order to be able to react quickly enough to either diffuse

the situation or crush it. Having the home court advantage, the soon-to-be

Americans could use the time-delay to help spread their word faster.

What do you think? With 21st Century technology,

how would 1776 have turned out?    


About as well as Iraq is going. The US is facing the same kind of insurgents the British did, and is certainly not winning against them! Such a shame that Bush lied the US in to the war. Such a shame that the US has lost all international credibility. Such a shame that thanks to Bush the US is losing not only moral high ground to push 'democracy', but also is fast losing its status as Superpower. How is America going to feel when they are no longer #1, and how are they going to feel when they are out of the G8 (predicted by 2030)? China owns more of the US now than the US does, for crying out loud. Just as the British Empire finally crumbled, the US Empire is going to fall soon as well. Of course, the British did set themselves up with all the Commonwealth Countries, and so some of the Empire still remains. America does not have that. America does not have anything to fall back on, except Puerto Rica! Just like the British lost in 1776, America is losing now. Ain't Karma great? Or is it a shame? I'm really torn on that... Next time you hear of something else that America has lost (be it Jobs to Outsourcing, be it another soldier in Iraq, be it another deal to an EU, Indian, or Chinese company, be it less civil rights and more big brother) just remember to thank Bush and your closest Republican for your pain and angst. In the lasts 6 years, they have done this to you!

Neil Higgins
Neil Higgins

the war of 1776-83 was between ex-pats looking for a new life,and being saddled with taxes,and not being allowed to settle further west.Throw in some French,Dutch,Germans,on the side of the colonists,and you have a mini-anglo Saxon war (mini,and war,not meant lightly). In Iraq it is simply imperialistic Yanks,and limmies,obeying superior orders to liberate an oppressed people from a dictator,thereby leading to anarchy,more deaths,bloodshed,chaos,and no exit stratergy. Any war is horrible,but in this instance,as in all others,those at the top have "lost the plot".


...but ask any American and they won't have a clue that without the French they would still be speaking the Queens English, instead of the bastardized Noah Webster version they indulge in. Hope everyone is enjoying those Freedom Fries! Also, Neil, we prefer the 'Limey' spelling. I am not sure what a 'limmie' is...? Say 'hullo' to the UK for me!

Neil Higgins
Neil Higgins

where I live,we dont speak the Queen's English.Er,and we kant spel ither.


For the Statue and blockade of British troops (reinforcements)

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