Many Americans have likely forgotten the heated debate in 1775–1776 among the thirteen colonies’ ancestors. On the brink of the American Revolution, they pondered, “Do we have enough virtue to govern ourselves?”
Creating a republic meant self-governance without a king, requiring people to respect a covenant among themselves—a challenge that would have been impossible if they were selfish and corrupt.
The first such covenant in North America was the Mayflower Compact, signed by 41 Pilgrims upon landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and leading to the first self-governing colony in the Northeast.
The Moral Reform of 1775–1776
In 1775, public sentiment leaned toward independence. However, Americans questioned their moral readiness for self-governance. Great figures like John Jay, Robert Morris, Robert Livingston, and John Dickinson were among the doubters.Yet, British oppression gradually ignited patriotic fervor, inspired by leaders of “admired virtue,” such as John Adams, George Washington, Richard Henry Lee, and Josiah Quincy.
Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense resonated widely, selling half a million copies in a population of 2.5 million. Paine argued that Americans, industrious and frugal, were far less corrupt than Europeans, who indulged in “luxury, indolence, amusement, and pleasure.” This sentiment fostered national pride and public virtue.
In 1775–1776, a wave of self-examination gripped Americans as newspapers highlighted societal deficiencies. This led to a movement of self-sacrifice and reform across the colonies, with many Americans realizing their responsibilities to the community.
The Self-Sacrificing Boycott
Before independence, to persuade England to allow the colonies self-governance, Americans imposed a voluntary boycott on imported English goods. This boycott caused financial hardship for many, yet people willingly participated.A young James Madison glorified this unity, noting that “a spirit of liberty and patriotism animates all degrees and denominations of men.”
To understand the anxiety of that time, we must appreciate the historical context: Americans questioned if they and future generations could be virtuous enough, knowing that without it, the republic and the Constitution would be unsustainable.
Where Does Virtue Come From
The Founding Fathers were concerned about how to ensure people possessed virtue. They believed that virtue is neither hereditary nor inherent; it must be taught and practiced regularly.They identified three key places for cultivating virtue: the home, school, and church. Benjamin Franklin emphasized the importance of training youth in wisdom and virtue, noting, “nothing is of more importance for the public weal.”
Virtue’s Root in Faith
The Founders clearly understood the link between morality and faith. They believed that morality is rooted in faith and cannot endure without it.George Washington, in his farewell address, said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” He further noted that religion and morality are “indispensable supports” for political prosperity, cautioning against assuming morality can be maintained without religion.
Since morality is vital to a republic, the Founding Fathers posed a crucial question: how can a nation’s morality be preserved? They addressed this in the next founding principle.