With only 35% or so of the residents of the Thirteen Colonies supporting independence from England, the war for independence was extremely challenging. We often think that our efforts in the late 1790’s for independence was very popular. For just over seven years, our Founding Fathers had to stay the course without popular support.

Both Georgia and Pennsylvania did not approve of the declaration of independence until the very end. And New York did not agree to the declaration until July 9. And all of this required negotiating was taking place occurred while the war was underway. War with England continued until 1782.

And even without a majority of the citizens of the colonies supporting the war, France came to the aid in the war effort. France had many reasons to oppose England, but had to be sure their efforts would be in the long run. Thanks to the negotiating skills and patience of Benjamin Franklin, France proved to be a deciding factor in 1782.

So, here are three questions to ponder?

1. Since the American Revolutionary War with England lacked popular support and was not supported by a majority of the residents of the thirteen colonies, was the war legitimate? Should the war been fought?

2. If a region of today’s world had a group of leaders who wished to create or maintain a country to establish freedom and a government of the people, for the people and by the people, should the USA help them succeed?

3. If the US were to become engaged in a war to save our nation from an enemy who attacked our country or one of its territories, should the American leaders stay in support of that war for as many as seven years, just as our Founding Fathers did?