The Revolution for Intellectual Freedom (1775 - 1783)

Dear ,

Happy Independence Day!

When we think of the American Revolutionary War, images of muskets, minutemen, and the Declaration of Independence often come to mind. But beneath the battles and political upheaval, a quieter revolution was taking shape—one that transformed literacy and laid the foundation for an informed citizenry in the United States.

The Revolutionary War was not just a fight for political independence; it was a catalyst for intellectual freedom!

During the colonial era, literacy rates varied widely, with estimates suggesting 60–90% of white men and 30–60% of white women could read, depending on the region. Education was often reserved for the elite, and access to books was limited.

However, the war sparked a surge in the demand for literacy, as ideas of liberty and self-governance required an informed public to thrive.

Pamphlets, the social media of the 18th century, were instrumental in this shift. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776), a 47-page call to arms, sold over 500,000 copies, reaching an estimated one in five colonists.

Its plain language made complex ideas accessible, proving that literacy was not just for scholars but for farmers, shopkeepers, and soldiers. These pamphlets, alongside newspapers, fueled revolutionary fervor and necessitated basic reading skills to engage with the ideas shaping the new nation.

Post-war, the push for public education intensified. Leaders like Thomas Jefferson advocated for widespread literacy, arguing that a democratic republic required educated voters. This laid the groundwork for the common school movement, which, by the mid-19th century, boosted literacy rates to near 90% for white adults in many states.

Women, too, saw gains. The concept of “Republican Motherhood” emphasized that educated women were essential to raising virtuous citizens. This ideology, while limited, increased female literacy, with some schools for girls emerging post-war.

The Revolutionary War’s legacy in literacy reminds us that knowledge is power. The fight for independence democratized access to ideas, planting the seeds for a more literate society. Today, as we navigate our own information age, let’s reflect on how those early pamphlets and schoolhouses shaped a nation—and how literacy continues to empower us.

Enjoy the holiday, and if you’d like to celebrate your child’s gift of literacy and right to intellectual freedom, click the image below to browse our great books!

Warm Regards,

Miriam Monette
Co-Founder, White Lake Press