Individual Presentation or Panel Title
The Battle of Waxhaws and the Myth of American Heroism
Abstract
Much of the present-day rhetoric on the “American” identity finds its roots in the American Revolution. The lasting myth of American heroism and virtue emerges at that point, especially as it is contrasted with the myth of the inferior and morally bankrupt other, which was fulfilled by Great Britain at the time. This paper analyzes the Battle of Waxhaws and its place in the US mythology. In particular, it examines how the myth of Waxhaws has evolved by analyzing how the battle has been represented throughout history. It looks at historical accounts of soldiers and civilians in the immediate aftermath of the battle and at various present-day interpretations in film and on the internet. It concludes that over time, the myth has shifted from vilifying the whole of Europe to only vilifying the British commander at Waxhaws, and asserts that change in the myth is a result of the changing relationships between the United States and Great Britain.
Location
Camp Younts
Start Date
21-4-2012 1:30 PM
End Date
21-4-2012 2:20 PM
The Battle of Waxhaws and the Myth of American Heroism
Camp Younts
Much of the present-day rhetoric on the “American” identity finds its roots in the American Revolution. The lasting myth of American heroism and virtue emerges at that point, especially as it is contrasted with the myth of the inferior and morally bankrupt other, which was fulfilled by Great Britain at the time. This paper analyzes the Battle of Waxhaws and its place in the US mythology. In particular, it examines how the myth of Waxhaws has evolved by analyzing how the battle has been represented throughout history. It looks at historical accounts of soldiers and civilians in the immediate aftermath of the battle and at various present-day interpretations in film and on the internet. It concludes that over time, the myth has shifted from vilifying the whole of Europe to only vilifying the British commander at Waxhaws, and asserts that change in the myth is a result of the changing relationships between the United States and Great Britain.