Freedom: Another word for hope

The Origins of Freedom

The idea of freedom truly began to circulate when the removable type printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg.

The Origin of Freedom (cont.)

The printing press allowed information to be easily circulated which led to massive movements being formed. e. g. the Protestant Reformation

The American Colonies Break away from Great Britain

Originally the American Colonists wanted to be a part of the British Empire after winning the Seven Years' War.

Their feelings slowly changed as the British began to pass policies and heavy taxes without any representation from the Americans. These include the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, the Tea Act, and the Coercive Acts (a. k. a. the Intolerable Acts).

Reasons Why the Colonists Broke Away from Great Britain

There are multiple reasons why the Colonists made their fateful decision which include:

The desire to govern themselves. To be able to freely do business without

restraint. To have the right to worship freely.

Other Examples of Freedom

One of the greatest archetypes of freedom is the decolonization of Africa after World War II.

The Pros and Cons of Freedom

Pros: Being able to conduct affairs without excessive regulation, able to worship freely, being allowed to freely express oneself.

Cons: The concept can be abused by others. (e. g. protestors “expressing” their rights).

Issues That Help and Hinder Freedom

There are many organizations that are constantly advocating for the advancement of greater freedom for people.

One problem with the concept of freedom is that everyone has their own interpretation which can lead to conflict. (i. e. the Union and the Confederacy).

Freedom for us

Freedom to us is being able to handle our affairs without them being excessively regulated, freely practice our faith, and express ourselves without reprisal.