Rise and Fight Again: The Legacy of Nathanael Greene
High School Essay Contest in Honor of America’s Founding
Registation Deadline: November 20, 2009
Essays Due: January 22, 2010
“It had been happy for me if I could have lived a private life in peace and plenty, enjoying all the happiness that results from a well-tempered society founded on mutual esteem. But the injury done my country, and the chains of slavery forging for all posterity, calls me forth to defend our common rights, and repel the bold invaders of the sons of freedom.
—Nathanael Greene
ESSAY CONTEST:
“We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again.” These words uttered by Nathanael Greene largely define his experience as a commander and general in the Continental Army during America’s War for Independence. Despite his many losses and setbacks, the outcome of the American Revolution might have been quite different without Greene’s brilliant tactical and strategic accomplishments. A self-educated man, Greene was said to be second only to George Washington in military prowess among his peers. As the commander of the Continental troops in the South, Greene’s prudent leadership was a deciding factor in the outcome of the Revolutionary War. Despite his significant contributions to the cause of American liberty, Greene is one of the most overlooked Founding Fathers in the history books today.
FOCUS AND FORMAT OF THE ESSAY:
Students are asked to consider the life and character of Nathanael Greene and to discuss why his legacy as a military strategist, leader, and patriot should be remembered by contemporary Americans. Essayists are encouraged to consider all aspects of Greene’s life in addition to his military career. All registrants will receive a free copy of Spencer Tucker’s Rise and Fight Again: The Life of Nathanael Greene to use as a resource in writing their essay. Essays are to be between 1,200 and 1,500 words long. Essays will be judged on the basis of scholarship, imagination, and quality of writing.
HOW TO REGISTER:
In order to receive Tucker’s book, students must register by e-mailing complete registration information to essaycontest@isi.org by November 20, 2009. All essay submissions must be postmarked or e-mailed by January 22, 2010.
Contest Scholarship Awards:
| 1st Place: |
$1,000 |
| 2nd Place: |
$500 |
| 3rd Place: |
$250 |
| 4th – 10th Place: |
Set of ISI Books on "Order and Liberty at the Founding" |
Download the essay contest brochure here (PDF).
For information on upcoming essay constests, please contact essaycontest@isi.org.
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