Understanding America’s 250th Anniversary Through Various Types of Literature
On July 4, 1776, the American colonies, led by the Founding Fathers, declared their independence from Great Britain. For years, the British Crown ruled over the colonies from across the Atlantic. The colonists were denied the full rights of British citizens despite being their subjects. After issuing the Declaration of Independence, a long fight for freedom began. We know this as the American Revolution.
This July 4 marks 250 years of independence from Great Britain’s monarchy. Over the past two-and-a-half centuries, the United States has established itself as a defining force in the world. Americans know this summer day as Independence Day, and people celebrate their patriotism in many different ways.
People tend to celebrate with barbeques, parties, or firework viewings. Others take a more low-key and introspective approach and reflect on their country. No matter how one expresses their American pride, the past should always be recognized. This is where literature helps.
Reading and writing about American history is a powerful tool to comprehend the significance of the Fourth of July. This article dives into the role of literature in historical understanding, especially on Independence Day.
The Different Types of Historical Literature
As with every genre, historical literature can take many shapes and forms. No one type of book is the best way to explore American identity and history. You can both read and write these books to gain a deeper connection with history.
There are both fictional and non-fictional historical books. Each type has its own nuance that makes it fit different uses. This is especially apparent when dissecting a person’s preference for reading or writing history-based works.
Non-Fictional History
The most straightforward way to read and write about history is with non-fiction. Non-fiction, as the name implies, is the truth. There is little to no room for falsehoods when writing a fully fact-based book. These books can come as biographies, historical analyses, critical essays, or even picture books for younger readers. Non-fiction can encompass material across the spectrum and maintain the author’s creative instincts.
Reading non-fiction is best for self-proclaimed history buffs or those who want to learn more about the country’s past. Beyond simply learning about the past, non-fiction can teach readers about the present or the future. That is the importance of fully understanding history.
For those intending to write non-fiction works, it can take a lot of work. Instead of using your mind to create scenarios, non-fiction relies on telling the facts of the situation. To do so, you need to make sure you put time and effort into researching your chosen area. The more work you put into the backbone of your writing, the stronger and more factual it will be. After you finish your research, you can move on to outlining, drafting, and storyboarding.
History in Fictional Works
Fictional works set in real historical times can unlock the imagination and immerse readers and writers in a given era. Historical fiction can encompass any genre: romance, fantasy, crime, mystery, science fiction, etc. At its core, historical fiction tells a fictional story with a true historical event driving the narrative. The real event can be prominently featured or a background thematic undercurrent.
Historical fiction is for readers of all ages. For children, it can be a handy tool to introduce them to history without them realizing the educational value. The story can engage them and get them interested in the true story at its core. Older readers might have different interests for their library of books. Since historical fiction can cover such a wide range of genres, there is something for everybody.
When writing a historical fiction novel, authors still need to research to create an accurate, immersive setting. The more well-researched your story is, the richer the world of characters will be. In addition to researching, you have to plan your historical fiction novel the same way you would any other.
Spreading the American Spirit
After you finish reading or writing a historical book, you should share what you learned with others. The more people learn about our country, the more confident they will be in their Fourth of July celebrations. For 250 years, the American spirit has coursed through the veins of this country and its people. Literature is just one of the many ways to embrace and share in the cultural and historical legacy of America.
