But for Others, the US Revolution Would Have Failed
At a Senate hearing on June 11, 2025, a testy exchange occurred between Senator Mitch McConnell, who strongly supports Ukraine aid, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who holds the so-called America First view. The exchange revealed a deepening split among GOP officials on the war. McConnell asked: “America’s reputation is on the line… Will we defend democratic allies against authoritarian aggressors?”
McConnell’s question to Hegseth raises a further question: what is America’s reputation and how did we get it? The Ukrainians have chosen freedom over the bounds of an oppressive Russian autocracy. Why is it that Ukraine and Europe turn to America for aid and help against Russia? Using the words of Vice President JD Vance, why are Americans to “bail out Europe again?”
In 1775, the American Revolutionary War began – this was the war that defined the United States. The United States made a choice – freedom over the bounds of the oppressive British empire. Yet this is a war we almost lost. The reasons for our independence do include heroic sacrifices from patriots, but also include a multi-billion-dollar loan from the French.
The eight-year long Revolutionary War started with a crushing defeat at the Battle of Brooklyn and the capture of New York City by the British with their Hessian allies. Fleeing New York, General George Washington escaped south through New Jersey with the rag-tag Continental Army. The British forces pursuing him then went on to conquer Philadelphia in 1777. Washington was then forced to endure a brutal winter at Valley Forge in 1778. Fighting with limited supplies and limited formal training, Washington’s army was losing after three years of war.
George Washington’s Prayer at Valley Forge – by Arnold Friberg
But Washington was not alone in this dark hour of American history. The call for freedom was heard around the world. Polish General Casimir Pulaski (Kazimierz Pułaski), “the Father of American Calvary,” endured the brutal winter at Valley Forge alongside Washington. German General Friedrich Steuben added discipline to the army by drilling and training the troops.
The French declared full support for the US in the spring of 1778, sending their navy and roughly the equivalent of $13 billion dollars in financial aid.
Italian merchant Filippo Mazzei, a great friend of Thomas Jefferson, was captured at sea by the British while en route to secure war financing from the Italian states.
It was not until 1780 when the tide of the war began to change in our favor. In 1781, Washington won the decisive Battle of Yorktown with the help of French troops. Between 1778 and 1782 the French provided supplies, arms and ammunition, uniforms, and, most importantly, troops and naval support to the beleaguered Continental Army. The French navy transported reinforcements, fought off a British fleet, and protected Washington’s forces in Virginia. French assistance was crucial in securing the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on – the United States must look back to its own dire beginnings for answers as to why struggling nations call on Americans for help in times of need. Our reputation as lovers of freedom and democratic values was built from humble beginnings. Refusing to be governed by kings and queens, we defied the most powerful empire in the world at the time: the British Empire. We found that friendship through alliances and a shared love for freedom was greater than the power of autocracies and empires.
To be aiding the Ukrainians during their dark hour is to be true to our reputation and in line with a brighter future.
The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.
Source: James Terpak