250 years later, the Revolutionary War still holds lessons for today

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Americans commemorate the 250th anniversary of The Revolutionary War, there’s a growing push to reflect on how they remember the Revolution and not just through a militaristic lens.

April 19 marks 250 years since the first shots were fired in the American Revolutionary War. However, historians say the story of the Revolution is more complex than just Paul Revere’s ride and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

John Ragosta, a historian specializing in early American history, says that although the war took place more than two centuries ago, the ideals behind it remain deeply relevant.

“It was the first nation based not on ethnicity, not on religion, not on race or where you were born, but based on principles,” Ragosta explained.

Ragosta points to George Washington’s decision to step down after two presidential terms as a powerful example of the founders’ commitment to rejecting tyranny.

“John Adams said it best — that this would be a nation of laws, not of men,” he said. “We’re not going to have one man or several above the law.”

For Ragosta, this historic milestone is an opportunity to not only celebrate freedom but to reevaluate the nation's progress. He emphasizes that the principles at the heart of the Revolution — due process, fair trials, and equal representation — must be defended in every generation.

“If we’re deprived of those things, it’s useful to remember why we had a Revolution in the first place,” he said.

While the Founding Fathers are often credited with leading the charge for independence, Ragosta stresses that many other groups played critical roles in the war effort — including enslaved and Indigenous people, and women.

“Current estimates show well over 5,000 African American men served in the Continental Army or militias,” Ragosta said. “Women were crucial on the home front, and many were also directly involved in raising funds to support the troops.”

Even as many were denied full rights, Ragosta says the Revolution planted seeds for a more inclusive understanding of liberty.

“It’s a two-sided coin,” he said. “On one hand, people were deprived of their rights — but over the last 250 years, those principles have been interpreted more expansively, so that everyone can enjoy them.”

As the nation reflects on this historic anniversary, historians say it’s not just a time to look back — but to consider how those founding ideals continue to shape the United States today.

“In spite of the current political climate, this is an opportunity for Americans to remember why those elements were so important,” Ragosta stated.