Exploring North Carolina’s Role in the American Revolution and America’s Founding

As part of the John Locke Foundation’s NC250: Freedom’s Vanguard initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we invite students, scholars, historians, and writers to submit papers exploring North Carolina’s role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. This project seeks to highlight the state’s contributions to the struggle for independence, the ideals of liberty, and the shaping of the American Republic. Prize money will be awarded to the top three submissions in the amounts of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000.

Topics of Interest

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • North Carolina’s Revolutionary War Experience: Key battles, military leaders, and the contributions of North Carolinian patriots.
  • The Mecklenburg Declaration and/or Halifax Resolves: Their role in asserting early declarations of independence and influence on the broader revolutionary movement.
  • Civic Leadership and Ideals: The role of North Carolina leaders in shaping revolutionary thought and America’s founding principles.
  • The Edenton Tea Party: Examining the political and cultural significance of this landmark act of protest by North Carolinian women, its impact on colonial resistance, and its place in Revolutionary history.
  • Key Battles in North Carolina: Analyzing the strategic and historical significance of battles such as Moore’s Creek Bridge and Guilford Courthouse, their impact on the Revolutionary War, and their role in shaping North Carolina’s contribution to the fight for independence.
  • North Carolina’s Economic, Cultural, and Political Contexts: How the state’s unique circumstances influenced its approach to revolution and governance.
  • Connections to Broader Revolutionary Themes: Liberty, limited government, federalism, and the crafting of foundational documents.

Submission Process

Please submit abstracts to [email protected]. Word count for final papers should be as follows:

  • Scholars: 5,000 to 8,000 words
  • Undergraduate students: 3,000 to 4,000 words
  • High school students: 2,000 to 2,500 words

Entries will be judged based on historical understanding and accuracy, clarity and organization, originality, writing mechanics, and development of theme.

Prize Categories

  • Scholars: First place prize — $5,000 (e.g., professors, graduate students, historians)
  • Undergraduate students: First place prize — $3,000
  • High School students: First place prize — $2,000

Timeline

  • Abstract Deadline: April 15, 2025 (scholars and undergraduate students only)
  • Notification of Acceptance: April 22, 2025
  • Final Paper Submission: May 30, 2025
  • Publication Date: TBD

Additional Details

This project aligns with the John Locke Foundation’s mission of promoting the ideals of liberty and limited government. Through NC250: Freedom’s Vanguard, we aim to deepen the public’s understanding of North Carolina’s significant contributions to the birth of the United States.