America's Founding Fathers Preparedness
What Modern Patriots Can Learn About Self-Reliance and Independence
Let’s travel back to 1777. George Washington's Continental Army is facing another brutal winter. No supply lines from Amazon. No grocery stores on every corner. No government safety nets. Just men who understood that America's founding fathers preparedness wasn't just about political independence. It was about the life-or-death reality of self-reliance in an uncertain world.
As someone who's spent years studying survival tactics and preparedness strategies, I've come to realize that our founding fathers weren't just political revolutionaries. They were the ultimate preppers, survivalists, and self-reliance experts of their time. And here's the thing that'll blow your mind: the same principles that helped them forge a nation can help you prepare your family for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Why America's Founding Fathers Preparedness Matters More Than Ever
Let me be straight with you. Our founding fathers risked everything they had to create a new nation, knowing that if the American Revolution failed, each of them would have faced execution and the loss of all their property, condemning their wives and children to a life of poverty. That's not just courage; that's calculated preparedness in action.
Now, I'm not saying these men were perfect. They had their flaws, made mistakes, and lived in a different time with different challenges. But here's what most people miss: these weren't desperate men gambling everything on a long shot. These were successful, wealthy individuals who understood that true security comes from self-reliance, not dependence on others. The founders believed that the virtues of individual responsibility and self-reliance were essential for societal well being.
And you know what? Their preparedness principles worked. There's a reason why people from around the world still dream of coming to America. There's a reason why, despite all our current challenges, we're still the land of opportunity. If it weren't for their preparedness, their sacrifice, and their willingness to build something bigger than themselves, we wouldn't have the freedoms and opportunities we have today.
In my years of training families in survival skills, I've seen this same principle play out countless times. The families who thrive during crises whether it's a power outage, natural disaster, or economic downturn are the ones who've embraced what I call "founding father preparedness": the combination of practical skills, mental resilience, and unwavering faith in God's provision.
The Modern Crisis of Dependence
We're living in the most dependent generation in American history. When the power goes out, most people panic. When supply chains hiccup, store shelves empty. When the internet goes down, society nearly grinds to a halt. Our founding fathers would be horrified at how helpless we've become.
But you don't have to be part of that statistics. You can choose to live by the same principles that built this nation.
The Washington Way: Agricultural Independence and Food Security
George Washington wasn't just the father of our country. He was the father of American agricultural preparedness. George Washington referred to monocropping practices as "ruinous" to the long term success of the Union, while Madison urged his fellow Virginians to live in "symmetry [with] nature" for the survival of the country.
Think about that for a minute. While fighting a war for independence, Washington was already thinking about long-term food security for the nation. This wasn't just farming. This was strategic preparedness on a national scale.
Washington's Preparedness Principles You Can Apply Today:
1. Diversification is Survival Washington understood that putting all your eggs in one basket is a recipe for disaster. On his Mount Vernon estate, he rotated crops, experimented with new farming techniques, and maintained multiple income streams. Your modern application? Don't rely on just one source of income, food supply, or skill set.
2. Continuous Learning and Adaptation Washington wrote to his manager, "I shall begrudge no reasonable expense that will contribute to the improvement & neatness of my Farms, for nothing pleases me better than to see them in good order". He was constantly experimenting, learning, and improving his methods.
3. Infrastructure Investment Washington didn't just plant crops. He built systems. Barns, fences, irrigation, storage facilities. He understood that preparedness isn't just about having supplies; it's about having the infrastructure to maintain and protect those supplies.
4. Community Networks Even as a self-reliant farmer, Washington maintained extensive networks with other farmers, sharing knowledge and resources. True preparedness isn't about going it alone. It's about building resilient communities.
Practical Washington Style Food Security Steps:
• Start a garden: Even a small container garden can provide fresh vegetables and teaching opportunities for your family • Learn food preservation: Canning, dehydrating, and proper storage techniques • Build relationships with local farmers: Know where your food comes from and support local agriculture • Develop multiple food sources: Don't rely solely on grocery stores • Invest in quality tools: Buy once, cry once. Get tools that will last and serve multiple purposes
Jefferson's Philosophy: Education, Skills, and Individual Liberty
Thomas Jefferson took a different but equally important approach to preparedness. Where Washington focused on agricultural systems, Jefferson emphasized knowledge and skills as the foundation of independence. He tried to achieve self-sufficiency with wheat, vegetables, flax, corn, hogs, sheep, poultry, and cattle to supply his family, slaves, and employees.
Jefferson's Preparedness Mindset:
1. Education as Insurance Jefferson believed that an educated population was essential for maintaining liberty. In preparedness terms, this means developing a broad skill set. Don't just learn one survival skill. Become a well-rounded individual who can adapt to various situations.
2. Intellectual Independence Jefferson didn't just accept conventional wisdom. He questioned, experimented, and developed his own solutions. Modern preppers need this same intellectual courage to think beyond conventional approaches.
3. Long-term Thinking Everything Jefferson did was planned with future generations in mind. Your preparedness planning shouldn't just be about surviving the next crisis. It should be about building systems that will serve your children and grandchildren.
4. Self-Sufficiency with Style Jefferson proved that self-reliance doesn't mean living like a hermit. He maintained a high standard of living while being largely self-sufficient. Your preparedness lifestyle should enhance your quality of life, not diminish it.
Jefferson Inspired Preparedness Actions:
• Develop technical skills: Learn to repair things, understand how systems work
• Build a personal library: Knowledge you can access without internet or electricity
• Master multiple languages: Communication skills that transcend borders
• Study history: Understanding patterns helps predict future challenges
• Practice critical thinking: Don't just accept what you're told. Verify and validate
Franklin's Approach: Innovation, Networking, and Practical Wisdom
Benjamin Franklin might have been the most practical prepper of all the founding fathers. This guy invented everything from the lightning rod to the Franklin stove. Talk about practical problem-solving for everyday survival challenges.
Franklin's Preparedness Innovations:
1. Problem-Solving Mentality Franklin didn't just accept problems. He solved them. Cold house? Invent a better stove. Dangerous lightning? Create a lightning rod. This mindset is crucial for modern preparedness.
2. Community Organization Franklin organized America's first volunteer fire department, library, and postal system. He understood that individual preparedness works best within organized community systems.
3. Multiple Income Streams Franklin was a printer, writer, inventor, diplomat, and businessman. He never relied on just one source of income or influence. Modern preppers need this same diversification.
4. Practical Wisdom Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack was full of practical wisdom for everyday life. He understood that preparedness isn't just about extreme scenarios. It's about being ready for life's everyday challenges.
Franklin Style Preparedness Strategies:
• Learn practical skills: Electrical work, plumbing, basic mechanics
• Build community connections: Know your neighbors, organize neighborhood preparedness
• Develop multiple revenue streams: Don't rely on just one job or income source
• Practice innovation: Look for better ways to solve everyday problems
• Document and share knowledge: Keep records of what works and what doesn't
Adams and the Moral Foundation of Preparedness
John Adams understood something that many modern preppers miss: preparedness without moral foundation is just sophisticated selfishness.
Adams' Preparedness Philosophy:
1. Moral Responsibility Adams believed that self-reliance was a moral duty, not just a survival strategy. You prepare not just for yourself, but because you have a responsibility to your family and community.
2. Constitutional Preparedness Adams understood that political freedom requires constant vigilance. Modern preppers need to understand civics, know their rights, and be prepared to defend constitutional principles.
3. Sacrificial Leadership Adams was willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. True preparedness sometimes means doing what's right even when it's difficult or unpopular.
4. Faith-Based Foundation Adams grounded his preparedness in faith, understanding that ultimate security comes from God, not from our own efforts alone.
Adams Inspired Preparedness Principles:
• Study the Constitution: Know your rights and responsibilities
• Develop moral character: Preparedness tests your values under pressure
• Practice servant leadership: Use your skills to help others
• Maintain faith: Ground your preparedness in spiritual foundation
• Stay politically engaged: Freedom requires active participation
Frequently Asked Questions About Founding Fathers Preparedness
What is founding fathers preparedness? Founding fathers preparedness is the practice of self-reliance, skill development, and community building that America's founding fathers used to create and maintain independence. It combines practical skills, moral character, and long-term thinking to prepare for various challenges.
How did George Washington practice preparedness? George Washington practiced preparedness through diversified farming, continuous learning, infrastructure investment, and community networking. He understood that food security and agricultural independence were essential for national survival.
What can modern preppers learn from Thomas Jefferson? Modern preppers can learn from Jefferson's emphasis on education, skill development, and intellectual independence. He believed that knowledge and adaptability were the foundations of true security.
Why did Benjamin Franklin focus on innovation in preparedness? Franklin focused on innovation because he understood that preparedness isn't just about stockpiling supplies. It's about solving problems and improving systems. His inventions like the Franklin stove and lightning rod saved countless lives.
How does faith play a role in founding fathers preparedness? Faith provided the moral foundation for the founding fathers' preparedness efforts. They understood that ultimate security comes from God, and their preparedness efforts were expressions of stewardship and responsibility.
What preparedness skills would the founding fathers consider most important today? The founding fathers would likely prioritize food production, practical skills (like basic mechanics and repairs), community building, financial independence, and constitutional knowledge as the most important preparedness skills.
How can families practice founding fathers preparedness principles? Families can practice these principles by starting gardens, learning practical skills together, building community connections, studying history and civics, and maintaining strong moral and spiritual foundations.
Building Your Founding Fathers Preparedness Plan
After studying these great men and their approaches to self-reliance, I've developed what I call the Founding Fathers Preparedness Framework. This isn't just about having a bug-out bag, bug in plan or storing food. It's about building the complete lifestyle of independence that made America great.
Your 90-Day Founding Fathers Preparedness Challenge:
Month 1: Washington's Agricultural Foundation
• Start a garden (even if it's just herbs on a windowsill)
• Learn one food preservation technique
• Build relationships with local farmers or join a CSA
• Assess your current food storage and create a plan
Month 2: Jefferson's Knowledge and Skills
• Learn one new practical skill (basic electronics, plumbing, or mechanical repair)
• Read one book about American history or constitutional principles
• Start a preparedness journal to document your learning
• Practice critical thinking by questioning one assumption you've always accepted
Month 3: Franklin's Innovation and Community
• Identify one problem in your preparedness plan and develop a creative solution
• Organize a neighborhood preparedness meeting or skill-sharing session
• Develop a secondary income stream or skill that could become one
• Create or improve one system in your home (communication, security, or energy)
The Moral Dimension: Adams' Challenge
Throughout all of this, remember Adams' emphasis on moral foundation. Ask yourself:
• Are you preparing out of fear or out of responsibility?
• How can your preparedness efforts serve others?
• What values will guide your actions during a crisis?
• How does your faith inform your preparedness decisions?
Building Your Legacy
Hard work, self reliance, opportunity, and freedom were early American virtues. The founding fathers were called by a higher purpose to work than simply making money. They were building something bigger than themselves. A nation founded on principles of liberty and self-governance.
Your preparedness efforts should have the same forward-thinking perspective. You're not just preparing for the next crisis. You're building skills, character, and systems that will serve your family for generations.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Our Heritage of Independence
The founding fathers preparedness model isn't just about survival. It's about thriving. It's about reclaiming the American heritage of self-reliance, community cooperation, and unwavering faith in God's provision. In a world that seems increasingly unstable, these time-tested principles offer a roadmap to real security.
As I've trained families across the country in survival skills and preparedness strategies, I've seen the transformation that happens when people embrace these founding principles. They don't just become more prepared. They become more confident, more capable, and more connected to their communities.
The question isn't whether you need to prepare. It's whether you'll prepare like our founding fathers did, with wisdom, courage, and a commitment to something greater than yourself.
Ready to start your founding fathers preparedness journey? Check out my comprehensive [Preparedness Gear Guide] and [Family Survival Training Program] to get the tools and knowledge you need to build real independence for your family.
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"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." - Thomas Jefferson
Discussion Question: Which founding father's approach to preparedness resonates most with your family's situation, and what's the first step you'll take to implement their principles in your own preparedness plan?
P.S. Remember Proverbs 27:14: "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." Our founding fathers understood this wisdom, and so should we.
Jason Salyer is a survival instructor, Christian father, and host of the "On Three Survival" YouTube channel. With over three decades of combined experience in bushcraft, tactical training, and family preparedness, Jason helps families build practical skills and spiritual resilience for uncertain times.
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