America Quote by Gouverneur Morris
“The trial of Zenger in 1735 was the germ of American freedom, the morning star of that liberty which subsequently revolutionized America.”
About This Quote
Source Historical: The Zenger Trial, 1735, colonial America
The Zenger trial sparked early ideas of free speech that later shaped American liberty.
In simple terms: Early free speech case inspired US freedom.
Key Takeaway
Recognize roots of liberty.
Themes
freedom
speech
law
history
liberty
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- legal education
- journalism
- civic activism
Key Concepts
press freedom
constitutional development
Questions to Reflect On
- How did this case influence later constitutional rights?
- What modern freedoms trace back to this trial?
A Different Perspective
Its impact was limited to elite circles initially.
![“[F]or avoiding the extremes of despotism or anarchy . . . the only ground of hope must be on the morals of the people. I believe that religion is the only solid base of morals and that morals are the only possible support of free governments. [T]herefore education should teach the precepts of…” quote by Gouverneur Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e6/gouverneur-morris-26042_anarchy_f-or-avoiding-the-extremes-of-despotism_622195.jpg)
![“There must be religion. When that ligament is torn, society is disjointed and its members perish... [T]he most important of all lessons is the denunciation of ruin to every state that rejects the precepts of religion.” quote by Gouverneur Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b75/gouverneur-morris-26042_important_there-must-be-religion-when-that-ligamen_1508211.jpg)
![“[On the eve of the French Revolution:] It is impossible to imagine a more disorderly Assembly. They neither reason, examine, nor discuss. They clap those whom they approve and hiss those whom they disapprove. . . . Everything almost is elective, and consequently no one obeys. It is an anarchy…” quote by Gouverneur Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/77a/gouverneur-morris-26042_freedom_on-the-eve-of-the-french-revolution-it-i_1720772.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
