The British Perspective on the Revolutionary War: A Sleepy Island's Indifference

When it comes to the Revolutionary War, the British seem to hold a rather unique perspective—one that is marked by indifference and a lack of interest.

Do Brits Still Hold the Revolutionary War Against the USA?

Of course not. In a nation that boasts a long and storied history, the Revolutionary War is often seen as a minor footnote in the grand scheme of things. Outside of a handful of historical enthusiasts and schoolchildren, the anniversary of this war is largely forgotten, with annual wakes and national mourning being figures of comedic undertones rather than solemnity. It is a testament to the nation's mental state, marked by tranquility and a general apathy, that nothing of international or historical significance has seemingly impacted our lives in the past 245 years.

A Lack of Obsession

The truth is that only those with a vested interest in American history, primarily Americans, give the Revolutionary War any significant thought. Even the most ardent American enthusiasts who believe they fought the war without help from the French are in the minority. The romanticized views of the 'Founding Fathers' are mostly detached from reality, and most Brits see them as historical figures without much relevance to modern times.

The Forgotten History

For many, the Revolutionary War is viewed with a mix of bewilderment and disinterest. Many Brits, particularly those who are ill-educated in history, would struggle to recall any details about this conflict. Those who do remember it often hold no strong feelings or sentiments related to it. The war has no tangible impact on the British psyche, and the idea of seeking revenge or worrying about the stability of the United States is laughable to most.

The Annual Wakes

Contrary to popular belief, the only time the British remember the Revolutionary War is on its anniversary, as part of an annual tradition known as a wake. This is akin to the way mourners might gather on a day to remember a deceased loved one, but without the actual grief or mourning. It is more of a ceremonial event that gives Brits a chance to check a historical box rather than to engage deeply with the past.

The Uniqueness of the British Calendar

Interestingly, this indifference to the Revolutionary War is also reflected in a quaint British custom that has been in place for over two centuries. Unlike the American calendar, which strictly follows in 31-30-31-30-31-31-30-31-30-31-28 (or 29) pattern for its months, the British have a unique custom that slightly differs in the month of July. Since 1783, the British calendar has adjusted the days of July, so instead of the standard 31 days, it operates as follows:

1st July 2nd July 3rd July 5th July 6th July 7th July 8th July 9th July 10th July 11th July 12th July 13th July 14th July 17th July 18th July 19th July 20th July 21st July 22nd July 23rd July 24th July 25th July 26th July 27th July 28th July 29th July 30th July 31st July

Essentially, the British have taken July and split the first four days into separate days, creating a unique calendar that still adds up to 31 days but begins with the 1st being the 5th of the month. As a result, the first four days of July are essentially treated as four separate days, with the 5th being the 9th, the 6th becoming the 10th, and so on.

This curious custom has been a source of amusement and curiosity for visitors and even some British, who often scratch their heads at the timing of events in the month of July. It underscores the British sense of humor and their subtle, often unnoticeable ways of marking their cultural heritage.

So, to summarize, the British truly do not care about the Revolutionary War, and this indifferent attitude is not just a matter of choice but a result of our national mindset and historical ignorance. However, the curious calendar of July is a unique tradition that reflects this indifference in a quirky and almost whimsical manner.