Father Wilder's quote emphasizes the importance of basic tools like muskets, axes, and plows in shaping the United States. He suggests that while weapons played a crucial role in achieving independence during the Revolution, everyday farming tools were equally vital for the country's development and sustenance. This highlights the dual contributions of both military and agricultural efforts in building a nation.
The quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Farmer Boy" illustrates a broader narrative about the foundations of America. It champions the idea that valor in battle and hard work on the land were instrumental in forging the nation's identity. This perspective values the agrarian lifestyle and the labor that goes into farming, recognizing it as essential to the nation's growth and prosperity.