The year 1776 holds significant meaning for Americans, even those with a rudimentary understanding of history, as a symbol of freedom. This year is celebrated annually on the Fourth of July, one of the nation's most important holidays, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed the colonies' liberation from British rule. In her poem, Wheatley not only asserts America's right to independence from British control but also defines America as the land of liberty. Although the poem does not explicitly state it, there is a striking irony in an African-American woman in 1776 encouraging a white man to pursue freedom. At that time, women lacked political rights and were unable to vote until the twentieth century, following relentless efforts by suffragists. Most blacks in the colonies faced even more severe limitations: in some Southern states, despite their numbers being equal to or greater than those of whites, they were enslaved and could be legally punished for opposing their masters. Although freedom for blacks and women was eventually secured by those who defied societal norms and exposed injustices, Phillis Wheatley was not in a position to directly address these issues. Nevertheless, her poem addressed a significant concern for many citizens, and her praise for General Washington contributed to inspiring the revolution against England. In a subtle manner, her work advanced the cause of freedom for women and blacks by demonstrating the intellect and sensitivity of someone from their community.

In the poem, George Washington is celebrated as the epitome of heroism, embodying all the virtues necessary for his society to overcome its challenges. The second stanza, the poem's longest, highlights the accomplishments of the armies he commanded but implies that enumerating these achievements is unnecessary. Washington is famed not just for his courage but also for his moral integrity. In everyday terms, heroism might be linked to military might without considering ethical integrity. However, Wheatley attributes to her hero every imaginable positive quality, both physical and spiritual.

To some extent, the poem didn’t need to emphasize Washington's military successes, as they were already well-known among the American public. While Wheatley's praise of Washington's abilities as a general is crucial for showcasing his heroic deeds, it represents the poem's least original element and might have seemed uninteresting to readers, including Washington himself, who were already aware of his strategic skills. Nonetheless, Wheatley goes beyond mere praise of his accomplishments by imbuing them with a sense of righteousness, suggesting that his feats are sanctioned by divine will. The idea of a worldly hero excelling in his field is admirable, but it is limited, especially when compared to the notion of a hero who, as mentioned in line 39, is accompanied by virtue.

Scholars frequently highlight this poem as the work of the first African-descended woman to have her writing published in North America. Interestingly, the only mention of race within the poem is “freedom’s heaven-defended race.” The poem does not delve into how Americans earned this prestigious designation; instead, it assumes America's favored status to highlight George Washington's greatness. By suggesting that the colonies' independence from Britain is divinely sanctioned, Wheatley can offer even greater admiration for the poem’s subject, who leads the charge for American freedom. The most powerful warriors are those free from self-doubt, so the poem’s view on America's just cause likely resonated with Washington's beliefs. By articulating this sentiment more beautifully than Washington himself might, the poem validates his convictions, depicting God's support as the insightful and poetic interpretation of the war. While part of the poem's intent was to flatter George Washington—evident from Wheatley sending it directly to him—it also aimed, as all poetry does, to illuminate the subject for future readers. By claiming divine endorsement for the colonial cause, Wheatley not only praised the general but also strongly suggested to readers that God favored one side of the conflict over the other.