Hawzah News Agency (Tehran, Iran)- Here are some excerpts from Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks on how the United States gained independence:

After the initial movement [to liberate America from British Colonialism] had been carried out, the American nation endured many hardships. They experienced an extraordinary civil war. Estimates put the death toll near one million for people were killed during the American Civil War; it happened between Northern and Southern US states.

The American Revolution--namely, America's liberation from the British monarchy--took place several years before the French Revolution, it began around 1765. Of course, Euro-America's colonial population was no more than 2. 5 million at that time. They started a movement and established their own government. Certain figures such as the first U.S. President George Washington and others came to power. Furthermore, events that happened during the French Revolution were similar to that of American Revolution.

After the initial movement had been carried out, the American nation endured many hardships. They experienced an extraordinary civil war. Estimates put the death toll near one million for people were killed during the American Civil War; it happened between Northern and Southern US states. In fact, the war was between the Northeastern part of America and the Southeastern part, because at that time the American government had just gained control over the Western region. Over 850,000 people were killed, according to statistics--of course, accurate statistics did not exist at that time. The statistics are based on the estimates of those who have spoken or written in regards to the subject matter. Finally, after the passing of 100 years, since America's independence, the American government gradually became established and managed to continue its movement on the original path.

Moreover, crimes that were carried out and tragedies that were prompted by the rulers and their armies are a long, sad story: for instance, attacking neighboring countries and the genocide of Native Americans. I am sorry that our youth do not know about these events. When a person comes to understand that the civilization, progress, and wealth of certain countries resulted from vast vandalism, misconduct, brutality and injustice, he will gain a new perspective on what he has to do and on the duties he must fulfill.​

Aug 10, 2011