The Ideological origins of the American Revolution
What exactly was the American Revolution? It was not simply a war. It was a revolution of ideas, a change in the attitude of the people over time that preceded and eventually led to a war. This change was effected by a generally high level of education, a want of self-government, and the unity of the colonies.
In most other cases, revolutions were a result of an oppressed people, but in the case of the thirteen colonies, no oppression can be found. In addition, taxes in England were twenty-six times greater than in the colonies. Captain Preston claimed that the reason for the revolt was the want of self-government. John Adams wrote in his diary, "Every man has to fight, to speak, to write, and to do things fo
In conclusion, the revolution took place in the years before the war during which a metamorphosis occurred in the minds of the people. This transformation was basically caused by the unification of the colonies and the ideas contained within the inhabitants of those colonies.
r himself." He also stated that people should be able to judge for themselves; that liberty was always in danger, and it would be better to revolt than to live in slavery. Jefferson said, "Revolutions are necessary to refresh the Tree of Liberty." They remind the ruler of his duty to care for his people rather than take advantage of them.
In the colonies, the literacy rate exceeded ninety percent, and although the average man could not afford books, there were private libraries scattered
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