The American Revolution: A True Revolution or Merely an Evolutionary Process?
In a 3-5 page typed response, you must support or retire that the American Revolution was not a true Revolution. This assignment is designed for you to analyze/synthesize the primary sources to support your argument, NOT a major research paper.
Title: The American Revolution: A True Revolution or Merely an Evolutionary Process?
Introduction:
The American Revolution, occurring between 1765 and 1783, is often hailed as a significant turning point in history. However, some scholars argue that it was not a true revolution but rather an evolutionary process. This essay aims to analyze primary sources and provide evidence to support the claim that the American Revolution was not a revolutionary event but rather a gradual evolution of existing ideas and tensions.
I. Evolutionary Nature of the American Revolution:
Gradual Escalation of Tensions:
Primary sources, such as the Stamp Act (1765) and Townshend Acts (1767), reveal that colonial resistance to policies was a gradual process than an instantaneous.
Many colonies initially sought reconciliation with Britain rather complete independence, as demonstrated the Olive Branchition (1775).
Preservation of Existing Social Structure:
The American did not significantly challenge the existing hierarchy and structures.
Primary sources, like the Declaration of Independence, emphasize the preservation natural rights and property, which were deeply ingrained in colonial society.
Limited Socioeconomic Transformation:
The American Revolution did not lead to socioeconomic transformations.
Primary sources, such as the Articles of Confeder (1781), demonstrate that economic interests were protected at the state level, than through centralized control.
II. Influence of Enlightenment Ideas:
Intellectual Continuity:
The Enlightenment ideals that influenced the American Revolution had already been circulating for decades before the outbreak of armed conflict.
Primary sources, such as Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" (1776), reflect the convergence of Enlightenment ideas with colonial grievances rather than a sudden revolutionary shift.
Borrowing from British Political Thought:
Primary sources, like John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government," had a significant impact on American political thought and helped shape the revolution.
However, these ideas were not entirely new to the American colonies but were influenced by British political theorists.
Evolutionary Application of Revolutionary Ideas:
Primary sources, such as the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) and state constitutions, demonstrate the application of revolutionary ideas within existing frameworks rather than a complete overthrow of established systems.
III. Lack of Widespread Social Upheaval:
Limited Social Radicalism:
The American Revolution did not witness widespread social upheaval or radical changes in societal norms.
Primary sources, like Abigail Adams' letters, reveal that women's rights and social equality were not central concerns during the revolution.
Preservation of Slavery:
The institution of slavery remained largely intact during and after the American Revolution.
Primary sources, such as the Constitution's Three-Fifths Compromise (1787), demonstrate a continuation of compromises to protect slavery rather than a revolutionary break from it.
Conclusion:
Based on an analysis of primary sources, it is evident that the American Revolution was not a true revolution but rather an evolutionary process. The gradual escalation of tensions, preservation of existing social structures, limited socioeconomic transformation, and reliance on pre-existing intellectual ideas all contribute to this argument. While the American Revolution marked a significant moment in history, it was more accurately an evolution of existing ideas and tensions rather than a sudden and radical revolution.