I found this and thought it was interesting. Two views on the American Revolution.
The American Revolution was a liberal movement of progressive-minded revolutionaries creating the radical ideas and philosophies of their time. It was based more on self interest than on principle.
OR
The American Revolution was actually more of a conservative movement of people not focused on major political changes. It was a revolution because people were pushed to a point where they need rebellion to maintain the rights they had under British rule. It was based on equality and principle.
What do you think? Which side would you take, and why?
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3 responses so far ↓
1 Dave M // Aug 7, 2008
It was about paying taxes, who do you know who do not like to pay taxes - con-servative’s.
2 Leon B // Aug 7, 2008
It should be kept in mind that the American Revolution wasn't technically a revolution at all; it was a war of independence–very different animal from a revolution, such as France had, thank goodness.
Most of the Founding Fathers were moderate to conservative; the serious left-leaning ones (e.g., Patrick Henry, Sam Adams) were shuffled aside when the Revolution didn't need them any more. The Fathers did have some very important Enlightenment ideas, though, that were very liberal for the time: separation of powers, separation of church and state, limitation of governmental authority, some involvement of the will of the people in government, etc.
We rebelled against the UK mainly because we didn't get along with the British following the French & Indian War, since we were now in closer quarters with them (it was after that that they started maintaining a permanent military presence in the Colonies). The British had a phenomenally arrogant attitude toward colonials, which ironically has helped its former colonies (e.g. Australia, Nigeria, etc.) fend for themselves after independence. The elites in the 13 Colonies resented being treated as inferior by the mother country, and got really tired of being pushed around. The introduction of direct taxation, starting with the Stamp Act, was an irritation though not much of a burden–but it did make for a great rallying cry for the rebels. (It's easier to get people behind you by complaining about taxes than by saying the authorities don't respect you.)
3 glenn // Aug 7, 2008
Well, it was both. Liberals believed in a government with out a king, with power from the people…but not in self interest!
Also, people believed in protecting the rights they already had, and that were threatened. But equality was only between white men.