A Crossroads Resource
Unit IV: What was the American Revolution? 1760-1836
Question/Problem 2: Was the American Revolution a revolution?
American Revolution:
Reading F: Two Historians' Views
Was the American Revolution really a revolution? Many historians have
debated the political, social, and economic results of the American
Revolution. The following excerpts share two historians' views of the
significance of the American Revolution. Read the passages and answer the
questions below.
The successful rebellion of the patriots profoundly affected the
course of the future, not only for the Americans, but for all other
peoples. The American Revolution brought the first break in the European
colonial system. It inspired and continues to inspire colonials of all
colors to seek freedom from European domination. It also brought into
existence for the first time in modern history a republican system of
government in a large nation. The example of republicanism successful
over the vast territory of the United States constituted a threat to
monarchism everywhere, stimulated revolt against kings and emperors. The
proclamation in the Declaration of Independence of the equality of men in
the sight of the Creator continues to serve as a battlecry for social and
political justice. The patriots won independence; they also made a good
start on the long road toward establishing and securing 'the rights of
mankind.'
John Richard Alden, The American Revolution: 1775-1783 (New York: Harper
& Row, 1954), p. 268.
However radical the principles of the Revolution may have seemed
to the rest of the world, in the minds of the colonists they were
thoroughly preservative and respectful of the past . . . . The world - at
least the American corner of it - had already been made over as thoroughly
as any sensible man could imagine. Americans had never known or had long
since begun to abandon feudal tenures, religious intolerance, and
hereditary stratification. Their goal therefore was simply to
consolidate, then expand by cautious stages, the large measure of liberty
and prosperity that was part of their established way of life.
Clinton Rossiter, Seedtime of the Republic (New York: Harcourt, Brace &
World, p. 1953), p. 448
Answer these questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which historian believes the American Revolution was really a
revolution? What reasons does he give?
2. Which historian believes the American Revolution was not really a
revolution? What reasons does he give?
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