Philosophy of the Revolution

Ideology Religious (Puritanism & Calvinism) Higher law for civil authority When laws contradict God’s laws, DON’T obey

Ideology Radical British philosophy Government is to protect man from each other Hobbs- government is created to correct the wrongdoings of the state Government is run by corruptible men; must be protected from its members British system: aristocracy, monarchy, common men

Colonial Mindset More faithful to the constitution then was the English government Problems with the English Constitution Colonial charters and constitutions were written documents English POV: these documents were flexible & elastic American POV: fixed definitive bodies of principals

John Locke Men have “natural rights”- limit the power of the government Government created to protect these rights Social contract Citizens give up power in return for protection Government agrees to use its power to protect the “natural rights”

Taxation Fundamental right Power to take away property Government derive its powers from the consent… THUS England CANNOT tax the colonists without representation If this is done, the people have the right to open a new contract… AKA a new government REVOLUTION IS COMING!!!

Virtual vs. Direct Representation Virtual- Parliament represents the interests of the empire as a whole Direct- each representative represents the interest of a group of people from a particular area Example: colonial assemblies & religious congregations Colonists DO NOT want to be represented in Parliament

Nature of Sovereignty England believed in one unitary system where sovereignty could NOT be divided Colonists saw themselves as divided sovereignty (federalism) Parliament legislates the empire; colonial assemblies legislate the colonies Succumb to British rule or… REBEL Colonists are polarized… NO COMPROMISE

Sides *American Revolution was a minority revolution* Patriots (supporters for independence) Merchants affected negatively by the taxes Planters Laborers, tradesmen, small farmers who wanted less restriction Antagonists of British rule

Sides Loyalists- British supporters British office holders Merchants who were not as affected by the tax Lawyers who had British clients Anglican ministers Natives and slaves Recent British immigrants

Sides 1/3 Patriots 1/5-1/4 loyalists 2/5-3/5 WHO CARES…

Was the American Revolution preventable??? The American Revolution was fought not to gain freedom, but to conform it Was the American Revolution preventable???