The American revolution is one of the major events in the history of mankind. Indeed, it pioneered a completely new way of government and paved the way for changes that later spread across Europe and beyond. Today, American liberal ideas have found way in all corners of the world. However, the question arises whether American revolution was a true revolution in a literary sense of the word or whether it was a rebellion aimed to overthrow the king’s power. This paper hypothesizes that American revolution was a true revolution since its goal was to introduce innovative approach to government and not just liberation from the king’s rule.
Three events portray the true character of this revolutionary movement. First of all, the leaders of the revolution envisaged changed that would embrace all people on the American land. These innovative ideas testify to the revolutionary character of the movement since rebellions have narrower goals, which, moreover, are not necessarily new and progressive. Secondly, the revolution encompassed all classes of people; its universal character appealed to the rich and poor, men and women alike (Bessler, 2018). As for rebellions, often their aims are reduced to benefits for only one class of people, be it peasantry or factory workers. Thirdly, the revolution set out to create a completely new form of government. While rebels often rage against particular people or laws, they do not intend to drastically change the whole governmental system.
If I was alive during the revolution, I would want liberation from England. Living far away from British Isles, people needed their own government that could deal with their concerns, since British monarchs might not even know those concerns existed. Travelling between continents took a lot of time; it meant that British government could not react in due time to whatever problems the colonies had. Moreover, liberation from England presupposed creation of government whare all people voices counted, not just British peers’ or Lords’. Thus, it can be concluded that American revolution was a true revolution that led to the fact that liberal changes spread across the world.
Reference
Bessler, J. D. (2018). A Century in the Making: The Glorious Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Origins of the US Constitution’s Eighth Amendment. Wm. & Mary Bill Rts. J., 27, 989.