Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution (APUSH 3.4)

Summary

This video explores the philosophical foundations of the American Revolution, examining how colonial attitudes toward government and individual rights shifted. It discusses influences like the Great Awakening and Enlightenment, emphasizing the rise of republican ideals and natural rights. The video highlights key figures like John Locke, Rousseau, and Thomas Paine, whose pamphlet 'Common Sense' popularized the call for independence. The Declaration of Independence is also discussed, showcasing Enlightenment ideas and its role in rallying colonial support and seeking foreign aid. The video concludes by noting the ongoing debate over these founding ideals.

Takeaways

• 📜 The American Revolution was influenced by changing colonial attitudes about government and individual rights.
• 🔗 Early on, the colonies were not unified in their opinions on independence or representative government.
• 🕊️ Even after the fighting began in 1775, colonists still sought to reconcile with Britain, as shown by the Olive Branch Petition.
• 📖 The Great Awakening encouraged people to question authority and emphasize individualism, influencing revolutionary thought.
• 💡 Enlightenment ideas inspired colonists to challenge the divine right of kings and embrace republican forms of government.
• ⚖️ Key Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Rousseau emphasized natural rights and the social contract, advocating that government should protect life, liberty, and property.
• 📢 Thomas Paine's *Common Sense* played a major role in spreading the idea of independence by using clear and relatable language for common colonists.
• 📝 The Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, incorporated Enlightenment ideas and justified the break from Britain through a list of grievances.
• 🌍 The Declaration also aimed to gain international support for the colonial cause, essential for achieving independence.
• ⚖️ While the founding documents promoted liberty, they did not extend rights to women, enslaved African Americans, or Native Americans, sparking future debates over equality.

Q & A

What was the primary focus of the colonies in the early stages of their relationship with Britain?

In the early stages, the colonies were focused on addressing their grievances and pledged loyalty to Britain, without a unified opinion on independence or the type of government they wanted.

How did the Great Awakening influence revolutionary thought in the American colonies?

The Great Awakening was an anti-elitist movement that led people to question authority and emphasized the importance of the individual, which played a role in shaping revolutionary thought and the colonists' desire for liberty.

What impact did Enlightenment philosophy have on American political thinkers during the revolution?

Enlightenment philosophy emphasized individual talent over hereditary privilege, questioned the divine right of kings, and promoted ideas about natural rights and republican self-government, which heavily influenced colonial thinking about their relationship with Britain.

What were John Locke's contributions to revolutionary thought, as mentioned in the video?

John Locke introduced the concept of natural rights—life, liberty, and property—stating that these rights were ordained by God and could not be taken away by any government. This idea inspired colonists' belief in their right to independence.

Who was Rousseau, and what key idea from his philosophy influenced the American Revolution?

Rousseau was an Enlightenment thinker who wrote about the social contract, stating that governments exist to protect individuals' natural rights and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. This idea was central to the American colonists' desire for self-governance.

How did Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' pamphlet influence the American public?

'Common Sense' used plain language to make the case for independence, arguing that Britain exploited the colonies and that monarchy was outdated. It resonated with the working class and helped spread revolutionary ideas across the colonies.

What was the significance of the Olive Branch Petition in 1775?

Despite growing conflict, the Olive Branch Petition was an attempt by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to reconcile with Britain and avoid full-scale war, showing that many colonists still hoped for a peaceful resolution.

What role did the Declaration of Independence play in the colonial movement for independence?

The Declaration of Independence, largely authored by Thomas Jefferson, was both a formal statement of the colonies' intent to break away from Britain and a document that articulated Enlightenment ideals, justifying the colonial cause and appealing for international support.

Why did Thomas Jefferson replace 'property' with 'the pursuit of happiness' in the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson replaced 'property' with 'the pursuit of happiness' to emphasize a broader view of individual rights and to avoid direct plagiarism of John Locke’s language, while still embedding Enlightenment principles in the document.

What limitations did the founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, have in terms of rights and freedoms for all people?

The ideals in the Declaration of Independence were not intended for women, African Americans (enslaved or free), or Native Americans. However, these groups would later use the same ideals in their struggles for rights and opportunities in American society.