Post by djxkorean on Jul 12, 2009 5:52:28 GMT -8
The Ideology of the American Revolution
I. Common Sense by Thomas Paine (January, 1776)
. . A. Common Sense was uncomplicated common sense to the people.
. . B. It attacked the institution of hereditary monarchy in principle, called the British monarchy corrupt, and cited the King in particular
. . C. Called for colonists to separate themselves from Britain and make America place of freedom and love for humankind
. . C. stimulated radical leadership in Second Continental Congress
II. Declaration of Independence (Signed July 4, 1776)
. . A. June 7: Richard Henry Lee makes a motion that contained 3 parts:
. . . . 1. American colonies are independent states
. . . . 2. foreign aid should be sough
. . . . 3. Confederate form of government be prepared for submission to the several states
. . B. Vote postponed until July 1st
. . . . 1. In meantime, committee was to draw up declaration of independence and another to work on a constitution for confederation.
. . . . 2. Those who wrote Declaration of Independence: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman.
. . C. Written by Thomas Jefferson after discussing with committee.
. . . . 1. Very few changes, and then unanimously voted on July 4th.
. . D. Content of Declaration of Independence
. . . . 1. Served the American Revolution, and is source of inspiration throughout the world.
. . . . 2. 1st Part: "Natural Rights of the people"
. . . . . . a. Largely taken from John Locke, English philosopher
. . . . . . b. ideas of John Locke defined purpose of American government and relationship between people and government.
. . . . . . c. heart of Declaration: recognition of belief in dignity and importance of individual
. . . . 3. 2nd Part: Long list of complaints about the king and statement about patience of American colonies under such treatment.
. . . . . . a. blames King George III for almost everything.
. . . . 4. 3rd Part: Declaration that the colonies are now independent states.
. . . . . . a. "the representatives of the United States of America... publish and declare, that these united colonies are...free and independent states"
Commentary: It is truly ironic how the very people who were hoping to break free from the English government write a constitution that owes its biggest contribution to an English philosopher. It must also be duly noted that John Locke wrote the Treatise on Civil Government shortly after the Glorious Revolution, the founding of a new government. The progress of England and the United States, thus, is very similar. Both were founded following largely the principles of the same philosopher and grew to become somewhat controlling of other nations (Middle East, Latin America). This foundation of unalienable rights is also interesting, as Jefferson chose to leave out property, and instead substituted it with the "pursuit of Happiness". This leads one to assume that either (a) the colonists did not feel everyone had to right to property, or (b) to have the right to pursue happiness is far more important than ever having property. Most likely, it was a combination of the two.
Another thing that must be pondered is the effect Common Sense had over the forming of the Constitution. The book places both of them in the same section, yet doesn't quite develop the connection between the signing of the Declaration and the book Thomas Pain wrote. Whether or not that had any effect on the writers is quite debatable, as I am sure that the radicals were already thinking along the same lines as Thomas Paine. It seems to me that the book only got the uneducated public to look for revolution, making it a cause that had the public's support.
I. Common Sense by Thomas Paine (January, 1776)
. . A. Common Sense was uncomplicated common sense to the people.
. . B. It attacked the institution of hereditary monarchy in principle, called the British monarchy corrupt, and cited the King in particular
. . C. Called for colonists to separate themselves from Britain and make America place of freedom and love for humankind
. . C. stimulated radical leadership in Second Continental Congress
II. Declaration of Independence (Signed July 4, 1776)
. . A. June 7: Richard Henry Lee makes a motion that contained 3 parts:
. . . . 1. American colonies are independent states
. . . . 2. foreign aid should be sough
. . . . 3. Confederate form of government be prepared for submission to the several states
. . B. Vote postponed until July 1st
. . . . 1. In meantime, committee was to draw up declaration of independence and another to work on a constitution for confederation.
. . . . 2. Those who wrote Declaration of Independence: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman.
. . C. Written by Thomas Jefferson after discussing with committee.
. . . . 1. Very few changes, and then unanimously voted on July 4th.
. . D. Content of Declaration of Independence
. . . . 1. Served the American Revolution, and is source of inspiration throughout the world.
. . . . 2. 1st Part: "Natural Rights of the people"
. . . . . . a. Largely taken from John Locke, English philosopher
. . . . . . b. ideas of John Locke defined purpose of American government and relationship between people and government.
. . . . . . c. heart of Declaration: recognition of belief in dignity and importance of individual
. . . . 3. 2nd Part: Long list of complaints about the king and statement about patience of American colonies under such treatment.
. . . . . . a. blames King George III for almost everything.
. . . . 4. 3rd Part: Declaration that the colonies are now independent states.
. . . . . . a. "the representatives of the United States of America... publish and declare, that these united colonies are...free and independent states"
Commentary: It is truly ironic how the very people who were hoping to break free from the English government write a constitution that owes its biggest contribution to an English philosopher. It must also be duly noted that John Locke wrote the Treatise on Civil Government shortly after the Glorious Revolution, the founding of a new government. The progress of England and the United States, thus, is very similar. Both were founded following largely the principles of the same philosopher and grew to become somewhat controlling of other nations (Middle East, Latin America). This foundation of unalienable rights is also interesting, as Jefferson chose to leave out property, and instead substituted it with the "pursuit of Happiness". This leads one to assume that either (a) the colonists did not feel everyone had to right to property, or (b) to have the right to pursue happiness is far more important than ever having property. Most likely, it was a combination of the two.
Another thing that must be pondered is the effect Common Sense had over the forming of the Constitution. The book places both of them in the same section, yet doesn't quite develop the connection between the signing of the Declaration and the book Thomas Pain wrote. Whether or not that had any effect on the writers is quite debatable, as I am sure that the radicals were already thinking along the same lines as Thomas Paine. It seems to me that the book only got the uneducated public to look for revolution, making it a cause that had the public's support.