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3.4 Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution

6 min readjanuary 10, 2023

J

James Glackin

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

J

James Glackin

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

The American Revolution was a pivotal moment in history, marking the birth of the United States of America and the beginning of a new form of government. However, the revolution was not just a political and social event, but also a deeply philosophical one. Let's discuss the ideas that drove the Revolutionary War since colonial leaders called for representation to reflect Enlightenment ideas.

The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that emerged in 18th-century Europe and emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism. It was a time of great intellectual and cultural awakening, and it laid the foundations for many of the values and ideals that continue to shape modern Western society.

Central Ideas of the Enlightenment

” is normally a tagline associated with , signifying how people began looking to humans, rather than a deity, to solve their problems and make reason of things going on in their lives. Now, out of reason emerges new political ideas about people, , and the function of government, questioning the authority of monarchs:

  • Being born with a , or blank slate, is a central tenet of Enlightenment thought. It suggests that people are born without innate knowledge or predispositions and that their experiences and environment shape who they become. This creates the idea that everyone is born equal and the son of a king does not have a divine right to rule.

  • wrote a work of political philosophy, titled, "." He argued that people have certain inalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property, that are protected by the government. He believed that these rights are granted by God and are not dependent on the government or any other authority. If any government did not serve its purpose of granting these , the people had the right to alter or abolish it.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-2Ro4AKx5XwmA.jpg?alt=media&token=d67be6ea-f3d3-4a08-9f7e-801bdba353e7

  • was best known for his work on the . He argued that the natural state of humanity is a state of war and that people form governments in order to escape this state and ensure their own safety and security. Hobbes believed that the role of government is to provide order and stability, and he argued that people must give up some of their rights in order to live under a strong, centralized government (as stated by the ).

  • was a political theorist best known for his ideas about and the . He argued that in order to protect against tyranny, a government should be divided into different branches, each with its own distinct powers and responsibilities.

  • was a French philosopher who expanded on the theory, emphasizing the importance of the . He argued that people are naturally free and equal and the role of the government is to serve the and protect the will of the people / their .

  • As discussed, the idea of the arose during this time period, suggesting that people agree to give up some of their individual freedom and rights in order to live in a society with a shared authority or government. According to the theory, government is a product of this agreement, and it exists to serve the and protect the of its citizens.

These ideas generally included , , , the , , a , and an emphasis on .

The new thinking of influenced , , , , and in their roles as Founding Fathers. We will see how these ideas influenced the drafting of important revolutionary documents such as the and the as well in the next few study guides.

Common Sense

"" is a political pamphlet written by in 1776, during the early stages of the American Revolution. Paine was a radical who had just arrived from England and was once a poor apprentice. The pamphlet was a powerful and influential piece of writing, and it played a significant role in inspiring support for the revolutionary cause among the American colonists.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-GbZFbZZpws8U.jpg?alt=media&token=e5dd45cf-607a-492c-a902-b068f496de37

Image Courtesy of American Battlefield Trust

In "," Paine argued for from . He outlined a number of reasons why the colonists should break away from Britain, including the fact that the British government was too distant and unresponsive to the needs of the colonists, that the British monarchy was corrupt and tyrannical, and that the colonies were capable of governing themselves.

If you were to take a look at "," you'd notice the idea of is prominent. Paine argues that all human beings have certain inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and property, that cannot be taken away by governments. He also stressed the idea of , that colonists should have a say and in the British parliament which was not the case at the time.

Paine's writing style was direct, simple, and accessible, making it easy for people of all backgrounds to understand and relate to. This allowed it to be a tool to gain support from colonists, rallying them to join the revolution. It essentially shifted the sentiment of the colonists from being loyal subjects of the King to considering themselves as Americans, who were entitled to the same rights and privileges as citizens of any other country.

The Declaration of Independence

The influence of Enlightenment ideals and Paine's "" was immense, making colonists want a republican form of government with and .

The met in in the summer of 1776 to vote on independence from Britain due to the increasing tensions between the colonists and its "mother country."

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F05_Declaration_National-Archives.jpg?alt=media&token=2d819fff-9e9b-4634-b0ef-bbc4cc53b242

The Declaration of Independence, National Archives and Records Administration.

was a delegate from Virginia to the Congress, and on June 7, 1776, he introduced a resolution calling for the colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain. The resolution stated:

"Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

The resolution was passed by the Congress on , although it did not yet include the details of how the colonies would organize as an independent nation. After that, a including , , Benjamin Franklin, , and was appointed to draft a statement to the public explaining the reasons for the resolution. The committee drafted the , which was adopted by the Congress on .

You can basically think of the as the following: America needed a written document to explain to the world why it declared independence and also would help in obtaining foreign help from other countries in the Revolutionary war.

was appointed to draft the and Congress later edited it, approving it on July 4.

Key Terms to Review (41)

Alexander Hamilton

: Alexander Hamilton was a Founding Father, first Secretary of the Treasury (1789–1795), and influential interpreter of the U.S. Constitution.

American Independence

: American Independence refers to the period when the 13 British colonies in North America declared themselves a new nation, free from British rule. This occurred on July 4, 1776.

Baron de Montesquieu

: Baron de Montesquieu was an 18th-century French philosopher best known for promoting separation of powers in government to prevent any one entity from gaining absolute control.

Ben Franklin

: Benjamin Franklin was one of America's Founding Fathers, known for his contributions as an inventor, writer, scientist, statesman, and diplomat.

British Rule

: British Rule refers to the period when Britain had political control over other countries or territories. In this context, it specifically refers to when Britain ruled over what is now known as the United States (from 1607-1776).

Checks and Balances

: This is a system in the U.S. government where each branch (executive, legislative, judicial) has powers that can limit or check the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Common Good

: The benefit or interests of all or most members within a community or society.

Common Sense

: "Common Sense" is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies.

Constitution

: The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, outlining the structure of the federal government and defining the rights and freedoms of American citizens.

Declaration of Independence

: The Declaration of Independence is a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776. It announced that thirteen American colonies were no longer under British rule and were now independent states.

Democracy

: Democracy is a form of government where power rests with the people, who either rule directly or through elected representatives.

Distrust of Aristocracy

: This term refers to skepticism or lack of trust towards aristocracy - a class traditionally considered superior due to their wealth or inherited titles. In American history this distrust led many people towards democratic ideals and away from systems resembling European monarchies.

Equality

: Equality refers to the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. In the context of US history, it often relates to social movements that fought for equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, gender or social class.

Five-Member Committee

: The Five-Member Committee was a group of five men appointed by the Second Continental Congress in 1776 to draft the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day

: Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. On this day, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to British rule and were now united, free, and independent states.

Individual Rights

: Individual rights refer to the liberties and privileges granted to each citizen by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

James Madison

: James Madison was an American statesman, diplomat and Founding Father who served as the fourth President of United States (1809-1817). He is hailed as "Father of Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

: An influential 18th-century philosopher who believed in direct democracy where everyone votes to express the general will and make laws for the common good.

John Adams

: John Adams was the second president of the United States (1797-1801) and one of the Founding Fathers. He played a key role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and was a strong advocate for independence from Britain.

John Locke

: John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher who is widely recognized for his contributions to the Enlightenment and his influence on social contract theory. He believed in natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.

July 2, 1776

: This is the date when the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence, effectively deciding that America would separate from British rule.

July 4, 1776

: This date marks when representatives from each of the original thirteen American colonies came together to adopt The Declaration of Independence. This document formally severed their political connections to Great Britain.

Natural Rights

: Natural Rights are basic rights that every individual is born with and cannot be taken away. These include life, liberty, and property, as proposed by philosopher John Locke.

Philadelphia

: Philadelphia is one of America's oldest and most historically significant cities. It served as temporary U.S capital while Washington D.C was under construction from 1790-1800.

Reason over Revelation

: "Reason over Revelation" is an idea from the Enlightenment where truth is sought through logical reasoning rather than divine revelation or traditional teachings.

Representation

: Representation refers to the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone. In the context of US history, it often refers to citizens electing officials to represent their interests in government.

Republicanism

: Republicanism is a political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic under which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Resolution for Independence

: The Resolution for Independence was a proposal introduced by Richard Henry Lee in June 1776 in the Second Continental Congress declaring United States independence from Great Britain.

Richard Henry Lee

: Richard Henry Lee was a prominent American statesman from Virginia during the American Revolution. He is best known for proposing the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain.

Robert R. Livingston

: Robert R. Livingston was an American lawyer, politician, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States who served on the Committee of Five.

Roger Sherman

: Roger Sherman was an early American lawyer and politician who served as first mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, and served on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Science over Religion

: This term refers to the preference or prioritization of scientific understanding and empirical evidence over religious beliefs or dogma. In US history, this has often been a point of contention between different societal groups.

Second Continental Congress

: The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that started meeting in 1775, during the American Revolution. It eventually declared independence as the United States.

Separation of Powers

: The division of governmental authority into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system prevents any one branch from gaining too much power.

Social Contract

: A social contract is an implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits. It involves sacrificing some individual freedom for state protection.

Tabula Rasa

: Tabula Rasa is Latin for "blank slate." It refers to the idea that individuals are born without built-in mental content and that all their knowledge comes from experience or perception.

The Enlightenment

: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th century. It emphasized reason, individualism, skepticism about religious authority, and a belief in progress.

Thomas Hobbes

: Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher best known for his book "Leviathan," in which he discusses social contract theory. Unlike Locke, Hobbes believed that humans are naturally selfish and violent, and therefore need strong central authority to maintain order.

Thomas Jefferson

: Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father who served as the third President of the United States (1801–1809). He is also known for writing the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Paine

: Thomas Paine was an English-born American political activist, philosopher, political theorist who wrote influential pamphlets at the start of American Revolution including "Common Sense".

Two Treatises of Government

: The "Two Treatises of Government" is a work written by John Locke which argues against absolute monarchy and advocates for a society based on natural rights where government power comes from the consent of the governed.

3.4 Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution

6 min readjanuary 10, 2023

J

James Glackin

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

J

James Glackin

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

The American Revolution was a pivotal moment in history, marking the birth of the United States of America and the beginning of a new form of government. However, the revolution was not just a political and social event, but also a deeply philosophical one. Let's discuss the ideas that drove the Revolutionary War since colonial leaders called for representation to reflect Enlightenment ideas.

The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that emerged in 18th-century Europe and emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism. It was a time of great intellectual and cultural awakening, and it laid the foundations for many of the values and ideals that continue to shape modern Western society.

Central Ideas of the Enlightenment

” is normally a tagline associated with , signifying how people began looking to humans, rather than a deity, to solve their problems and make reason of things going on in their lives. Now, out of reason emerges new political ideas about people, , and the function of government, questioning the authority of monarchs:

  • Being born with a , or blank slate, is a central tenet of Enlightenment thought. It suggests that people are born without innate knowledge or predispositions and that their experiences and environment shape who they become. This creates the idea that everyone is born equal and the son of a king does not have a divine right to rule.

  • wrote a work of political philosophy, titled, "." He argued that people have certain inalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property, that are protected by the government. He believed that these rights are granted by God and are not dependent on the government or any other authority. If any government did not serve its purpose of granting these , the people had the right to alter or abolish it.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-2Ro4AKx5XwmA.jpg?alt=media&token=d67be6ea-f3d3-4a08-9f7e-801bdba353e7

  • was best known for his work on the . He argued that the natural state of humanity is a state of war and that people form governments in order to escape this state and ensure their own safety and security. Hobbes believed that the role of government is to provide order and stability, and he argued that people must give up some of their rights in order to live under a strong, centralized government (as stated by the ).

  • was a political theorist best known for his ideas about and the . He argued that in order to protect against tyranny, a government should be divided into different branches, each with its own distinct powers and responsibilities.

  • was a French philosopher who expanded on the theory, emphasizing the importance of the . He argued that people are naturally free and equal and the role of the government is to serve the and protect the will of the people / their .

  • As discussed, the idea of the arose during this time period, suggesting that people agree to give up some of their individual freedom and rights in order to live in a society with a shared authority or government. According to the theory, government is a product of this agreement, and it exists to serve the and protect the of its citizens.

These ideas generally included , , , the , , a , and an emphasis on .

The new thinking of influenced , , , , and in their roles as Founding Fathers. We will see how these ideas influenced the drafting of important revolutionary documents such as the and the as well in the next few study guides.

Common Sense

"" is a political pamphlet written by in 1776, during the early stages of the American Revolution. Paine was a radical who had just arrived from England and was once a poor apprentice. The pamphlet was a powerful and influential piece of writing, and it played a significant role in inspiring support for the revolutionary cause among the American colonists.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-GbZFbZZpws8U.jpg?alt=media&token=e5dd45cf-607a-492c-a902-b068f496de37

Image Courtesy of American Battlefield Trust

In "," Paine argued for from . He outlined a number of reasons why the colonists should break away from Britain, including the fact that the British government was too distant and unresponsive to the needs of the colonists, that the British monarchy was corrupt and tyrannical, and that the colonies were capable of governing themselves.

If you were to take a look at "," you'd notice the idea of is prominent. Paine argues that all human beings have certain inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and property, that cannot be taken away by governments. He also stressed the idea of , that colonists should have a say and in the British parliament which was not the case at the time.

Paine's writing style was direct, simple, and accessible, making it easy for people of all backgrounds to understand and relate to. This allowed it to be a tool to gain support from colonists, rallying them to join the revolution. It essentially shifted the sentiment of the colonists from being loyal subjects of the King to considering themselves as Americans, who were entitled to the same rights and privileges as citizens of any other country.

The Declaration of Independence

The influence of Enlightenment ideals and Paine's "" was immense, making colonists want a republican form of government with and .

The met in in the summer of 1776 to vote on independence from Britain due to the increasing tensions between the colonists and its "mother country."

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F05_Declaration_National-Archives.jpg?alt=media&token=2d819fff-9e9b-4634-b0ef-bbc4cc53b242

The Declaration of Independence, National Archives and Records Administration.

was a delegate from Virginia to the Congress, and on June 7, 1776, he introduced a resolution calling for the colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain. The resolution stated:

"Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

The resolution was passed by the Congress on , although it did not yet include the details of how the colonies would organize as an independent nation. After that, a including , , Benjamin Franklin, , and was appointed to draft a statement to the public explaining the reasons for the resolution. The committee drafted the , which was adopted by the Congress on .

You can basically think of the as the following: America needed a written document to explain to the world why it declared independence and also would help in obtaining foreign help from other countries in the Revolutionary war.

was appointed to draft the and Congress later edited it, approving it on July 4.

Key Terms to Review (41)

Alexander Hamilton

: Alexander Hamilton was a Founding Father, first Secretary of the Treasury (1789–1795), and influential interpreter of the U.S. Constitution.

American Independence

: American Independence refers to the period when the 13 British colonies in North America declared themselves a new nation, free from British rule. This occurred on July 4, 1776.

Baron de Montesquieu

: Baron de Montesquieu was an 18th-century French philosopher best known for promoting separation of powers in government to prevent any one entity from gaining absolute control.

Ben Franklin

: Benjamin Franklin was one of America's Founding Fathers, known for his contributions as an inventor, writer, scientist, statesman, and diplomat.

British Rule

: British Rule refers to the period when Britain had political control over other countries or territories. In this context, it specifically refers to when Britain ruled over what is now known as the United States (from 1607-1776).

Checks and Balances

: This is a system in the U.S. government where each branch (executive, legislative, judicial) has powers that can limit or check the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Common Good

: The benefit or interests of all or most members within a community or society.

Common Sense

: "Common Sense" is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies.

Constitution

: The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, outlining the structure of the federal government and defining the rights and freedoms of American citizens.

Declaration of Independence

: The Declaration of Independence is a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776. It announced that thirteen American colonies were no longer under British rule and were now independent states.

Democracy

: Democracy is a form of government where power rests with the people, who either rule directly or through elected representatives.

Distrust of Aristocracy

: This term refers to skepticism or lack of trust towards aristocracy - a class traditionally considered superior due to their wealth or inherited titles. In American history this distrust led many people towards democratic ideals and away from systems resembling European monarchies.

Equality

: Equality refers to the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. In the context of US history, it often relates to social movements that fought for equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, gender or social class.

Five-Member Committee

: The Five-Member Committee was a group of five men appointed by the Second Continental Congress in 1776 to draft the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day

: Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. On this day, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to British rule and were now united, free, and independent states.

Individual Rights

: Individual rights refer to the liberties and privileges granted to each citizen by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

James Madison

: James Madison was an American statesman, diplomat and Founding Father who served as the fourth President of United States (1809-1817). He is hailed as "Father of Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

: An influential 18th-century philosopher who believed in direct democracy where everyone votes to express the general will and make laws for the common good.

John Adams

: John Adams was the second president of the United States (1797-1801) and one of the Founding Fathers. He played a key role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and was a strong advocate for independence from Britain.

John Locke

: John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher who is widely recognized for his contributions to the Enlightenment and his influence on social contract theory. He believed in natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.

July 2, 1776

: This is the date when the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence, effectively deciding that America would separate from British rule.

July 4, 1776

: This date marks when representatives from each of the original thirteen American colonies came together to adopt The Declaration of Independence. This document formally severed their political connections to Great Britain.

Natural Rights

: Natural Rights are basic rights that every individual is born with and cannot be taken away. These include life, liberty, and property, as proposed by philosopher John Locke.

Philadelphia

: Philadelphia is one of America's oldest and most historically significant cities. It served as temporary U.S capital while Washington D.C was under construction from 1790-1800.

Reason over Revelation

: "Reason over Revelation" is an idea from the Enlightenment where truth is sought through logical reasoning rather than divine revelation or traditional teachings.

Representation

: Representation refers to the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone. In the context of US history, it often refers to citizens electing officials to represent their interests in government.

Republicanism

: Republicanism is a political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic under which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Resolution for Independence

: The Resolution for Independence was a proposal introduced by Richard Henry Lee in June 1776 in the Second Continental Congress declaring United States independence from Great Britain.

Richard Henry Lee

: Richard Henry Lee was a prominent American statesman from Virginia during the American Revolution. He is best known for proposing the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain.

Robert R. Livingston

: Robert R. Livingston was an American lawyer, politician, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States who served on the Committee of Five.

Roger Sherman

: Roger Sherman was an early American lawyer and politician who served as first mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, and served on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Science over Religion

: This term refers to the preference or prioritization of scientific understanding and empirical evidence over religious beliefs or dogma. In US history, this has often been a point of contention between different societal groups.

Second Continental Congress

: The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that started meeting in 1775, during the American Revolution. It eventually declared independence as the United States.

Separation of Powers

: The division of governmental authority into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system prevents any one branch from gaining too much power.

Social Contract

: A social contract is an implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits. It involves sacrificing some individual freedom for state protection.

Tabula Rasa

: Tabula Rasa is Latin for "blank slate." It refers to the idea that individuals are born without built-in mental content and that all their knowledge comes from experience or perception.

The Enlightenment

: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th century. It emphasized reason, individualism, skepticism about religious authority, and a belief in progress.

Thomas Hobbes

: Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher best known for his book "Leviathan," in which he discusses social contract theory. Unlike Locke, Hobbes believed that humans are naturally selfish and violent, and therefore need strong central authority to maintain order.

Thomas Jefferson

: Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father who served as the third President of the United States (1801–1809). He is also known for writing the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Paine

: Thomas Paine was an English-born American political activist, philosopher, political theorist who wrote influential pamphlets at the start of American Revolution including "Common Sense".

Two Treatises of Government

: The "Two Treatises of Government" is a work written by John Locke which argues against absolute monarchy and advocates for a society based on natural rights where government power comes from the consent of the governed.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.