Heimler's History: Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution

Introduction

• Exploring Unit 3 of the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• Focus on the philosophical foundations leading to the American Revolution.

Shift in Colonial Attitudes

• Main Question: How and why did colonial attitudes about government change before the American Revolution?
• Key Events:
  • Stamp Act Congress (1765): Delegates petitioned for repeal as loyal British subjects.
  • Continental Congress (1774): Deliberated resistance to British legislative tyranny.
    • Still hoped for reconciliation.

Enlightenment Influence

• Colonists influenced by Enlightenment ideas, yearning for liberty.
• John Locke:
  • Government by consent of the governed.
  • Natural rights: life, liberty, property.
  • Self-rule via elected representatives.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau:
  • Social contract: People give power to government to protect natural rights.
  • Rebellion justified if government violates this contract.
• Baron de Montesquieu:
  • Advocated for a republican government.
  • Separation of powers into executive, legislative, judicial.

Changing Sentiments

• Colonists saw themselves as liberty-blessed.
• By 1774, still loyal to King George, not considering revolution.

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"

• Published 1776, argued for independence using plain language.
• Criticized monarchy; infused with Enlightenment ideas.
• Popularized sentiments that Enlightenment thinkers had among elites.
• Criticized by John Adams as simplistic, yet profoundly impactful.

Declaration of Independence

• Second Continental Congress (1776): Resolution for independence.
• Thomas Jefferson's Declaration infused with natural rights, social contract.
• Accepted on July 2; announced on July 4, 1776.

Conclusion

• Revolutionary War with Britain inevitable.
• Video concludes Unit 3 topic 4 of the AP U.S. History curriculum.