Liberty, The American Revolution - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Liberty, The American Revolution broadcast on KCET Los Angeles.
• Sponsored by NorWest, Foothill Capital Corporation, and National Endowment for the Humanities.
• Final episode hosted by Forrest Sawyer.

Key Historical Context

• In the 18th century, the central question was how to form a government that protects liberty and endures.
• Post-Revolution America (1783): 13 independent states with power residing with states, not Congress.
• French prepared for separate ambassadors to each state; no central executive or judiciary.

Washington's Resignation

• George Washington surrenders his commission, a rare renunciation of power.
• Set a new standard for greatness by stepping down instead of seizing power.

Formation of a New Government

• States were loosely allied; uncertainty about forming a single nation or multiple confederations.
• Debate between maintaining separate states or uniting.
• Treaty with England granted U.S. significant territorial gains.

Post-War Changes

• Migration westward led to conflicts and decline of Native American cultures.
• Loyalists displaced and often unwelcome both in America and abroad.
• Social hierarchies began to dismantle; changes in servitude and slavery.

Cultural Shifts

• Rise of nationalism; artists and writers glorified the revolution.
• Noah Webster worked on American English to define national identity.

Economic and Political Challenges

• Economic depression and debtor-creditor tensions.
• Shays' Rebellion highlighted issues of popular governance.
• States had own currencies and systems, leading to conflict and inefficiency.

Constitutional Convention

• Held in Philadelphia, 1787, to address inefficiencies and create a new Constitution.
• James Madison and Alexander Hamilton were key figures.
• Debates over the degree of federal power and structure of government.

Creation of the Constitution

• New system with checks and balances to protect minority rights.
• The idea of a large democracy with diverse factions as a safeguard.

Ratification Debate

• Constitution faced opposition due to fear of central power.
• Anti-Federalists vs. Federalists; major public discourse.
• Massachusetts was a critical battleground for ratification.

Bill of Rights

• Initially absent in the Constitution; demanded by Anti-Federalists for individual protections.
• Ultimately drafted by Madison and adopted to satisfy concerns.

Long-term Impact

• Ideals from the revolution continue to define American identity.
• Constitution and Bill of Rights foundational to American society.
• Ongoing struggle to extend "we, the people" inclusively.

Significance of the American Revolution

• Shift from aristocratic governance to democracy.
• Considered successful in establishing a lasting republic.
• Celebrates triumph of liberty and self-governance over tyranny and monarchy.

Conclusion

• Ideals from the American Revolution form the core of the U.S. identity.
• Continues to inspire and challenge the nation in extending rights and freedoms to all.