Overview
This lecture covers the key economic, political, and ideological factors pushing American colonists toward independence from England, with special attention to the influence of Thomas Paine, Enlightenment thought, and the Declaration of Independence.
Push and Pull Factors in Colonial Independence
- The colonies faced economic exploitation under British mercantilism, supplying raw materials and buying manufactured goods at a profit to England.
- Political control increased through taxation and military force, leading to resistance (e.g., "no taxation without representation").
- England's escalation in response to colonial opposition created further tension and desire for autonomy.
- The "pull" towards independence included the aspiration for rights seen as natural, not granted by government.
Ideological Foundations of American Independence
- Colonists increasingly believed in inherent rights, drawing from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Thomas Paine.
- The Enlightenment promoted human reason and self-governance, contrasting England’s tradition-based “unwritten constitution.”
- Many colonists shared a background of seeking religious freedom, autonomy, and opportunity unavailable in England.
Thomas Paine’s Impact and Critique
- Paine argued America should not merely seek equality with Englishmen but become something fundamentally new.
- He criticized "no taxation without representation" for tying colonial identity too closely to England.
- Paine advocated representative institutions reflecting a united American identity, influencing calls for collective government.
Declaration of Independence and Its Values
- Jefferson’s Declaration emphasized equality, inalienable rights, and the consent of the governed, echoing Locke and Paine.
- The Declaration marked a break from British rule, asserting the colonies as free and independent states.
Crisis and Motivation (1776)
- 1776 was both pivotal and desperate: the Continental Army was struggling, morale was low.
- Paine’s "The American Crisis" rallied support, emphasizing perseverance and commitment to shared values.
- Paine saw government as a necessary evil, its main function to protect liberty and facilitate cooperation.
Institutional Development Post-Independence
- After victory, there was an effort to create institutions reflecting national unity, leading to the Articles of Confederation.
- The Articles represented the first, though imperfect, attempt at national government beyond individual states.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mercantilism — Economic system where colonies supply raw materials to the mother country and buy back manufactured goods.
- Enlightenment — Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individual rights, and self-governance.
- Natural Rights — Rights inherent to individuals, not granted or revocable by governments.
- Continental Congress — Representative body uniting the colonies during and after independence.
- Articles of Confederation — First constitution of the United States, emphasizing state sovereignty.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read (or re-read) the Declaration of Independence with attention to its philosophical context.
- Prepare for the next lecture on the Articles of Confederation and the transition to the U.S. Constitution.