A People's History of the United States - Chapter 5: A Kind of Revolution

Key Points and Themes

• Armed Population and Leadership Distrust

  • American victory was aided by an armed population, mostly white males.
  • Revolutionary leaders distrusted poor mobs and needed to appeal to the armed white population, but this was challenging.
  • General enthusiasm for the war was limited; many served briefly in the army.

• Discontent and Loyalty

  • Significant portions of the population were treasonous or indifferent.
  • John Adams estimated a third of the population opposed the revolution.
  • Slavery in the South complicated military efforts, as militias were needed to control slaves.

• Military Engagement and Class Dynamics

  • Initial militia recruits were from respectable citizens; however, desperation led to recruiting less respectable whites.
  • The military offered opportunities for the poor to rise in status, a common tactic to mobilize populations.

• Socioeconomic Conflicts

  • The revolution exacerbated class struggles, especially in Philadelphia, where inflation caused hardship for the poor.
  • Mass meetings and riots indicated deep social divisions.

• Revolutionary Leaders and Economic Interests

  • The Continental Congress was dominated by the wealthy, who were interconnected by business and family.
  • Policies often benefited the rich, leading to discontent among soldiers and civilians.

• Military Rebellions

  • Various mutinies occurred, reflecting discontent over unpaid wages and harsh conditions.
  • Government responses included pardons, concessions, and punishments.

• Class and Political Structures

  • Many poor people did the actual fighting; meanwhile, elite citizens served minimally.
  • The Revolution did not significantly change class structures; the ruling class remained wealthy.

• Impact on Native Americans and Slaves

  • Native Americans were ignored in the Revolution and Declaration, resulting in land loss.
  • Slaves saw little improvement; some gained freedom but many remained oppressed.

• Constitution and Class Interests

  • The Constitution reflected the interests of the wealthy, emphasizing property rights.
  • Critics like Charles Beard argued it served elite economic interests, excluding slaves, indentured servants, women, and property-less men.

• Shays' Rebellion

  • An uprising in Massachusetts highlighted tensions between poor farmers and wealthy legislators.
  • The rebellion was ultimately quelled, but it exposed vulnerabilities in the new nation.

Analysis and Commentary

• Constitution and Rights

  • The Constitution and Bill of Rights contained provisions that seemed protective but were often selectively enforced.
  • Economic provisions were strongly enforced to maintain the status quo.

• Legacy of the Founding Fathers

  • Historians like Bernard Balin and Charles Beard differ in their views of the founders' intentions.
  • The founders aimed to preserve existing power structures rather than create true equality.

• Conclusion

  • The Revolution and Constitution primarily served to preserve the interests of the rich while offering limited benefits to the poor.
  • The chapter provides a critical view of how power was structured to benefit the elite at the expense of broader social equity.

The chapter reflects on the complex interplay of economic, social, and political forces in the American Revolution, emphasizing the enduring influence of class and power dynamics.