Lesson 9 - How revolutionary was the American revolution?
In political science, a revolution (Latin: revolutio, "a turn around") is a fundamental change in political power and political organisation, which occurs relatively quickly when the population revolt against their oppression (political, social, economic) by the incumbent government. To some extent, the American revolution clearly was a revolt that resulted in a change in political power and organisation. The American Patriots overthrew the government of the British and installed a new system of government based upon significantly different principles. (See the Declaration of Independence). But how 'fundamental' was the change? Was post-revolutionary USA significantly different from pre-revolutionary colonial America?
After the American Revolution, the percentage of eligible voters in the newly independent United States remained limited due to property, gender, and racial restrictions.
After the American Revolution, the percentage of eligible voters in the newly independent United States remained limited due to property, gender, and racial restrictions.
Classical Athens |
Post-revolutionary USA |
|
Eligible voters |
10-15% of population |
10-20% of population |
Exclusions |
Women, slaves, metics. |
Women, slaves, Native Americans, non-property owners |
Watch the video 'Tea Taxes and the American Revolution' (one of John Green's best) and answer the debatable question: how revolutionary was the American Revolution? Draw up and complete a table like this:
