The American Revolution as a People’s Revolution

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Table of Contents

The American Revolution As a People’s Revolution
Conclusion
Works Cited

The American Revolution As a People’s Revolution

Historians and academicians are eager to find out if the American Revolution was an event that can be considered as a “people’s revolution”, an uprising that benefited all people groups. It is an interesting question, as it seems to come forth from the romantic ideals of how a revolutionary government could create prosperity and positive change for all people. This question also took a certain meaning since it is being analyzed in the context of the history of the United States, a country espousing the idea that all men are created equal. At first glance, it seems that the American Revolution was not a “people’s revolution”, but with time, it can be considered as such if the analyst is willing to redefine the meaning of the said concept.

An idealized conception of a revolution leads to the conclusion that the American Revolution was not a representation of a “people’s revolution.” Ruling elites and enterprising capitalists seemed to have created great wealth and influence in the aftermath of the war, while others were not as fortunate to reap the fruits of their labor. Ordinary soldiers, average citizens, American Indians, Negro slaves, and women had to endure economic hardships and became victims of speculators and opportunistic businessmen. However, it is important to redefine the meaning and application of the term “people’s revolution” to figure out if it is possible to achieve this goal. For example, the political and social upheaval that made life miserable for ordinary people was the expected outcome of a revolution. A revolution is a path to change, but this tool has two sides to it. It does not only create change, but it also creates a great deal of destruction.

An idealized version of a revolution calls for the accomplishment of lofty goals. This includes freedom for all. Moreover, the impact of the revolution is expected to improve the livelihood of individuals and should mark the end of tyranny and oppression. However, this idealized version does not conform to human nature and other social forces that shape societies. Consider for instance the collapse of the Soviet Union. Communist regimes like the former USSR were proud of their goal of creating an egalitarian society. However, after the end of such regimes, outsiders discovered the truth about ruling elites (Aron 1). In other words, it is part of human nature to create ruling elites and to create a certain level of inequality in society.

After redefining the meaning of a “people’s revolution” by considering the result after a long process of trial and error, one can make the argument that in the long run, the American Revolution shaped the United States into one of the richest nations on the planet. The standard of living in the US is higher compared to the majority of nations all over the world. Negro slaves became American citizens, women earned the right to vote, and other benefits came after a hundred years of struggle. The positive outcome was due in large part to political conservative like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. The decision to create a weaker central government created wonderful results in the long run because it promoted liberal ideas. In the case of the Shay’s Rebellion, the debtor insurgents were punished lightly and this event marked one of the starting points for the creation of political stability (Oakes 203).

Conclusion

It is important to redefine how people perceive the term “people’s revolution” to appreciate the positive changes that occurred in the aftermath of the American Revolution. Those who disagree will find it impossible to cite an example of a successful “people’s revolution” in human history. If one will consider human nature and analyze American history from a practical point of view, he will appreciate the positive effect of the said uprising that benefited scores of American citizens.

Works Cited

Aron, Leon. Everything You Think You Know About the Collapse of the Soviet Union is Wrong. 2011. Web.

Oakes, James. Of the People: A History of the United States. New York: Oxford

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The American Revolution as a People’s Revolution

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