1776: A Revolution, Reactionary Revolt, or International Movement?

1
1776 A Revolution, Reactionary Revolt, or
International Movement?

• By
• Dr. Michael Faubion
• Department of History and Philosophy

2
A Revolution

• Traditional Whig Interpretation
• Fighting for political rights and values
• Focus on political sources and propaganda
• Patrick Henry Speech
• Witness to the Boston Massacre
• Bernard Baylin

3
Counter-Revolution Rebellion

• Progressive Interpretation
• Fighting for maintenance of old system and
  economic gain
• Focus on actions and complaints
• Declaration of Independence
• Constitution
• Charles Beard

4
Transatlantic Revolution

• Revisionist Interpretation
• Argues part of a larger global movement
• Looks at comparative movements and similar
  influences
• Thomas Paines Rights of Man
• Revolutions in France and Latin America
• Enlighten thought
• R.R. Palmer

5
Websites for Revolution Primary Sources

• http//www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/index.html
• http//www.law.ou.edu/hist/
• http//odur.let.rug.nl/usa/D/index.htm
• http//www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/statech.h
  tm