The American Revolution was the result of many factors, however, the convergence of ideologies

formulated during the European Renaissance provided the foundation and rationale for the creation of a new

nation. Philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau each contributed their ideals on the rights

of man. Their influence changed the political landscape forever. In colonial America, men such as Thomas Jefferson

and Thomas Paine reflected that political philosophy in their own writings which shaped pivotal events of the era.

Yet, one has to wonder whether violent revolution was justified to achieve the political freedoms our forefathers

sought; furthermore, what historical and social significance does this issue imply for us today?

Historically, the American Revolution was the first successful attempt of a colonial acquisition to

achieve sovereignty in the post-Renaissance period. The American victory against overwhelming odds in favor of the

British motherland became an inspiration for others to follow. Shortly after America achieved her independence,

France followed a similar path in a struggle for political self-representation against her own monarch. Clearly, a

precedent had been set in place with implications found around the world.

Later in America's own history, some might even conclude that the Civil War had its roots in the

Revolutionary struggle of the 1700's. The southern states tried to secede from the Union because of a conflict in

political interests. In this case, the insurgent South did not achieve its goal. Nevertheless, the same ideologies which

provided a basis for the Revolution could be applied to the conflict between the states. In this war, the issue of

slavery blanketed the South's desire for self-government.

Self-government was viewed as the only way to protect the southern institution of slavery. Emory

Thomas from the University of Georgia wrote an essay, The Confederacy as a Revolutionary Experience, which

clearly supports the perspective that the Southerners viewed themselves as comparable to the revolutionary leaders

in the separation from England. Thomas stated, "Whatever his priorities, the archetypal Southerner believed his way

of life was unique and threatened . . . They responded to fundamental issues which divided the sections and achieved

their goal of disunion . . ." One can surmise that Thomas also felt that the Civil War was fought for political

sovereignty, because the Southerners felt that was the only way to protect their regional interests. It is also interesting

to note that since the Confederate States failed, their precepts did not have the same impact on history as the

American Revolution achieved. The Southern Confederacy is not remembered for its struggle to achieve political

sovereignty, instead, the issues surrounding that struggle have been recorded as the causes for America's bloodiest

war fought on her soil.

Nonetheless, the social implications of the American Revolution are astounding. For the first time,

the concept of self-determination had been realized. Prior to the Revolution, the convictions of Hobbes and Locke

were just whispers of discontent with the political structures of the times. However, the successful rebellion of the

American colonies proved that change could be achieved through brute force if necessary. Since then, the French

Revolution and the American Civil War were only two of the many armed conflicts fought against perceived political

injustices in a quest for self-determination. Still, was force necessary to achieve the same results? That question

certainly has relevance today.

In the modern era, military technology has reached a point where it is extremely detrimental to the

entire Earth for major conflicts to occur. Nuclear weapons have the capability to destroy entire continents leaving

fatal radiation and dust clouds that would affect every living thing left on the planet. Therefore, the call to arms is not

to be made lightly.

History has a story to tell that can teach us about ourselves. Recorded events cannot be changed,

but interpretations of those events can be modified or even corrected. Once we understand how past events

occurred the way they did, we can discern alternative solutions for those past conflicts. Perhaps, by discerning

alternative solutions for the past, we can become better equipped for finding alternative solutions to present

problems. Yet, students of history must view the evidence left to us by our forefathers to glean information which can

provide insight into the minds of those who shaped the events being studied.

Fortunately, primary documents surrounding the American Revolution have been faithfully

preserved. Students are able to examine the tenets of Hobbes and Locke, to understand the impact these men

had on the changing attitudes of the eighteenth century. In light of these philosophical contributions to society,

students will learn to "understand the meaning of fundamental ideas, including equality, authority, power,

freedom, justice, privacy, property, responsibility, and sovereignty." In addition, the scrutiny of private letters,

diary entries, and political speeches from men such as Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin will

illustrate their reactions to the proclamations and acts imposed by the British Monarch preceding the

Revolution.

However, the analysis of the political maneuvering, on both sides of the Atlantic, associated with

the Proclamation of 1763, The Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts will reveal clues concerning the answer to the

question of whether or not violence for the American Revolution was justifiable. Finally, a thorough examination of

Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, will exhibit the nature and intensity of colonial thought. This one

document clearly sparked the fuse laid by the previous political events illustrated by the proclamations and political

acts named above. Careful examination of these events will clearly show the political and economic conditions of the

times. Therefore, the question of whether a violent revolution was justified or not can be determined. Ultimately,

students will then be able to understand the "ideals of this nation as expressed in the Declaration of Independence,

the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights."