Proud soldiers united by a common goal fought the American Revolution. Weary souls left their families in order to live and die for one word, "freedom." The war was won and freedom gained. At least this is what all of the textbooks tend to tell eager students thirsty for knowledge about the history of their wonderful country. However, was the American Revolution really a revolution? I do not believe so. Was freedom truly gained? Liberty was given to the citizens who already had it, but denied to those who wanted it most. Did so many brave soldiers die for a goal that was never achieved? Possibly.
On June 24, 1826 Jefferson spoke passionately about the American Revolution. He delicately proclaimed, "All eyes are opened, or opening to the rights of man. The general spread of light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their back- Indeed Jefferson believed the revolution would be the beginning of a new era in which equality would reign and tyranny would fade away into nothing. Such feelings are evident in his quotation. On the other hand the problems, which fueled this revolution, remained after the war was over and independence was achieved. A brand new way of life was not beginning, actually only a polished version of the life that was lived before remained. .
The Revolution was inspired by numerous causes, but irritation could possibly be one of the more important sources of the time. It can be said that the colonists were happy with the colonial policy established between Britain and themselves. Actually, they were only content with a foreign policy that brought glorious results. When the relationship between the colonists and the mother country began to decay, the revolution slowly began. However, no separatist movements ever existed. (Morison, 1965) In fact, I find it hard to believe the shift of power that occurred is immense enough to be considered a revolution.
