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"The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution", 2002.
This paper reviews historian, Robert Middlekauff's narrative historical study of the American Revolution title, "The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution."
935 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper examines "The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution," which reveals the complexities of the years between the signing of the treaty of Paris in 1763 and the election of George Washington in 1789. The author points out that the goal of Middlekauff's book was to analyze both the achievements and failures of the American Revolution. Some of the topics that are covered include detailed analysis of British debate about the colonies, the causes of the war as well as the evolution of the American Constitution. According to this author, Middlekauff does an excellent job of researching the different people who were intimately involved in this period in history, showing how both their strengths and their weaknesses affected this period in American history.
From the Paper
"This work, a narrative historical study of the American Revolution, and the first volume to appear in the Oxford History of the United States, reveals the complexities of the years between the signing of the treaty of Paris in 1763 and the election of George Washington in 1789. Although he does not intend his title to be ironic, the author recognizes that the cause of the American revolution ?had its inglorious side, and the Americans? manner of advancing it was sometimes false to the great principles they espouse.? (vii) Middlekauff ?s purpose is to present both the achievements and failures of the American revolution. His thesis is that our patriots and revolutionaries were not perfect, yet in learning ?to see things as they are and to imagine how they might be,? (665) they created a vision , fought for noble causes, endured their own imperfections and created the foundations for our country."
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Book Review: "The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution", 2002.
This paper discusses "The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution" by Robert Middlekauff, emphasizing the book's new realistic view of the American Revolution and its human heroes.
885 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
The writer looks at Middlekauff's personal background and credentials, discussing his thorough research skills and entertaining writing style. The paper argues that Middlekauff's fresh offerings and historical revelations concerning the revolutionary period make this book a strong piece about the American Revolution.
From the Paper
"Robert Middlekauff, born in 1927 in Washington state, holds a B.A. from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. from Yale. He saw active duty as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in Korea from 1952-54. For most of his long career he has been a professor of history at the University of California at Berkeley. In addition to The Glorious Cause (1982), his published books include Ancients and Axioms (1963), The Mathers (1971), and Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies (1996). Dr. Middlekauff received the Bancroft Prize in 1972 and the Commonwealth Gold Medal in 1983. He is listed as a historical educator in Who?s Who in America where this biographical information was obtained."
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A Critical View of the History of the American Revolution, 2002.
A study of various theories that relate to the American Revolution.
3,048 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 61.95
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Abstract
No one will argue that the American Revolution was one of the most significant events in shaping American Ideology. The impact on the economy, sociological and ideological make-up of America are still seen in today?s society. Many great minds have passed commentary on the impacts of the American Revolution. While most of the works written on the American Revolution tend to draw from these great commentaries, few stop to examine the works themselves. They have become deeply embedded in the annals of historical research and have gained such wide acceptance that few stop to question and examine them. This research examines the thoughts and opinions of several widely accepted experts on the impact of the American Revolution. It examines their perspective and place in history themselves, as well as to examines their sources and use of those sources. By doing this, the writer provides a better understanding of modern interpretations of historical events.
From the Paper
"Charles Beard has been accused by some of ?revisionist history.? Beard feels that in order to make an accurate assessment of historical events one must consider the economics of the event. Beard feels that one must ask, ?To whose advantage will changes or the maintenance of old forms accrue?? 1 In his widely acclaimed work on the Constitution, Baird claims that he Constitution itself is not an economic document. However, Beard argues that the Constitution is a tool that is to be used in favor of the economic interests of the parties that were promoting it. He feels that the promoters of the Constitution were those that had the most to gain from it in economic terms."
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"The Iroquois in the American Revolution", 2001.
A look at the historical importance of Barbara Graymont's book in understanding the relationship between the Native Americans and the locals in the American Revolution.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the role of the Iroquois Confederacy in the American Revolution and the fate of native peoples in its wake is a topic often overlooked by historians. In Barbara Graymont?s work, "The Iroquois in the American Revolution", Graymont attempts to shed light on the underlying issues of the American Revolution, more specifically, the effect of that conflict on the cultural identity and tribal unity of the Iroquois peoples. It shows how "The Iroquois in the American Revolution" examines the struggle between Britain and the thirteen colonies to attain the loyalty of the Iroquois, as well as the impending disintegration of the long-standing confederacy. This paper critiques Graymont?s work by analyzing important factors such as her biases, sources, background, assumptions, and overall knowledge of the topic at hand, as well as to examine alternate viewpoints of the subject and the relevance of this topic to our course.
From the Paper
"To successfully analyse and evaluate a historical work such as The Iroquois in the American Revolution, one must first examine the background of the author, in this case, Barbara Graymont, as well as the type and credibility of the sources used to research the topic and construct the work. Barbara Graymont, a white American author, is an associate professor of history in the United States. Graymont is also an honorary member of the Indian Defense League of America, a position which she achieved through acquaintance with and professional ties to many present day Iroquois in America.1 In light of the fact that Graymont has definite ties to native peoples, a reader would expect to see evidence of favouritism and sympathy toward the Natives as well as more strict criticism of the white peoples involved. Such cases are evident throughout the work. For example, in her prologue, Graymont uses the term Visutskie 2 ?pawns?2 to describe the utter usage of the Native peoples by both the British and the Americans in their attempts to defeat the other. In another instance, Graymont?s table of contents is valuable in determining exactly who and what the book was written for. The table of contents makes it quite obvious to the reader that Graymont is quite intent on educating the reader about Native culture and that each chapter centres around Native peoples and their roles in not only the American Revolution but in everyday life alongside the white settlers. Graymont makes reference to both the British and the Americans using bribery with alcohol and other presents, promises of military protection, and even grants of land taken from the Natives in the first place to try and win the Natives as allies."
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Historiography of the American Revolution, 2002.
A look at how the history of the American Revolution can be written from a wide variety of points of view and using a variety of methodologies.
3,448 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how history is written by human beings with their own interests, prejudices, and ideas, and how they often utilize one particular methodology in developing their historical narrative. It discusses how historians may write about the same events, and yet develop different theories to explain these events, with those theories based on the methodology they are using. The facts of the American Revolution are well-known, at least in general outline form, while specific events associated with the American Revolution may still be controversial and require considerable investigation. It shows how an examination of a number of histories of the American Revolution and its period suggests many of the methodologies that have been used and the arguments they may have generated with other historians using other methods.
Outline
Introduction
The Stamp Act
Economic Analysis
Radicalism
A Different View
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Charles A. Beard in various works offers an economic interpretation of the American Revolution and of the events leading up to it. In his earliest writings, beard placed a Marxian stress on economic factors in the society of the colonial era. He also echoed some of Marx's ideas on factions, in contrast to the view taken by James Madison. Madison looked upon factions as based on traits inherent in man's nature and hence permanent, but Marx took the view that classes were not based on inherent traits of human nature as such but were instead a function of environment. This would also mean they were temporary and subject to eventual elimination from human society."
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"The American Revolution", 2006.
A review of the book "The American Revolution" by Edward Countryman.
870 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes "The American Revolution" by Edward Countryman, which examines the American Revolution in terms of the different groups that participated in it. In particular, the book discusses groups usually ignored by historical accounts, such as blacks and women. The paper also focuses on Countryman's thesis that the American Revolution was more complex than usually depicted, underscoring the notion that people shifted from one group to another, one area to another, and one allegiance to another. The paper concludes that Countryman's book succeeded in creating a different image of American colonial life based less on dour Puritans and mercantilism and more on the diversity that already marked this part of the world.
From the Paper
"Countryman first points out the nature of this dynamic system and then considers some of the forces at work among the different groups, regions, and nationalities involved. He does not ignore the usual actors in this drama or the usual factors bringing about the revolution, such as the issue of taxation, but he offers more depth on why these individuals and forces came to the fore and on some of the other elements that are not as well known. Much of his emphasis is on the people, not just individuals but the people as a whole. As tensions increased in the period leading up to the revolution, violence also increased between groups and people: "Crowds or mobs or popular uprisings were central to the public life of colonial and revolutionary America" (68). Taxation and other efforts by the British to control and direct American economic interests to the benefit of Britain and the detriment of the colonies served as a reason for many of these acts of violence."
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Blacks and the American Revolution, 2006.
Examines the military role of blacks in the American Revolution.
2,682 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the military participation of African-Americans, especially slaves, who served in both the American and British forces during the American Revolution. Why did blacks, both free and enslaved, serve and how instrumental was their service in defeating the British? The paper shows that black forces fought on both sides during the American Revolution, and their contributions to both armies were extremely important. A large number of blacks earned their freedom as a result of the fighting, and many more gave their lives in the name of freedom. The paper shows that while blacks did not single-handedly win the American Revolution, their service was instrumental in many areas, including espionage and infiltration of the enemy.
From the Paper
"Dunmore had some compelling reasons to offer the blacks their freedom. His troops in Virginia only numbered about 300 because of "desertion and harassment," and he was desperate to find new forces to help defend the English loyalists in Williamsburg and other communities (Editors 2005). Dunmore was desperate for recruits, and would take them wherever he could get them. Of course, many Virginia slave owners found his actions to be controversial and frightening. They feared a slave revolt could come as a result of Dunmore's plea for men. His plan worked, he recruited hundreds of black soldiers, but the Congress of Virginia denounced his plan and threatened slaves with death if they escaped their masters."
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American Revolution, 2007.
This paper looks at the various causes of the American Revolution.
1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the American Revolution has traditionally been taught as if it was one single, unified movement. The writer points out that, according to this view, all Americans rose heroically as one to challenge tyranny, motivated by their love of freedom and desire for self-governance. However, the writer maintains that more recent interpretations have challenged this simplistic interpretation. It is argued in this paper that it is more correct to see the American Revolution as "many revolutions," in that there were many contributing ideas and factors, rather than one simple movement.
From the Paper
"Now, while many Americans clearly agreed with this idea, the point is that the frameworks within which they agreed with it were highly diverse. For example, Calvinists in New England were searching through the Bible for indications of the will of God, while at the other extreme, rationalists in Virginia were studying nature to discern divine mechanics. The only thing that united these diverse approaches and ideas about the nature of reality was a shared belief that every event was meant to be, and was given meaning by God ... "
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The American Revolution, 2002.
An insight into the American Revolution which was fought from 1775 to 1783.
820 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 20.95
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This paper examines the factors leading up to the American Revolution and the eventual signing of The Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It shows how the American Revolution gave the people the rights of citizenship and balanced their sense of freedom and equality as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence. It also discusses how it was the start of "democratization of war," which allowed the concept of the nation to be more liberal and less prone to absolute forms of power by the government.
From the Paper
"The economic and social state of the American colonies was in doldrums and the people needed a way to improve the situation, however, the British rulers were so involved with their skirmishes with the French that they virtually ignored the colonial situation and only went there to collect taxes and reinforcements when needed. The French and Indian War had proven expensive for England and as usual it turned to the colonies to replenish its losses. Higher taxes were imposed, stricter laws were mandated and colonial trade was allowed only through the ships from England. Such restrictions only served to worsen the life of the colonialists who could not afford to house, quarter and feed the British soldiers and horses and pay taxes. The colonialists resolved that the premises of their Monarch were illegal and serving to aggravate an already impossible situation and so took action."
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The American Revolution: Seeking Freedom Amid Turmoil, 2001.
A paper which details the colonists' quest for freedom and independence from tyrannical English rule during the American Revolution.
1,080 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses that when assessing the elements that surrounded the American Revolution, one cannot help but pay particular attention to the changes in consciousness that were responsible for driving this movement forward, ultimately consolidating gains for posterity. It shows that one can readily surmise that if the motherland had not imposed what was looked upon as controlling measures in order to maintain allegiance, the American Revolution would have never existed. The paper shows that Britain believed that its colonies were slipping away from under them -- as the colonists began to realize how pleasant it was to run their own lives -- and were quite eager to shed the suffocating cloak of political oppression.
From the Paper
"The American Revolution, which harbored the same social and political underpinnings as virtually all other historic wars, began as a crusade for freedom and independence from tyrannical rule. Remaining loyal to homeland presented no problem to British North American colonists at the start, however, a change of heart occurred after British rule began enforcing unnecessary and unreasonable demands upon the colonists. What initially began as a bid to both reclaim and preserve the rights of freeborn Englishmen soon turned into a all-out revolutionary movement culminating in the origin of a republic."
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The American Revolution, 2005.
A review of "The Radicalism of the American Revolution" by historian Gordon Wood.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, £ 36.95
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Abstract
"This paper examines "The Radicalism of the American Revolution" in which historian Gordon Wood argues convincingly that the American Revolution was a radical event, and provides solid evidence to support this assertion. The writer argues in favor of his approach, as he argues that the patriot leaders recognized that the social, political, and economic bonds uniting the colonies with Great Britain had to be severed completely and permanently, on the basis of their shared radical belief that hereditary monarchy was doomed and their determination to establish a new nation governed by the people through their elected representatives.
From the Paper
"The American Revolution: A Radical Event In The Radicalism of the American Revolution, historian Gordon Wood argues convincingly that the American Revolution was a radical event, and provides solid evidence to support this assertion. I agree with his assessment, for the patriot leaders recognized that the social, political, and economic bonds uniting the colonies with Great Britain had to be severed completely and permanently, on the basis of their shared radical belief that hereditary monarchy was doomed and their determination to establish a new nation governed by the people through their elected representatives. The publication in 1776 of Thomas Paine's Common Sense, which immediately sold more than one-hundred and fifty thousand copies, confirms that radical political sentiments were pervasive throughout the thirteen colonies. "
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"The Radicalism of the American Revolution", 2004.
A review of the book, "The Radicalism of the American Revolution," written by Gordon S. Wood.
1,722 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses American history through a discussion of Gordon S. Wood's book, "The Radicalism of the American Revolution". The paper contends that Wood's reconstruction of the events and social changes leading up to the American Revolution 'shift' the story from one of rage against the King and bloodshed on the soil of the new nation to 'heroic commitment' on the part of Americans to change the monarchy and its paternalism into a republic built on creative new ways to celebrate and define a lifestyle more suitable to free people. The paper also reviews Natalie Zemon Davis's book, "The Return of Martin Guerre," in order to demonstrate different methods of recounting historical stories.
From the Paper
"And while the styles of Davis and Wood are very different - in terms of the recounting of historical events - within the context of the story Davis tells there are two dramatically different approaches to the telling of that tale, albeit the tale has the same plot, characters, setting and themes. The type of approach to the mental world of Bertrande de Rols, the wife who actually collaborated with the imposter Arnaud de Tilh, that Davis offers in her book, Finlay writes, is "radically different" than that of author Jean de Coras' version. This makes a fascinating study into two versions of the same essential story. Coras, on the one hand, was most interested in "the marvelous deception" carried out by Arnaud, and had a "certain admiration" for Arnaud's cunning, Finlay writes (555). Meanwhile, Davis' focus is on the fact that the wife, Bertrande, was actually "Arnaud's accomplice, for she knew that the man claiming to be her husband was a fraud.""
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The American Revolution, 2008.
An argument that the American Revolution was essentially a series of revolutions.
937 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that the American Revolution was not one moment in time that outlined the rest of history, but was rather multiple events that greatly effected the rise of revolution and the eventual overthrow of the British monarchy. The paper examines Paul S. Boyer's book, "The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People" that outlines the history of the New World, breaking down its lifespan in two parts. The paper then shows how the American Revolution was a series of revolts on social, economical and political fronts.
From the Paper
"Boyer's book, The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People, outlines the history of the New World, breaking down its lifespan in two parts. The first part deals with discovery and early colonization and the second part describes the events from the Reconstruction period to the growing tension that led to the Civil War. As noted by the author, there are multiple elements in the development of the New World as the new 'utopia'. North America provided what many European discoverers were seeking in the Middle East: An abundance of land and rich resources. Subsequently, the battle for power between the British, French and Spanish set the tone for decades to come, as various European cultures began to colonize the eastern part of North America."
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The American Revolution: Revolution of the People, 2001.
This paper examines the sociological roots of the American Revolution and argues that John Adams was completely right when he said "The revolution was effected in the minds and hearts of the people?"
2,192 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 47.95
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Abstract
This essay traces the sociological attitudes of the American colonists throughout the pre-revolutionary period, as well as the American Revolution itself. Included are the reactions to British injustices such as the stamp act, sugar act, and quartering act, as well as more general trends in the thinking of the colonists. The paper also examines the way the colonists used John Locke's ideas to justify their actions. In addition, it traces how some colonial newspapers looked at the crisis, and the influence they had. This paper is a comprehensive examination of the emotions and attitudes of the colonists that led to and spurred on the American revolution.
From the Paper
"The protection of private property was considered imperative by Locke, and he reasoned that tyranny originated from government invading the natural rights of man. Despite the fact that these views were originally established in a time period well before the revolutionary period was at hand, the colonists applied them very effectively to their own situation. A number of Locke?s other beliefs and ideologies were bought into by the colonists. His doctrine of the supreme power of legislature, by which he meant to suggest that the British Parliament would have power over the crown, was used by the colonists to justify the idea of implementing Colonial legislatures that would have powers over the crown."
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