Ideas of the American Revolution (AOS 1)

Question 1

The Enlightenment

Answer 1

an intellectual movement that challenged old views, values and traditions that had previously been accepted as fact. They believed that for something to be truly valid as a fact it must be logical and rational. Enlightenment thinkers challenged the divine right of Kings and were of the opinion that mankind of good nature and intelligence could govern itself.

Question 2

Natural Rights

Answer 2

Locke’s concept of natural rights were derived from the enlightenment and became an integral part of revolutionary ideology. It was argued that man is born with natural rights that couldn’t be taken away. Rights included; life, liberty and property. It was the role of any government to protect these rights.

Question 3

Taxation without representation

Answer 3

Americans had become used to a large decree of self governance and having some say in law-making. They therefore saw the arbitrary nature of the British taxation was an act of a dictational government. The colonists insisted that their taxation could only be passed if they could have had a voice in British parliament.

Question 4

Representation

Answer 4

British parliamentary democracy was based on virtual representation that is, parliament acted for all its citizens supposedly in their best interests. The Americans wanted actual representation were someone sat in parliament on behalf of them, allowing a voice

Question 5

Republicanism

Answer 5

The American colonies were developing rapidly, resources were rich and people were intellectually active. Thus, Americans started wanting political autonomy; the right to rule itself and not be commanded by another country.