American Revolution Dbq

The American Revolution gained momentum throughout the Colonies due to popular belief that Great Britain was a tyranny. Because of this, a revolution was founded on the idea of freedom. The founders envisioned a country where their “Constitutional and political freedoms” (“Road to Revolution”, 25:10) would not be threatened. Which they believed where endangered by British Parliament. Giving the revolution a conservative label. Conservative, meaning they were not an oppressed population revolting against a higher power, but common people concerned over their Liberty’s. But considering this took place in the middle of the 18th Century, America indeed was doing things radical, compared to the rest of the world. Abolishing an anarchy and moving to a system that had checks and balances. Likewise, the slave population in America were attempting to gain their freedom as well. Slaves, like America, were equally justified to claim their right to freedom.

America’s revolution was driven by the idea of freedom.

Regardless what changes might have been necessary, the general consensus was that the American people deserved a life free. “That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (“Declaration of Independence”). These words represented what the new nation stood for. It took radical thinking to be able to achieve this goal. America became the first country to move to a democracy. “only in America… That kings had been abolished” (“Road to Revolution”, 30:17). A radical way of thinking became present for the country. More than just property-owning males took part in political events. “new groups began to enter politics… women” (“Road to Revolution”, 25:30). But they weren’t the only group that were trying change their lives in a way never done before. Slaves were fighting their freedom battle as

well.
During the revolution, everyone in the colonies wanted their freedom, including slaves. There are many accounts of slaves petitioning for their freedom. The arguments they present are convincing, sounding similar to the one America had against the British. “That your Petitioners apprehend that they have, in common with all other Men, a natural and unalienable right to that freedom” (“History is a Weapon”). These slaves are claiming their freedom is as justified as those of white Americans. The new country looks hypocritical to not grant slaves their freedom. “When a nation was created that was committed to liberty but rested on slavery” (“What is an American”, Page 7). Comparing the two fights for freedom, Americans and the slaves. They are equally justified. Both non-uprising movements that stood for liberty from a higher power. Slaves even include in their petitions the comparison between the two. “That every principle from which America has acted in the course of her unhappy difficulties with Great-Britain, pleads stronger than a thousand arguments in favor of your Petitioners” (“History is a Weapon”). Even if freedom was granted it wouldn’t be the first radical decision the country has made, it would only be parallel to the founding principles. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” ("The Constitution of the United States”).
The slaves and their argument for freedom is equally as justified as the one made by their oppressors. Even if America relied on slavery for economic reasons, the country was founded on the idea of freedom. The newly formed country in the mid 18th century had excised radical ideas before. A consideration for freeing the slaves is no more ridiculous then America breaking away from Great Britain.