Revolution without Dogma by Daniel Boorstin
How is the American Revolution unique from other 18th, 19th, and 20th century “revolutions”?
Strictly political revolution- based in doctrine
Rational movement
England has become corrupted, but like the basis, so going to become independent and perfect ideas in Americas
Were the American and French Revolution linked? How or why not?
French revolution is more than political, waves of new government
Many leaders being overthrown and killed
Americans do not want to overthrow a system or redefine anything, want to break away
French Revolution is more social, class system does not change in America
Explain Boorstin’s argument that the American Revolution was a “conservative” movement?
Social revolutions tend to be more bloody and drawn out
American Revolution
Noble Military Engagements
Americans vs. British aka Patriots vs. Tories
Patriots have more passion they have committed treason if they lose
Financial struggles for both
Siege of Boston (Jan-Mar 1776)
Battle of Dorchester Heights
Elevated region across bay; need artillery
Henry Knox fights British at Ft. Ticonderoga
Men haul cannons they seized from British up to Dorchester
British relocate to NY by choice to divide colonies
New York (Mar 1776)
GW: 19,000 v. Howe 32,000+ Hessians (German mercenaries)
Washington as “sly fox” defeated at Battle of Brooklyn Heights
W know he is beaten goes to NY merchants and asks to loan ships to cross river
Transfers army away from Brooklyn and across river at night loses battles, but wins the ones that count, and lives to fight another day
December 31, 1776
W knows by end of 1776, men’s enlistments are up- wants to win to convince them to stay
Plans attack at Trenton, so crosses Delaware River at night
W brings up rear, no coastline on D River, ice formation is wrong, no flag
Battle at Trenton (December 25, 1776)
GW’s tactic (2,400 men) vs. Hessians (1000)
Battle