History Tutorial Journal Words: 549 The American Revolution displayed radical Ideas on freedom for Its time. However, there was one fatal flaw – the contradiction between their ideas on freedom and on slavery. The importance of the American Revolution was limited due to the lack of support for abolitionism, argues the historian in Sparks from the Altar of ’76: International Repercussions and Reconsideration of the American Revolution. The article relates to imperialism and colonization, mentioning what the self-determinism f the Americans meant for the Great British Empire and Europe.
arguments and article as a whole have various strengths, such as the many historians he mentions to reinforce his claims (e. G. Bally, , Marshall), all whom have the benefit of hindsight. He not only includes historians who agree completely, but overlaps similar points and differences (e. G. Palmer and ). However, whilst starting analytically, then adopts a largely narrative style, which is slightly less academic. Despite this, there are primary sources throughout this section that help o bolster It.
Citing Palmer, begins by arguing the American Revolution placed America as the ideal for those “seeking a better world”. Key elements of their ideology filtered unevenly across Europe and influenced movements of liberation. However, with reference to , it is also said these ideas of independence and self- determinism were not usually accompanied with the concurrent rights movements that happened in America. Imperialism was threatened by the distribution of the ideas of self-determinism and liberalism.
Ultimately, the loss of the American colonies and the Ideas spreading didn’t Great Britain’s commitment to imperialism or the way they governed their colonies. In fact, the American War for Independence was more influential. As to why the American Revolution’s programmer of change and freedom did not truly spread, supplies two reasons. First, the Americans themselves did not intend to export their ideology, because of the contradiction of slavery and freedom.
They were afraid that doing so would lead to rebellions elsewhere that would In turn Inspire a rebellion at home. The American mouth was a fast-growing slave society, and losing this powerhouse would be troublesome. Another reason for the muted response abroad was that even the most ardent of supporters of the American Revolution were disillusioned with the American Revolution, because the Republic was not abolitionist.
However, despite this doubt, there was enough sentiment which permitted an anti-slavery programmer of action, according to . Finally, argues had the Founding Fathers taken action against slavery at a time when necessary factors could converge so anti- lever action was possible (“as it seemed to many leaders, even in Virginia”), the reception of the American Revolution worldwide and the effect on imperialism would-be been different.
Using Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson as examples, shows how there wasn’t enough courage among the Founding Fathers to fully support the abolitionists publicly, despite the urgings of the European Friends of Liberty (e. G. Lafayette, Price). Ultimately, the lack of commitment to abolitionism had limited the spread of ideas, caused embarrassment and disillusionment to it supporters, and restricted its effect on imperialism and colonialism.