Revolutionary Society

Revolutionary Society

1. Context

   • - Extending democratic promises of the country
     • Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia and how he speaks about slavery
       • Process of American revolution rather than an event. Process from 1763-1799
         • 1763 - 1776 = protest and resistance
           • 1776-1782 = war
             • 1783-1788 = consolidation
   • Ideals that motivated people
     • 1776 - Declaration of Independence
       • Jefferson believed it was important to separate state and Church (did this in Virginia)
       • question of how does a government work on these principles?

2. Republicanism

   • Context
     • Former colonists had not lived in anarchy. A stronger and more central government was needed during war and to secure foreign support. Could not have 13 ambassadors - needed to be centralised. Needed solidarity against Britain.
     • Many ideas made debates - agreed on the need for a republic.
   • 1) Classical roots of republicanism originated in Roman times. People looked back on the advantages of a republic. People needed to be freed from selfish interests. Needed to become good citizens.
   • 2) Republicanism in America. In contrast to monarchy, republics are held together from below. Consent of the people. Republicanism was about morals. It wasn't just ridding of a King and adding an electoral system. It was to be a way of life. Required an egalitarian society. It needed equal people, merit rather than status. Widely accepted agreement for need for central government.

3. Articles of Confederation, 1781-1788

   • States had own constitutions before this.
   • 1779 - all approved apart from Maryland. Weakness = requires the unanimous consent of all 13 states, so can easily be held up with specific concerns.
   • Made states sovereign. Very democratic - required 9/13 for war for example. Weakness - Congress could not levy taxes because states were sovereign.
   • Needed constitutional revision. Most concerned = foreign trade and affairs. Economy down after the war - Virginia called on other states to set national trade policy. Only 5 turned up. Rearranged - still not many interested until rebellion.