THE MEANING OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

by Dan Lacy ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 15, 1964

The author of this solid philosophical study wears two hats: best known as the Managing Director of the American Book Publishers Council, he is also a historian of recognized standing. Stating that ""to understand the Revolution we must think ourselves back into a very different age,"" he describes 18th-century life and social conditions in England and America, and the differences in political thought that led to the Revolution. England's attempts to tax the Colonies and restrict their commerce resulted in riots, boycotts and threats. The Townsend Act and Parliament's efforts to aid the East Indian Co. by an import duty on tea dumped on America ended with the Boston Tea Party and the Port Act; the resulting revolution let to a new nation. The ""Meaning of the Revolution"" lies in part in four phases of its development: ""secession from the British Empire; the formation of a union under a constitution; further democratization of life within the U. S.; the formulation of a body of political theory."" Its true meaning, however, lies ""in the founding of an empire by action shaped by an idea: ... the proposition that all men are created equal""; by failing to grant equality to the Negro, America has also failed to carry out this idea in its entirety. Profound, carefully documented, and occasionally ponderous, this book will appeal to historical philosophers and seasoned students. Not for undergraduates or amateur historians.

Pub Date: Oct. 15, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: New American Library

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION