2.3 The American Revolution and republican nationalism
2 min read•july 24, 2024
The birthed a new form of nationalism rooted in republican ideals. , , and became cornerstones of American identity. The articulated these principles, justifying colonial separation from Britain.
The provided the framework for the new nation-state, balancing federal power with state autonomy. While sharing some ideological roots, the American and French Revolutions diverged in their outcomes and influence, shaping distinct models of nationalism that would impact future movements worldwide.
Republican Nationalism and the American Revolution
Key principles of republican nationalism
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- Popular sovereignty empowers citizens as ultimate source of political authority through consent of the governed
- establishes rejecting hereditary monarchy and aristocratic privilege
- Natural rights philosophy enshrines life, liberty, pursuit of happiness as inalienable human entitlements
- Civic virtue promotes active citizen engagement and dedication to public good over self-interest
- Separation of powers divides government functions to prevent tyranny through system of checks and balances
- Rule of law ensures equal application of laws to all citizens constraining arbitrary government action
Self-determination in Declaration of Independence
- Self-evident truths assert fundamental human equality and unalienable rights as philosophical foundation
- Government's purpose defined as securing people's rights deriving legitimacy from popular consent
- Right to alter or abolish government when it becomes destructive to people's rights and liberties
- Grievances against King George III enumerate tyrannical acts justifying colonial separation
- Proclamation of independence severs political ties with Great Britain establishing free and sovereign states
Constitutional Framework and Comparative Revolutionary Ideologies
Constitution's role in nation-state framework
- Preamble invokes "We the People" as source of constitutional authority outlining national purpose
- balances national unity with state autonomy dividing powers between levels of government
- Three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) distribute governmental functions preventing concentration of power
- safeguards individual liberties from government encroachment (freedom of speech, religion)
- allows constitutional adaptation to changing national needs and values over time
American vs French Revolution nationalism
- Both rejected monarchical rule embraced popular sovereignty influenced by
- American Revolution focused on political change encompassed broader social economic transformation
- American Revolution protected religious freedom French Revolution pursued aggressive secularization and anticlericalism
- American Revolution led to stable republic French Revolution experienced political instability (Reign of Terror, Napoleon)
- American nationalism emphasized civic ideals French nationalism stressed ethnic cultural linguistic unity
- American model inspired constitutional republics French Revolution sparked revolutionary movements globally
Key Terms to Review (17)
Amendment process: The amendment process refers to the procedures established in the U.S. Constitution for making changes or additions to the document. This process ensures that amendments reflect a significant level of consensus, requiring approval by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions. The significance of this process is rooted in its role in shaping the evolution of American governance and its response to the ideals of republican nationalism.
American Revolution: The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1775 and 1783, in which the Thirteen American Colonies won independence from Great Britain. This conflict laid the foundation for republican nationalism, as it promoted ideals of self-governance and individual rights, while also influencing the decline of multi-ethnic empires through its example of national self-determination and the rise of modern nation-states.
Bill of rights: A bill of rights is a formal declaration of the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, often included in a constitution or legal document. It serves to protect citizens from government overreach and guarantees specific liberties, which became especially significant during the emergence of republican nationalism and the aftermath of the American Revolution.
Civic Nationalism: Civic nationalism is a form of nationalism that emphasizes shared citizenship, legal equality, and a commitment to a common set of political values and institutions, rather than ethnicity or culture. It focuses on the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a nation-state, fostering a sense of belonging based on civic participation and democratic governance.
Civic virtue: Civic virtue refers to the moral and ethical standards that are expected of citizens in a republic, emphasizing the importance of personal sacrifice for the common good. This concept underscores the idea that citizens should actively participate in political life, prioritize community interests over individual desires, and uphold democratic values. Civic virtue was seen as essential for the success of republican governance, as it fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to the community.
Constitution: A constitution is a foundational legal document that outlines the principles, structures, and processes of a government. It serves as the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework within which a government operates and ensuring that individual rights are protected. The concept of a constitution is closely tied to the development of republican nationalism, as it reflects the aspirations for self-governance and the rule of law following revolutionary movements.
Declaration of Independence: The Declaration of Independence is a historic document adopted on July 4, 1776, that announced the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule. This pivotal text outlined the principles of republicanism and individual rights, emphasizing the belief that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Its radical assertion of equality and rights laid the foundation for republican nationalism, influencing not just American identity but also inspiring other nations seeking self-determination.
Enlightenment Philosophy: Enlightenment philosophy refers to a movement that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It greatly influenced political thought and the development of democratic ideals, particularly in the context of republican nationalism during events like the American Revolution, where ideas about liberty, equality, and the social contract became central to justifying independence from monarchical rule.
Ethnic nationalism: Ethnic nationalism is a form of nationalism where the nation is defined in terms of shared ethnicity, culture, language, and common ancestry, often prioritizing the interests and identity of a specific ethnic group. This type of nationalism can lead to strong feelings of belonging among members of the ethnic group but may also result in exclusion or discrimination against those outside the group.
Federalism: Federalism is a political system in which power is divided between a central authority and various regional entities, allowing both to exercise control over the same territory and populace. This system helps maintain a balance of power, ensuring that no single entity becomes too dominant. Federalism often supports the notion of republican nationalism by allowing local governments to maintain certain degrees of autonomy while still being part of a larger national framework.
French Revolution: The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which fundamentally changed the structure of French society by ending absolute monarchy, establishing a republic, and inspiring movements for democracy and nationalism across Europe. It showcased the influence of Enlightenment ideals, shifting power dynamics, and the emergence of modern national identity.
Natural Rights: Natural rights are fundamental human rights that individuals possess inherently, simply by being human. These rights include life, liberty, and property, and are believed to be universal and inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or denied. The concept of natural rights played a pivotal role in shaping modern political thought and inspired revolutionary movements advocating for individual freedom and equality.
Popular sovereignty: Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. This idea emphasizes that political power rests with the people, who have the right to determine their own government and laws. It links closely to concepts of democracy and self-governance, serving as a foundation for civic identity and republicanism.
Representative government: A representative government is a political system in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. This form of government contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens directly participate in decision-making. It emphasizes the idea of elected officials acting as a voice for the people, ensuring that various interests and perspectives are represented in governance.
Republicanism: Republicanism is a political ideology centered on the belief that government should be based on the consent of the governed and that representatives are accountable to the people. This concept emphasizes civic virtue and the common good, contrasting with monarchy and hereditary rule. In this context, republicanism played a crucial role in shaping the principles of the American Revolution and the emergence of a new national identity.
Self-determination: Self-determination is the principle that allows nations and peoples to determine their own political status and pursue their own economic, social, and cultural development. This concept is often tied to the struggles of various groups for autonomy, independence, and recognition, particularly in the context of historical and contemporary nationalist movements.
Three branches of government: The three branches of government refer to the division of government responsibilities into distinct areas to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power. These branches include the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with its own roles and powers, promoting a system of checks and balances. This separation is essential in a republican system as it aims to uphold democratic principles and protect individual rights.