The real American Revolution was the radical change in the views of the people in the years before the War for independence.
“The war? That was no part of the revolution. It was only an effect and consequence of it. The Revolution was in the Minds of the People, and this was effected, from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen years before a drop of blood was drawn at Lexington.”
— John Adams letter to Thomas Jefferson, August 24, 1815
He went on to say:
“public opinion was enlightened and informed concerning the authority of Parliament over the Colonies”
— https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-6507
That’s right. The people have final authority over government. NOT the other way around.
After all, we the people are the jura summa imperii.
“The Revolution was in the Minds and Hearts of the People, and in the Union of the Colonies, both of which were Substantially effected before Hostilities commenced.”
— John Adams letter to Jedidiah Morse, November 29, 1815“But what do We mean by the American Revolution? Do We mean the American War? The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the Minds and Hearts of the People. A Change in their Religious Sentiments of their Duties and Obligations. While the King, and all in Authority under him, were believed to govern, in Justice and Mercy according to the Laws and Constitutions derived to them from the God of Nature, and transmitted to them by their Ancestors— they thought themselves bound to pray for the King and Queen and all the Royal Family, and all the Authority under them, as Ministers ordained of God for their good. But when they Saw those Powers renouncing all the Principles of Authority, and bent up on the destruction of all the Securities of their Lives, Liberties and Properties, they thought it their Duty to pray for the Continental Congress and all the thirteen State Congresses, &c.”
— John Adams letter to Hezekiah Niles, February 13, 1818
The real American revolution was the change in the people’s opinions about tyrants. Not the war.
When will you take a stand?
