The Shoemaker And The Revolution Analysis

Article Analysis: The Shoemaker and The Revolution Alfred F. Young wrote The Shoemaker and the Revolution to explain how a regular citizen could become such an active participant in the American Revolution. He explores one citizen in particular, the shoemaker George Robert Twelves Hewes, and how he went from a young, nervous boy to a patriot that stood up for what he believed. Young describes that this transformation can be explained by participation in events that inspired the revolution - the Boston Massacre, the Boston tea Party, and the tarring and feathering of John Malcolm. The first event that began to shape the man that Hewes would become was the Boston Massacre in March of 1770. Hewes also had several altercations with British troops before the Massacre

Young states that by participating in these events, Howes was able to enhance his revolutionary spirit which would enable him to become such a patriot. The events in the American Revolution can be closely compared to those of the French Revolution. The most striking similarity can be seen in the ideals that were followed by both nations. The ideals of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and equality were born from the American Revolution and heavily influenced the French when they revolted against their country. These revolutions did have some differences, one of which would be the way they would be carried out. The American Revolution occurred to to one side of a country overthrowing their mother country for independence. The French Revolution occurred due to some of the nation wanting to change the way the monarchy functioned, not gain independence. Overall, these two revolutions can be seen as comparing closely. Youngs article articulates the transition one citizen could make from ordinary to