Was The American Revolution Really A Revolution

The American Revolution was caused by the changes in Britain and not by social change in America. American colonists had a clear reluctance to fight and separate from Britain as seen in such documents as the Olive Branch Petition and the Declaration of Independence. Many American writers expressed regret or melancholy over their separation from the British. Many historians debate whether or not the American Revolution was actually a revolution. A revolution is known as an upheaval of a society (for example the French, or Russian revolutions). Given that nothing major changed in America in the post-war period (aside from establishing a political system), it is questionable whether it can actually be classified as a revolution. Carl Degler argues

As the feeling of British identity radiated from England, the colonies began to reflect this identity and attempted to join in. They asserted their unwavering loyalty to the king in an attempt to be a part of the British nationalism.[5] However, this push to be a part of the identity led to the question of if being British was the same as being English.[6] Colonists began to question if they were truly seen as equal to the English. The American colonists had assumed they were viewed as equal since, they had fought against the French in Canada, participated in the same luxuries, and were an active part of the British market. They believed that they deserved equal standing with the English.[7] Since the American colonies were so new, they had no history to connect to. This furthered their drive to connect with the British. Americans were increasingly proud to be a part of the British nation after such successes as the Seven Years’ War.[8] They found themselves attached to the idea that they were a part of the British identity. However, Americans began to realize that this notion of British nationalism was more accurately English nationalism. This English nationalism viewed the American colonies as an entity independent of this unity. The American colonists responded critically to this, taking it as a deep offense. John Adams went so far as to claim their exclusion likened Americans to slaves.[9] The Stamp Act only served to further push the Americans to feel as though they were losing their freedom and truly were second class citizens. The colonists viewed the Stamp Act as a deliberate insult. Americans struggled to find their identity in the face of this rejection. English citizens were subservient to the crown and American colonists were subservient to these English citizens.[10] Americans found fault with the