Why and how did American colonists forge a new, independent nation?
IINCREASED TAXES AND GOVERNMENT control sparked colonial protests in the New World, where the era of liberal political revolution began. Participants in the revolution believed they were demanding only the traditional rights of English men and women. But those traditional rights were liberal rights, and in the American context they had strong democratic and popular overtones.
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776John Trumbull’s famous painting shows the dignity and determination of America’s revolutionary leaders. An extraordinarily talented group, they succeeded in rallying popular support without losing power to more radical forces in the process. (Photo © Boltin Picture Library/The Bridgeman Art Library)