Introduction
The article The Dilemmas of Ruling Elites in Revolutionary America written by Gary J. Kornblith and John M. Murrin is centered on the evaluation of the consequences of the revolution in America. The work can be viewed as the relevant guide in the understanding of the major issues and peculiarities of the revolution. Numerous facts, names, and dates provide a deeper understanding of how the society struggled with Great Britain’s power. The major purpose of the paper is to review the article, summarize the content of it, and identify the main arguments presented in the work.
Analysis
The article opens with a brief description of the positive consequences of the revolution in America. The authors state that there were no America, North, or South during 1760. One of the major contributions is that the revolution gave a push for the new nation to arise. Subsequently, the accent is laid on the Anglicization. The revolution of 1688 influenced the development of the Royal Navy in England. It should be stressed that the military sphere received the priority and was one of the strongest across the globe. Despite the fact that the army was not the biggest one, it was so powerful that Great Britain could form new colonies with ease.
After the Glorious Revolution, the population of Great Britain began the increase, so as the production industry. With the increase of wealth, the elites in the colonies ruled by Britain accumulated the way the society lived in Great Britain. The mass media, especially newspapers, aimed to provide the elite with the information regarding the political and economic environment in Europe and, in addition, placed the description of the products that were available, but not everyone could afford it. The authors highlight that a number of men received a high-quality professional education during the eighteenth century. The population in the colonies was very diverse. Anglicization gained momentum and influence almost all the spheres of social and political life.
The next part of the article is focused on the revolution itself. The elite in North America was sure that they make everything for people, however, it worth stating that all the decisions were taken with the consideration of the Crown. The tension became evident between 1763 and 1776. Loyalists and patriots were opponents. The middle and lower class understood that they could make a difference. Although the Stamp Act Crisis (1764-1766) proved that unity could influence political decisions, it became evident that consequences might be dramatic.
Gary Kornblith and John Murrin examine the issue regarding the constitution in the next part of the article. The American elites aimed to develop a certain set of rules that would reflect the desires of the revolution. That is, they met in Philadelphia. There were fifty-five delegates; the vast majority were rich and powerful, but all the members were from the genteel families. There were also some people from the Congress and Continental Army. The major objective of the meeting was to draft the governmental structure of the future union. However, the difference between the states was noticeable. As a matter of fact, the issue regarding slavery was the central element in the misunderstanding between the North and the South. During the last months of shaping the constitution and the governmental structure, delegates were more focused on the attitudes and feelings of the voters than on the creation of the advanced type of government. The constitution held all the values and aims of the revolution.
To get a deeper understanding of all the challenges that the society faced, the authors examine the split of the elite. After the ratification of the constitution, a number of questions arose. First and foremost, Hamilton stressed that the Anglicization of American society was the only way to achieve success and be able to compete in the world’s arena. He stated that the fiscal system of Great Britain should be the role model for the Americans. However, it is significant to note that Republicans were against Hamilton’s ideas.
They offered decentralization, westward migration, and improvement of the agricultural sector. They rejected the significance of the British system to the republican society. In contrast, Hamilton offered his vision of prosperity. According to his point of view, the agricultural sector was not beneficial. He stated that industry is a fundamental point to success. However, Madison and Jefferson found his arguments weak and thought that there was a monarchical context in his ideas. Patriots did not aim to reflect the Great Britain society or governmental structure. The pivotal objective was to create a new type of society based on modern visions. The elite had significant splitting in ideas.
Democratization, decentralization, and disintegration is another point of consideration. Kornblith and Murrin highlight the fact that the presidency of Jefferson was the end in the Anglicization of the American community in the social and political way. First and foremost, it should be stressed that decentralization and democracy received the priority. People were sure that their needs will be reflected in governmental decisions. The middle class gained more political influence. Jefferson’s political vision was centered on hearing the will of people and rejecting the British structure. One of the most significant political actions of that time was the abolishment of the internal taxes and the reduction of the army. One of the consequences of the revolution was the improvement of agriculture. The question regarding slavery was not solved. The Missouri Compromise proved that slavery should be limited. This compromise was one of the events that lead to the Civil War. As a matter of fact, the Civil War can be considered as the pinnacle in the revolution of 1800.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the primary aim of the article The Dilemmas of Ruling Elites in Revolutionary America written by Gary J. Kornblith and John M. Murrin is to highlight the significance of the revolution in the American history. The authors note the position and role of the elite during the changes. The researchers provide the reader with detailed information regarding the subject. The information is divided into five main areas that contribute to better involvement in the issue. It seems to be significant to understand that certain events cause the Civil War. The society made a long way of transformation. American patriots did not want to live according to the British rules, and that is, the split of the elite highlights the controversial nature of the events that took place during the revolution. As a matter of fact, the American Revolution was a turning point for American society, and that is, should not be undervalued.