I'm more inclined to believe in the economic/social theory for the start of the American Revolution, rather than it being caused by a fortuitious gathering of ideologically kindred philosophers. There are very few examples of "ideas that changed the world," but there many examples of men with big ideas who took full advantage of their present circumstances.
Recent history further sways me towards the former view. Think about it. If we take only what our "leaders" have written about the reasons for what they did, we will inevitably get a distorted view of recent U.S. history. (Think: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon , or My Life by Bill Clinton.) It is only through tough independent journalism and careful academic research that we uncover the true motives behind the "movers and shakers." I don't see why we should be too trusting of our Founding Fathers' historical spin on things. They weren't gods among men, only men. And politicians at that, many of them.
On the other hand, American public figures back then weren't so acutely concerned with their legacy, or what the press thought of them. Most of them truly looked down on the common man, and didn't care what he thought.
By Tim Arango
November 29, 2008 | New York Times
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/weekinreview/30arango.html?_r=1&ref=patrick.net&pagewanted=all
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