Was the American Revolution a radical or conservative theory/movement?

Question

can anyone help me with this one? not quite sure which one to go with.

Explain your reasoning

Answer 1

I am going to assume that you have been given the two definitions by your teacher. Neither are truly descriptive and are actually loaded.

With the definitions you have been given, it is a Radical Theory/Movement. The idea for the colonies was revolutionary, that is, it had never been tried before and it was sweeping in it's scope. Under current political definitions it would be considered part of conservative thought. Freedom from tyranny, even at the price of war. Dissolution of the monarchy and moving towards representative republicanism. Taxation with representation and the idea of overwhelming freedom of the individual to rise above his station through his own efforts rather than entitlement. Conservative, liberal, none of this was intellectual thought in the last half of the 1700's. These political disciplines were yet to be invented. Revolutionary is the appropriate word. Your teacher is looking to make you think that our founding was "radical", as though our founding somehow equates with "radical" islam, etc.. This is the answer he/she is looking for.

Answer 2

The American Revolution would be considered a radical theory/movement due to the fact that all the world in 1777 was either ruled by monarchies or totalitarian rulers. Here was a colony fighting for its right to separate from the mother country and advocate rights that were unique in the history of the world! The Founding Fathers were undoubtedly considered radicals by England if not political criminals all guilty of treason against the Crown.

Answer 3

Neither. Our govt. is based on the Greek and Roman Republic.
That is why we are a Democratic Republic. It was rebellious, but is rebellion always radical?
It was not a radical idea. It was an ancient idea.
It is neither radical, nor conservative to get fed up with oligarchies, and totalitarianism.
Our founding fathers were educated men who had gotten fed up.
They knew of the Roman and Greek Empires from their studies and this is where they got the basis and foundation for the govt we have today.
Now what the heck did I say to get a thumbs down? I did not say anything bad about the far left idiots. Tempting be it as it may be.
All I did was point out where the idea of the Democratic Republic came from. To who ever gave me a thumb down, you are an idiot.

Answer 4

I am not popsitive but I may take a guess. I would believe that it may be conservative. On the other hand, it was pretty rad...which links to radical. I mean im not positive although i may need to know the answer in the futur when i take college courses. But for now i am not absolutely 100%sure.

Answer 5

I think you should go with radical because the ideas were new and it was a change from other things.

Answer 6

Going by todays definitions, Conservative. Freedom OF religion (not FROM), and a desire to rid themselves of confiscatory taxes.

Answer 7

I would say it was definitely radical, and libertarian, or even anarchist.