"Common Sense addressed to the inhabitants of America" on a range of subjects was the document that crystallised all the ferment and angst that had been justifiably rising for several years amongst the new world colonists who found themselves being arbitrarily subjugated to assumptions that left them defined as surfs and not people with dignity.
The rule of law, in effect, was subjected to a range of new requirements that left the people burdened with demands that were far above and beyond the rights and agreements established between the accepted authorities in England and those expected to live by these beyond those shores.
As Douglas Wilson points out in this informative reflection on the American struggle for independence, this wasn't a revolt - it was a break with tyranny, and it was entirely different in tone and intent to the French Revolution because of that.
The 1700's show us that when men are placed in a constant state of despotic control (as had been the case with the English under various Stuart Kings), then the moment will come when they, to break injustice, will rise against this.
The events and results witnessed in America's struggle to retain the freedoms that had been given and then abused by the British are truly worth considering in this present moment. They speak so well not only to what transpired at that time, but the social and political undercurrents now at play amongst us.
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