Factors Leading to the American Revolution

In the latest episode of The Dialectic, hosts Atul Singh and Glenn Carle examine the historical factors that contributed to the American Revolution. This discussion serves as a continuation of their previous analysis, "A New Telling of the Old Story of America." The settlers of New England, upon their arrival, began to forge a distinct identity that set them apart from both the indigenous populations and their English counterparts. This evolving identity fostered a more rigid Anglo-Saxon sense of belonging among the colonists. The emphasis on individual liberty and self-governance became central to the American identity, largely influenced by the geographical distance from Britain and the challenges posed by frontier life. This new identity clashed with the hierarchical and paternalistic structures prevalent in English society, leading to a growing sense of discontent among the colonists. As they distanced themselves from British norms, the American identity was increasingly self-consciously promoted. The episode also touches on the multidimensional nature of risk, suggesting that the challenges faced by the early settlers were not merely geographical but also ideological. The discussion highlights how these historical tensions have shaped contemporary American society. In addition to the main topic, the episode features insights from various contributors, including law professor Richard Abel, who discusses the rise of autocrats and their impact on established institutions, further enriching the conversation around governance and identity in both historical and modern contexts.