The Radicalism of the American Revolution

In this book, Gordon S. Wood explores the radical character of the American Revolution, dividing the narrative into three parts: monarchy, republicanism, and democracy.

Wood argues that the Revolution was not just a replacement of one elite group with another, but a profound transformation of American society.

He examines how the Revolution's classical republican ideals gave way to broader democratic and egalitarian forces, leading to significant changes in American life, including new concepts of labor dignity, improvements in women's status, and the emergence of the first significant antislavery movement.

The book also discusses how the Founding Fathers viewed the outcome of the Revolution, often with disappointment and disillusionment.