The Rest Is History

347: The American Revolution (Part 1)

Jul 3, 2023

This discussion features Professor Adam Smith, an Oxford historian specializing in the American Revolution. They dive into the escalating tensions between the American colonies and Britain, revealing the pivotal role of taxation and representation in sparking rebellion. The conversation also explores the cultural influences of the Great Awakening and how religious fervor contributed to the colonies' quest for self-governance. Listeners will discover early resistance movements and the complex relationship between identity and governance leading to revolution.

01:00:45

Episode guests

Adam Smith

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The American Revolution was sparked by tensions over taxation and representation between the American colonies and Great Britain.

The clash between British parliamentary sovereignty and the colonists' desire for self-governance fueled the underlying conflict.

Acts of violence, such as the Boston Massacre, and a sense of injustice and persecution contributed to the intensification of resistance among the colonists.

Deep dives

The Causes of Tension

The tension between Britain and the American colonies begins due to a series of acts, such as the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765, that impose taxes and stricter regulations on the colonies. The colonists see these measures as violations of their rights as Englishmen and resist through boycotts and protests.

1776 George III, Parliament, and the Colonists. King didn’t have authority!

02:52

Intro

3min

Colonial Strains: Prelude to Revolution

20min

Religious Influence on Colonial Governance and the Road to Revolution

5min

Colonial Tensions and Rebellion

17min

Tensions in Boston: The Road to the Massacre

9min

Preview of Key Events Leading to the American Revolution

2min

“America, late the strength, now the foe to Britain, dismembered, torn, I fear forever lost to England, whence she sprung.”

The American Revolution came about due to growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain, primarily over issues of taxation and representation. It led to the birth of the United States of America, established upon Enlightenment principles of liberal democracy and constitutionalism. In the first episode of our four part series, Tom and Dominic are joined by Professor Adam Smith for a detailed look at the beginnings of the American Revolution, as they examine the background to the war, and how both religious fervour and the implementation of colonial taxes fuelled the conflict.

The Rest Is History Club members can listen to the full series now.

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*The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*:

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Producer: Theo Young-Smith

Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

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The Rest Is History

347: The American Revolution (Part 1)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Causes of Tension

Parliamentary Sovereignty vs. Colonial Self-Governance

Continued Resistance and Growing Paranoia

Violence and Its Consequences

The Road to Independence

1776 George III, Parliament, and the Colonists. King didn’t have authority!

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts