American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804

These chapters challenge traditional narratives by juxtaposing the colonists’ quest for liberty against their simultaneous engagement in the practice of slavery. Through this lens, Taylor not only broadens the scope of historical inquiry but also invites a reassessment of the revolution’s legacy, particularly in terms of liberty and justice.

Taylor’s method of contrasting aspirations for freedom with the reality of slavery shines a light on The Contradictions of Liberty: Slavery and Indigenous Dispossession. He uncovers inherent paradoxes within revolutionary rhetoric and actions, especially through the words of historical figures themselves. For instance, Taylor cites George Washington’s reflection on British tyranny, which Washington compares to the “arbitrary Sway” colonists held over enslaved Africans (55). This example underscores an obvious irony: The colonists’ battle for their freedom was entwined with the denial of that same freedom to others. Another example is Taylor’s use of Samuel Johnson’s critique, asking, “How is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?” (56). This rhetorical question further illuminates the deep-seated contradictions that have long been overshadowed by the glorification of the revolutionary struggle, suggesting the revolutionaries’ concept of liberty was deeply flawed and inherently exclusive.

Taylor structures his narrative to spotlight the ideological and moral contradictions of the Revolutionary era, organizing his exploration around the central paradox of liberty versus slavery. By tracing the debate on sovereignty and colonial rights against the backdrop of enslavement, Taylor’s thematic organization brings into relief the complexities and contradictions inherent in the American quest for independence. For instance, the reliance on the rhetoric of liberty in protests against the Stamp Act, while colonial society itself was deeply entrenched in the practice of slavery, highlights these contradictions. Taylor notes how colonists, who vehemently opposed British impositions as enslavements, paradoxically maintained enslaved Africans under conditions of extreme bondage and deprivation. This juxtaposition serves not only to chronicle events but also to underscore the broader implications of these historical moments. Another example is the advertisement for the recapture of fugitives from slavery by an enslaver who fears they aim for England, “where they imagine they will be free” (57)—a clear illustration of the era’s convoluted notions of liberty. These examples reveal the contradictions of revolutionary America, underscoring the intertwined narratives of freedom and bondage.

Taylor enriches his narrative with allusions to a variety of historical documents and personal correspondences, which serve to deepen the ideological and historical context of the American Revolution. Among these, “Cato’s Letters,” a series of essays by John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon, stand out as a pivotal source of colonial resistance thought. These letters vehemently criticized British government corruption and advocated for liberty and freedom, positioning them as foundational texts for American revolutionary ideology. Taylor’s invocation of these letters not only demonstrates their influence on colonial thought but also situates the American quest for liberty within a long-standing tradition of political criticism against tyranny and corruption.

Taylor similarly brings into focus Benjamin Franklin’s evolution as a thinker on matters of slavery and freedom. Initially ambivalent about the institution of slavery, Franklin’s critiques became increasingly pointed, culminating in his advocacy for abolition towards the end of his life. His transformation from an enslaver to a vocal opponent of the slave trade exemplifies the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards slavery among the founding fathers. By including Franklin’s evolving stance, Taylor provides a rich, documented context for understanding the revolutionary era’s ideological underpinnings and contradictions. Franklin’s eventual role as president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and his efforts to petition Congress to end the trade highlight the ideological shifts and moral debates that were part and parcel of the quest for American independence.

Taylor’s use of rhetorical and literary devices includes both irony and juxtaposition, which further underscores the American Revolution’s contradictions and complexities. The ironic use of Samuel Johnson’s query on the paradox of liberty-seeking colonists who enslaved others invites questions about the foundational myths of American independence (56). Taylor’s portrayal of the Boston Tea Party as an act of rebellion with important implications for the concept of property rights and freedom further highlights the multifaceted nature of the revolution (54). These devices are instrumental in Taylor’s critique, inviting confrontation of the uneasy truths about the revolution and its legacy.

In conclusion, by highlighting the contradictions between the ideals and practices of the revolutionaries, Taylor’s work contributes to the conversation of this foundational period in American history. Taylor’s exploration underscores the importance of grappling with the moral and ideological legacies of the past, encouraging a more informed and reflective engagement with the principles that continue to shape American society. The revolutionary debates and paradoxes around slavery and freedom further laid the groundwork for the later constitutional discussions that would define The Role of Federalism and State Sovereignty in Shaping the United States, illustrating how these foundational contradictions necessitated a complex balance between national ideals and the practicalities of governing a diverse and divided nation.