Which of the following best represents the Conservatives feelings in the 1780s about the American Revolution?
Select one: a. It had liberated Americans from the yoke of oppression, but they feared unrestricted democracy and mob rule. b. It paved the way for the formation of new alliances with other British rivals. c. It was a mistake, and that their lives were better when governed by the British. d. It liberated Americans from the yoke of oppression and paved the way for a new monarchy.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. It had liberated Americans from the yoke of oppression, but they feared unrestricted democracy and mob rule.
Explanation:
In the 1780s, after the American Revolution, many Conservatives in Britain had a complex and somewhat contradictory view of the outcome. On one hand, they recognized that the American colonies had successfully liberated themselves from British rule, which meant that the colonies were free from what they saw as the “yoke of oppression” imposed by the monarchy. However, this newfound liberty caused concern for many Conservatives because of the potential for disorder and instability that might result from an unrestrained democratic system.
The Conservatives in Britain were wary of the shift toward greater democracy in America. The period following the revolution saw the rise of more populist ideas and an increased role of the common people in governance. Conservatives feared that this could lead to “mob rule,” a situation in which decision-making would be based on emotional, irrational actions by the masses, rather than through structured and disciplined leadership. They worried that the new American republic might not be able to maintain the kind of political stability that existed under British monarchy and aristocratic institutions.
While some British Conservatives did view the revolution as a mistake, especially in the aftermath of the loss of a lucrative colony, they were more concerned about the instability and possible chaos created by the new government, which was based on a democratic framework that was still untested at the time. The fear of disorder was heightened by the radical nature of some elements within the American Revolution, such as the call for more radical reforms and the French Revolution’s influence, which was beginning to unfold in the late 1780s. These elements led to fears about the possibility of revolution spreading to other parts of the world.
Thus, the dominant Conservative perspective was one of cautious recognition of American independence, coupled with a strong concern about the future of American democracy.