42 pages • 1 hour read
Bernard BailynThe Ideological Origins of the American Revolution
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1967A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution by Bernard Bailyn explores the ideological development that fueled the American Revolution, arguing that the colonists' political ideology, influenced by Radical Whig literature and a deep-seated fear of corruption and conspiracy, ultimately created the "logic of rebellion" that framed British policies as threats to liberty. The book examines how this ideology redefined traditional British political concepts and had transformative effects on constitutional issues, political sovereignty, and broader societal impacts.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bernard Bailyn’s The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution is lauded for its profound analysis of the political principles driving the Revolution, blending intellectual rigor with accessibility. Critics commend its thorough research and enlightening interpretation but note its dense prose and occasional inaccessibility for general readers. Overall, it's a landmark study in early American history.
Who Should Read The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution?
A reader who would enjoy The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution by Bernard Bailyn is likely an academic or history enthusiast with a keen interest in the intellectual underpinnings of the American Revolution. Comparable readers of Gordon S. Wood's The Radicalism of the American Revolution or John Locke's Two Treatises of Government would find this book compelling.