"As to the history of the revolution, my ideas may be peculiar, perhaps singular. What do we mean by the
revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The
revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen
years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington. "
Former president John Adams to former president Thomas Jefferson
August 1815
"There is nothing more common than to confound the terms of the American Revolution with those of the
late American war. The American war is over: but this is far from being the case with the American
Revolution. On the contrary, nothing but the first act of the great drama is closed. It remains yet to establish
and perfect our new forms of government, and to prepare the principles, morals, and manners of our citizens.
for these forms of government, after they are established and brought to perfection. "
Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence and delegate
to the Continental Congress, January 1787
3. Using the excerpts, answer (a). (b), and (c).
a) Briefly describe ONE significant difference between Adams' understanding and Rush's understanding of the
American Revolution,
b) Briefly explain how ONE specific historical event or development from the period between 1760 and 1800
could be used to support Adams' interpretation.
c) Briefly explain how ONE specific historical event or development from the period between 1760 and 1800
could be used to support Rush's interpretation
