The "Hidden" Revolution: How America Became Modern Before 1776
Between 1680 and 1770, the British mainland colonies underwent a transformation that turned them into the world’s "first modern society". Long before George Washington took command, the DNA of modern America was already being spliced together. 1. A "Jumble of Peoples": The First Melting Pot Becoming America: The Revolution before 1776 fr...
We often hear about New England town meetings, but Butler argues that real political power moved to the provincial level. Colonists became "politically self-conscious" and power-hungry, building complex political institutions that were far more participatory than those in Europe. They weren't just reacting to British taxes; they were practicing the art of self-governance for decades. Why It Matters The "Hidden" Revolution: How America Became Modern Before
Colonists imported European and Asian goods—from silver communion plates to velvet seat cushions—to define their social status. A "Jumble of Peoples": The First Melting Pot
The takeaway from is that the 1776 Revolution was possible only because the society was already "American" in every way but name. The colonies had already embraced diversity, global trade, and complex politics—the very traits we still debate today.
This era saw a shift toward the materialistic and commercial values that remain central to American life. 3. Religious Pluralism (With a Catch)
The following blog post explores the themes of Jon Butler's book, .
