A Revolution of the Elite

The American Revolution was not a spontaneous uprising. It was organized by colonial elites, wealthy merchants, plantation owners, and lawyers, who resented British interference with their profits. The Stamp Act of 1765 and the Tea Act of 1773 struck directly at their interests.

Leaders like Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry channeled real popular grievances into a movement that served elite interests while promising liberty for all. Active support for independence was never universal — most colonists were cautious, divided, or simply trying to stay out of it.