American Counter-Revolution in Favor of Liberty: How Americans Resisted Modern State, 1765-1850

The book argues that the origins of American liberty should be sought in the political and social resistance to the efforts of its "statesmen" during the 1780s, rather than in the constitutional-reformist feats. It suggests that America was a stateless, spontaneous political order that evolved culturally, politically, and economically in isolation from the modern European trends of state-building and centralization of power.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 279 pages
\n Publication date: 29 December 2018
\n Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG
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The origins of American liberty cannot be traced back to the constitutional-reformist achievements of its "statesmen" during the 1780s, but rather to the political and social resistance they faced. In the late 18th century, America witnessed two revolutions: the modern European revolution, which advocated for government, national unity, "energetic" government, and power centralization (often referred to as the "American founding"), and a conservative, reactionary counter-revolution, which championed liberty, local rights, and liberal individualism against the encroaching political authority. This book delves into the origins and ideological, political, and cultural foundations of this liberal counter-revolution, as well as its key figures.

The central analytical argument of the book is that America existed as a stateless, spontaneous political order that evolved culturally, politically, and economically in isolation from the modern European trends of state-building and power centralization. The book proposes a "decoupled modernization" hypothesis, which suggests that social modernity should be detached from the politics of the modern state and linked with pre-modern social institutions.

The book explores the various factors that contributed to the emergence of this liberal counter-revolution, including the Enlightenment ideas of individualism, democracy, and human rights, which challenged the authority of the monarchy and the Church. It also examines the economic and social changes that occurred in America, such as the rise of capitalism, the expansion of agriculture, and the development of a middle class.

The book also highlights the role of individuals and groups who fought for liberty and justice, such as Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, and the Continental Congress. These individuals and groups were instrumental in shaping the American political landscape and establishing the principles of democracy and freedom that continue to guide the country today.

In conclusion, this book provides a fresh perspective on the origins of American liberty by challenging the traditional narrative that emphasizes the constitutional-reformist achievements of the 1780s. It argues that the roots of American liberty can be traced back to the political and social resistance to the modern European trends of state-building and power centralization. By examining the ideological, political, and cultural sources of the liberal counter-revolution, the book offers a valuable insight into the development of American society and politics.

\n Weight: 504g\n
Dimension: 155 x 216 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783030037321\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2019\n