While the American colonists fought to break the tie with England, a less privileged group within Revolutionary ranks was determined to win equal political rights for all adult males and a government in which the will of a majority of citizens would prevail. Farmers and artisans saw the Revolution not as an end in itself but as a means of building a new, truly democratic society. When they demanded democratic reforms they were confronted by men of substance who, though devoted to liberty, had no desire to disturb the existing social system. The resolution of this internal conflict laid the foundation for modern American democracy. “No other work brings together in a single volume so much that is significant in the political history of our revolutionary period.”—Annals. “Mr. Douglass’ succinct, balanced, and perceptive retelling of this story makes it clear that the Revolution was not fought to achieve democracy but rather to win political independence.”—Richard B. Morris, Political Science Quarterly.

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