Mary to the British throne,
the American Revolution, and, finally the wars, empire, and overthrow
of Napoleon. A knowledge of these events is not only valuable in
itself, but it enables us to penetrate the darkness which usually
obscures the daily life and character of a people. A true view of the
life of Socrates gives us an accurate idea of Athens and the Athenian
people. The protectorate of Cromwell, the great event in all English
history, presents a view of the British nation while passing from an
absolute government to a limited monarchy, slowly but certainly tending
to republicanism.

The American Revolution was a clear indication in itself of what the
colonies had been, and what the republic was destined to be. Had the
Revolution been delayed, no history, however minute, could have given
to the world as accurate knowledge of the colonists from 1770 to 1780
as it now possesses. It was the full development of all their history;
it was the concise, vigorous, intelligible introduction to their
future. It was a great illustration of pre-existing American
character. Neither religious nor political fanaticism was an element
of the American Revolution. It was altogether defensive--defensive
in its assertion of principles--defensive in its warlike operations.

It is true that the Revolution was an important step towards freedom
and equality, but the Revolutionists did not primarily contemplate the
destruction or abandonment of the principles of the British government,
but rather their preservation and perpetuity; and this in a great
degree they accomplished. The two governments are dissimilar in many
respects, but the principles which lie at the foundation of the one led
to the formation of the other.

The Revolution was conservative. There was always a strong desire in
the American mind to preserve, perpetuate, and improve existing
institutions. Our fathers were not the enemies of government. They
were ready at all times to sustain a government founded upon and
recognizing the principles of equality and justice. Nor did they
imagine that society could exist without the agency of a government in
which force should be an element. In the early part of the struggle,
while they denounced the policy of the British Ministry, they gave to
the principles of the British system an unequivocal support. Many
looked only to a reproduction of the home government upon these shores,
but that was as impossible as the con