Take, for example, your American Revolution. The majority of the people were either favourable to the government (branded “Loyalists” as if loyalty were evil), or apathetic—the eighteenth-century equivalent of couch potatoes. Around (IIRC) 30% of the British colonists got upset. They were whipped into a frenzy, organized, and propagandized by what, from the government’s viewpoint, were traitors and criminals—what would nowadays be called “domestic terrorists”. History otherwise remembers them, because history books are written by the winners.
Some of the revolutionary leaders were wealthy—for instance, Hancock; a bunch of rich men pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honour” to the cause of revolution. [...]
Speaking of which, I guess it’s good form for me to wish y’all American types of folks a happy July 2.
Independence Day Should Have Been July 2 –July 2, 1776 is the day that the Continental Congress actually voted for independence. John Adams, in his writings, even noted that July 2 would be remembered in the annals of American history and would be marked with fireworks and celebrations. The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4 but wasn't actually signed until August 2. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although all were not present on that day in August.
I had bookmarked somewhere a link to an informative page on this topic, with relevant quotes and references to primary sources—especially to Adams. I cannot locate it at this particular moment.
I will leave as an exercise to the reader the question of whether, if they could see America now, the signers of the American Declaration of Independence would run back to the king screaming, “Please forgive us! Take us back! We made a very big mistake!”
