Revolution and Slavery

The video explores a provocative counterfactual proposed by historians: if the American Revolution had not occurred, could the abolition of slavery have happened sooner in North America? It examines changes in the Declaration of Independence that accommodated slave-owning interests and highlights the hypocrisy of advocating liberty while maintaining slavery. The video compares the abolition timelines in the British Empire and the U.S., suggesting that remaining under British rule might have led to earlier abolition without a civil war.

What is the main counterfactual proposed by some historians regarding the American Revolution?

• The American Revolution had no impact on the abolition of slavery.

• The American Revolution delayed the abolition of slavery.

• The American Revolution accelerated the abolition of slavery.

• The American Revolution was primarily about economic independence.

How did the wording of the Declaration of Independence change according to the video?

• It was modified to accommodate slave-owning interests.

• It was changed to promote religious freedom.

• It was adjusted to include more states.

• It was altered to support women's rights.

What contradiction did Samuel Johnson point out during the American Revolution?

• The contradiction between the fight for liberty and the practice of slavery.

• The contradiction between religious freedom and state laws.

• The contradiction between taxation and representation.

• The contradiction between economic growth and environmental protection.

What does the video suggest might have happened if the United States had remained part of the British Empire?

• Abolition of slavery might have occurred later.

• Abolition of slavery might have occurred earlier.

• The United States would have become a monarchy.

• The United States would have expanded more rapidly.

How did the abolition of slavery differ between the British Empire and the United States?

• It happened earlier in the British Empire without a civil war.

• It happened earlier in the United States.

• It occurred simultaneously in both regions.

• It required a civil war in both regions.