Abstract
To the American founding generation, the history of classical antiquity—of Rome in particular—not only supplied a common vernacular capable of transcending geographical and social boundaries, but also imparted important lessons regarding statecraft and the destinies of nations. Over the course of the 1760s and 1770s, the founders increasingly regarded America as the inheritor of Roman imperium, politically, culturally, and even religiously. Thus, alongside British constitutionalism, Enlightenment philosophy, and Christian resistance theory, the memory of Rome contributed to the declaration of American independence from Great Britain.
Recommended Citation
Felton, Rebecca
(2026)
"Rome Goes West: The Influence of Classical Antiquity upon the American Founding,"
Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History: Vol. 8:
Iss.
3, Article 11.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ljh/vol8/iss3/11
Included in
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons, Cultural History Commons, Intellectual History Commons, United States History Commons