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Abstract

Within the annals of history, the American Revolution and the subsequent Founding Era could rival any other historical time frame for the amount of academic analysis that has been conferred upon the people, the documents, and the overall trends that led up to the world-changing establishment of the United States of America. However, one area that has had comparatively little focus given to it is the contribution of Scottish political writings from centuries of unrest and continual attempts to maintain their sovereign rights as a free people. Often overlooked due to the celebrity-like status of French and English Enlightenment writers, Scotch political writers –often inspired by their religious beliefs – were just as influential on America’s Founding Fathers, if not more so. The question remains of why English and American historians alike have not acknowledged the influence of the Scottish theopolitical philosophies on the founding of America is not an easy one to answer. Aside from English historians’ lack of recognition, it is more astounding that American historians have shown just as much apathy in presenting the differences between English and Scottish philosophies that eventually led to the American Revolution. It was not until almost the end of the twentieth century that historians began to recognize – or at least admit – that the Scottish influence was a remote possibility. But perhaps the answer lies in the fact that the inherent belief of Scottish freedom was so ingrained in their collective minds through their political and religious beliefs, that it was just a natural part of their life. Maybe, if there were more focus on the continuous theme of freedom and self-determination throughout Scotland’s history, rather than looking for specific links showing irrefutable evidence between the Founders and the Scots, the influence of the Scottish on America’s Founding could be given the place of honor it deserves

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