Second American Revolution facts for kids

The American Revolution happened from 1775 to 1783. After this war, the United States became an independent country, recognized by Great Britain. The term Second American Revolution is used to describe ideas or calls for big changes in the United States. It's not about another war, but more about a major shift in how the country works or thinks. Sometimes, people use this term to talk about past events that brought huge changes, and other times, groups call for a new "revolution" to change things they don't like.

What is the Second American Revolution?

The idea of a "Second American Revolution" often means a time of great change for the United States. It's not a real war, but a way to describe big shifts in politics, society, or the economy. People who use this term usually believe that the country needs a major update or a new direction.

Ideas for Big Changes in the U.S.

Throughout history, different people have used the term "Second American Revolution" to talk about their ideas for changing the country. These ideas are often very different from each other.

Updating the Constitution

The writer Gore Vidal once suggested that the United States might need a "Second Constitutional Convention." This would be a meeting to update the Constitution of the United States, which is the main rulebook for the country. He thought that the Constitution had changed so much over time, especially with important additions like the Bill of Rights and amendments about freedom and equality (like the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth amendments), that it was like having several different versions of the Constitution. He saw these changes as big steps, almost like new "republics" or versions of the country.

A Revolution of Progress

In 1985, President Ronald Reagan used the phrase "Second American Revolution" in a speech. He saw it as a revolution of progress, pushing the country forward in knowledge and space exploration. He also described it as a "revolution of spirit" that would make America stronger. For Reagan, this revolution was about freedom, making taxes simpler, and changing how welfare programs worked.

Calls for Major Reforms

Some groups have used the idea of a "Second American Revolution" to push for big changes they believe are needed.

• The founders of the Tea Party Patriots, Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin, wrote a book called Tea Party Patriots: The Second American Revolution. In their book, they suggested ways to "restore America to greatness" by supporting ideas like smaller government, lower taxes, and less power for public worker unions. They also supported ideas like school vouchers and believed in American exceptionalism, which is the idea that the U.S. is unique and special.

• When talking about a plan to change the tax system to a "flat tax" and get rid of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), former Congressman John Linder said it would be a "second American revolution." He believed this tax plan could excite people and bring great benefits to Americans and businesses. He compared it to big historical events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Soviet Union, showing how big changes are possible.

• Some individuals have also used the term to express their desire for significant political change. For example, before an event at the U.S. Capitol in 2021, a former police officer named Julio Cesar Chang posted a video saying, "The beginning of our second American revolution." He also mentioned ideas about a "deep state" and a "1776 Part 2 Revolution," referring to the year the U.S. declared independence.