美國獨立運動──一個歷史的驚奇事件

American Independent Movement: An Intriguing Historical Event

一般對美國獨立運動均極為推崇，認為它是人類的劃時代的傑作，但是我們質疑是否是日後形塑而成的奇蹟。美國在成為全球霸主後，掌握了議題設定與話語權，可以維護其國家利益而詮釋歷史，解構與重建有利於美國與的論述。本文的主要目的即在重新檢視美國獨立運動的多元論述，希望能較客觀地介紹美國的獨立運動，不是藉此挑起對美國的批判，特別是在不同種族或族裔的立場觀之，有必要加以認清歷史的軌跡，才不至於掉入歷史迷思中。

The United States was founded through the independent war fought in 1770s between settlers and British government. Some called it “American Revolution” to be put in the same historical position with later “French Revolution.” These two revolutions have been highly regarded as democratic foundation of human history. This article is not aimed to challenge its prestigious position. Instead is to review different evaluations on the original and true historical background and development behind this great event. The uniqueness and greatness of the American Revolution had won major recognition under the U.S. hegemony. Its national interest dominated over others for centuries. We need to examine the real factors for not to learn the wrong lessons.