Praxis Dashboard

The leaders of the Revolution were economic elites who sought to preserve their power.

This statement reflects an opinion about the motivations behind the actions of the leaders during the American Revolution. It suggests a critical perspective that implies the Revolution was not solely for the benefit of the common people but also to maintain the power of the elite.

A) The Treaty of Paris concluded the Revolution.

This statement is a factual assertion regarding a historical event and does not represent an opinion. It simply states that the Treaty of Paris marked the end of the American Revolution, which is a widely accepted historical fact.

B) The Declaration of Independence was based on the principles of the Enlightenment.

While this statement connects the Declaration of Independence to Enlightenment ideals, it is primarily a factual claim about the influence of Enlightenment thinkers on American political thought. It does not express a personal viewpoint or interpretation.

C) France entered the war after the colonists' victory at the Battle of Saratoga.

This choice is another factual statement regarding the timeline of events during the American Revolution. It indicates when France became involved in the conflict but does not convey an opinion about the Revolution itself.

D) The leaders of the Revolution were economic elites who sought to preserve their power.

This statement is an opinion as it suggests a particular interpretation of the motivations behind the leaders' actions. It implies that the Revolution was influenced by the interests of the elite rather than solely by the desire for independence, which can be debated and analyzed from various perspectives.

Conclusion

The correct answer identifies a subjective interpretation of the American Revolution, highlighting the role of economic elites in shaping the conflict. In contrast, the other options provide factual statements that do not reflect personal beliefs or interpretations, thereby failing to qualify as opinions. This distinction is crucial for understanding different perspectives on historical events.