“But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations… This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.”

–John Adams, letter to H. Niles, 13 February 1818

The text of this letter is well worth taking a look at and is found at:

http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/john-adams-to-h-niles/