How America’s independence from England revolutionized US philanthropy

US charitable institutions rapidly changed in the 1780s as Americans established groups to support people in need and to reform society.

By: Amanda Moniz, Smithsonian Institution, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 12, 2026

Words: 1,555

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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By Amanda Moniz, Smithsonian Institution

John Hancock did something revolutionary 250 years ago when the Massachusetts merchant signed the Declaration of Independence, announcing to the world that 13 English colonies were freeing themselves from Great Britain and from monarchy.

About a decade later, he signed up as a member of a charity aiding drowning strangers.

That endeavor was revolutionary, too.

As I explain in my 2016 book, “From Empire to Humanity,” the …

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