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In this article the author examines the influence exerted by the ancient empire of Carthage on political science in revolutionary America. Carthage, as perceived by American 18th century political thinkers, is contrasted with the Roman empire and ancient Greece and its civilization. The most problematic feature of Carthage for American revolutionaries was its commercialism, according to the article. Presented is a brief history of Carthage as it was perceived by the historians and thinkers of 18th century America.

The article presents a classification and comparison of American history to European history. The author describes the spread of Aryan civilization across Europe and conquests by the Greeks and the Roman Empire. He notes the colonization of North and South America by Europeans and compares the development of Europe with Greek civilization and the history of the Roman Empire with American history. He comments on the role of geography in European history and suggests that the maritime aspects and commerce of England make it comparable to Athens, Greece, while U.S. populations can be compared to inhabitants of Northern Italy. The overthrow of royalty in the Roman Empire is compared to the Declaration of Independence in U.S. history.