The Affects of the American Revolution

Steven Bosco

United States History 11

Father Garaventa

28 October 2012

The Affects of the American Revolution

The American Revolution fundamentally changed American society economically, politically, and socially. From the year 1775 to 1800, the newly formed United States of America began its path to become a world super-power. Those who gave up their lives in the American Revolution vowed they would not die in vain. History proves that the Americans’ great sacrifice led to the shifts in politics, social roles, and economics.

Economically, the United States boomed. Little did they know, the hard working Americans would succeed in building a great country. During the time of the revolution, America was going through a very hard time concerning agriculture. After the war, the United States suffered bankruptcies, farm closures, and experienced a significant economic depression. From Document F, it is understood that America was attempting to promote agriculture.

A significant number of people supported paper currency. Originally, trading valuable goods was common. Support for paper currency, backed up by gold, was growing. The courts of justice in some counties had been stopped because of ignorant, restless people in America who did not seek freedom (Document G).

According to article 6, in An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio, no slavery was allowed in said territory. Any person attempting to escape lawful service may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed (Document H). Business in America under this ordinance can be significantly hurt as slavery was essential to increased production of trade-able goods in America. Slaves were cheap and good workers. Banning slavery could have negatively affected the economy in said territory.

Politically, the United States built its own government emphasizing freedom for the people. The government’s purpose was, and still is, “by the people, for the people.” A sense of American patriotism grew. Americans wanted to ban the loyalists and ship them back to Britain. Patriots should only reside in America (Document B).

Native Americans were relieved that Independence had broken out. The Natives looked forward to a lasting peace with the Americans (Document C). It did not work out as they had hoped. Native Americans were not satisfied with the colonists and their plan to hold a general conference was neglected (Document E). Without a good relationship with the Native Americans, the American economy could not prosper from Native American and American trade.

James Madison wrote, “If all men were angels, no government would be necessary,” (Document I). This is true, however all men are not angels; therefore, government is necessary to protect the people and maintain order.

One of the most important rights Americans received was the freedom of religion. All men shall be free to their opinion and to profess it (Document D). Such a right made the United States very attractive to those of prosecuted religions. Many people emigrated their home country to live in America. The United States thrived from this population growth economically because of the increased number of workers and businesses.

Socially, the roles of Americans had shifted. Mothers had assumed the role of protector of the house, formerly the fathers role. The boys were now the men of the house and girls would take on the mother’s jobs of cleaning and cooking. All this had changed because the fathers went to war. In document A, it can be understood that the fighting of the war was taking place on American land and that the war was personal for many people. The document can give the message that women can be useful when needed.

The idea of women’s’ rights started to break out. Molly Wallace professed her belief that women should be taught to read and have the right to speak (Document J). Women’s rights would be an enormous social change in America.

It is obvious that America had undergone a significant change economically, politically, and socially from 1775 to 1800. The American Revolution was a great stage in forming the United States of America. A free country it was built to be, a free country it shall remain. Change can be good, and in this case, it was. The American Revolution succeeded in achieving strong rights for the people; however, by not planning ahead and creating a powerful government with an economic base, “The principles of the Revolution were not achieved by the Revolution itself.”

 

 

The Affects of the American Revolution