The American Revolution had a profound influence on multiple facets of American society, encompassing the economy, society, and politics. In terms of the economy, the colonists encountered financial hardships due to their severed trade ties with Britain. Socially, there were apprehensions regarding slavery’s position and women’s rights as the demand for equality surged. Politically, even though prepared for war, the colonies faced financial obstacles. The implementation of the Currency Act of 1764 compelled all colonies to conduct trade using gold and silver, resulting in a scarcity of physical currency.
During the war, the government was forced to produce paper money, resulting in inflation. This led to the American government accumulating significant debt domestically and internationally by borrowing from other countries. To repay their debts, states raised taxes, but impoverished farmers couldn’t afford to pay. Abigail Adams acknowledged in a letter to Thomas Jefferson that these farmers “cried out for paper money” as they desired more financial assistance (Doc G). The consequences included rebellions like Shay’s rebellion, where Daniel Shay demanded paper money, tax relief, relocation of the state capital, and elimination of debt-driven imprisonment. Massachusetts responded by offering some tax relief and payment deferment. With the onset of the revolution, trading became crucial for the newly formed American states which faced financial challenges. Prior to the war, British dominance through measures like the Navigation Acts made Britain their main trade partner.
The initial navigation act restricted colonial trade solely to English ships, while the subsequent navigation act mandated that European merchandise destined for the colonies be taxed in England before shipment. This conflict led to a deprivation of access to the empire’s markets, temporarily interrupting production but ultimately yielding economic advantages. Consequently, it enabled the United States to initiate trade with other countries such as those in the Caribbean, South Africa, and China. Moreover, this occurrence highlighted for Americans the importance of self-reliance in terms of manufactured goods without reliance on any foreign nation.
The American states experienced growth and prosperity as they started producing their own clothes, establishing a thriving textile industry, and manufacturing their guns and weapons. However, this period of progress was overshadowed by the prevalent issue of slavery and the lack of rights for women. Slaves had no possessions or power, while women were only slightly elevated above slaves in society. Married women had no ownership rights and were unable to acquire property or vote. The start of the war marked a turning point, as men left to join the conflict, leaving women behind to manage all household, farm, and business matters.
Some women also accompanied their male relatives to war. Initially, men viewed them as distractions and disruptions who were unfit for warfare. However, women made significant contributions to the war effort. They performed essential tasks such as cooking, doing laundry, providing nursing care, and boosting morale. Moreover, they went beyond traditional feminine responsibilities. The Woodcut of patriot women illustrates that women frequently took up weapons and participated in combat (Doc A). Despite these contributions, little changed in terms of women’s social standing once the war concluded and both men and women returned home. Nonetheless, a new question emerged concerning women’s rights.
The discussion surrounding the concept of “rights as men” and liberty prompted numerous women to question their own position and whether they deserved more. Certain women didn’t hesitate to express their opinions. Molly Wallace, for instance, challenged the criticism of female oratory, asking, “What do them amount to… No one will deny that we should be taught to read. And if we can read, why not speak?” Her sentiments resonated with women like Abigail Adams and Judith Sargent Murray. (Doc J). The issue of slavery was also examined closely.
Many African Americans viewed the revolution as an opportunity to be seen as equal to others, including white slave owners who found it absurd that keeping slaves could ensure liberty and safety for others. There was still the belief that true liberty for all could not exist as long as slavery remained prevalent. This led to significant political changes and the establishment of a new government system following the victory in battle and the creation of the independent United States of America.
In the Federalist, James Madison mused that government is essentially a profound examination of human nature and its flaws. He remarked that if individuals were virtuous like angels, there would be no need for a governing body. Madison emphasized the necessity of government for stability. (Doc I) A unanimous agreement was reached that all governments should follow a republican system, whereby power originated from the people rather than being concentrated in an individual, such as a monarch. Additionally, it was strictly prohibited for a governor to concurrently hold a seat in the legislature, ensuring separation between the legislative and executive branches of government.
Many changes and revisions were made while people figured out what was needed, what worked, and what didn’t. One of the main issues was the western territory, and how to split it up. First, the land turned into ten self-governing districts through the ordinance of 1784. Soon the Northwest Ordinance came along and abandoned the 10 districts created earlier, turning them into a single northwest territory that could be divided into three to five territories. However, order in those areas wasn’t as predominant and the government had a hard time controlling them.
The government faced the challenge of maintaining relations with the Indians while also expanding its territory. Initially, the Indians expressed concern about the revolution. However, a small number of them viewed this as an opportunity to develop a positive relationship with the Americans, and their perspective evolved over time. In 1783, the Chickasaw chiefs conveyed their optimism for a brighter future, stating, “It brings us joy to discover that our esteemed leader, along with his fellow Americans, has finally achieved peace…and to learn that our American brothers are willing to embrace us…” (Doc C).
In 1786, during the confederate council, the united Indian nations expressed a new mindset. They stated, “It has been more than three years since peace was made between the King of Great Britain and you. However, we, the Indians, were disappointed as we were not included in this peace…We believed that its conclusion would have fostered a friendship.” Unfortunately, the Indians had realized what was happening too late. Doc E) Due to their participation alongside the British in the revolution, many whites resented the Indians and considered the western lands to be theirs to do as they pleased. Upon realizing this, the Native Americans began attacking settlers. The white militia used this as a pretext to retaliate against tribes obstructing their expansion. The government had numerous challenges to address, including the frustration of Native Americans towards expansion and an unstable government and population.
The American Revolution brought about independence and liberty to the American colonies, but it also posed various unresolved questions. The colonies had to adapt to self-sufficiency and construct their nation from the beginning. This shift impacted every aspect of American society. On a social level, there was an examination of rights for all individuals, regardless of race or gender. Politically, establishing a new government presented a challenge. Economically, the colonies had to confront the weighty burden of war debt.
