Since the colonies were established, the residents there never fully agreed with the British attempts at enforcement. Over the years, numerous new laws, acts, enforcements, political changes, and slavery led the colonists to decide it was time to declare independence. This decision sparked the American Revolution, resulting in dramatic changes for all parties involved. Suddenly, women were recognized for their significant roles in all aspects of their daily lives.
The impact of individuals like Abigail Adams, Molly Wallace, Deborah Sampson, and Mary Silliman during this period was significant. They expressed their viewpoints and influenced many. Simultaneously, there were frequent battles and violence, leading to changes in the government’s approach (introduction of natural aristocracy) and major shifts in the economy including war expenses, trade, and the management of a newly formed country. Furthermore, there was a transformation in people’s perspectives on social class, gender, and other aspects of society.
In order to guarantee a powerful nation free from British control, several new documents were created including the Treaty of Paris, Articles of Confederation, and Virginia plan. The American Revolution had a profound effect on all areas of American society, with politics, economics, and social attitudes experiencing considerable changes. Notably, politics saw a significant shift as government officials started being selected based on the idea of “natural aristocracy” rather than wealth or family ties.
This idea proposed that individuals who had demonstrated their capability for governance through personal achievements should be chosen for election. Although wealth continued to be a factor in the election process, those who showcased their riches or heavily relied on them were typically not elected to public office, which was contrary to the previous makeup of government. It was crucial for those who had proven their suitability for government to be able to govern the people impartially. As stated, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition……”
It may be a reflection on human nature that controls are necessary to prevent abuses by the government. However, government itself is the ultimate reflection of human nature. If humans were perfect beings, government would not be needed. The challenge in creating a government is to give it the power to govern and also ensure that it can govern itself (Doc I). Additionally, significant progress was made towards establishing a Republican form of government.
Eleven out of the thirteen states had a two-chamber legislature. The lower chamber was made up of an elected assembly, while the upper chamber was composed of a council appointed by the governor. Another significant change was the Americans’ quest for independence, which entailed a rejection of slavery and oppressive British regulations. They desired complete eradication of British influence, declaring, “Drive far from you every baneful wretch who wished to see you fettered with the chains of tyranny.”
Send the individuals to the island of Britain, where they can fully experience and enjoy their cherished enslavement. Let them indulge in the complete experience of subjugation, consuming the bitterness and hardships throughout their entire existence. There, they shall suffer through a painful existence, looked down upon and condemned by those who stand for injustice and whom they have chosen to support. They should never be permitted to return to this joyful nation, nor savor the delights of the freedom they attempted to obstruct. Their destiny should be one of perpetual exile, forever banished from our shores.” (Doc B).
In a bid to establish a constitution, Congress modified John Dickinson’s initial draft and created the Articles of Confederation. Consequently, the national government became a single-chambered Congress that enforced regulations. It also emphasized the states’ individual sovereignty, freedom, and independence. The creators of this document advocated for freedom of speech, belief, and the right to determine the governance of their state or country. Furthermore, individuals now had the liberty to openly practice their chosen form of worship. The general assembly passed a law stating that no one would be compelled to support or partake in any religious activities, but instead, everyone was free to hold and express their religious beliefs through argumentation (Doc D). Another notable repercussion of the Revolution was the transformation of the American society’s economic landscape.
The Confederation faced numerous challenges due to the war, including financial instability. The cost of the war amounted to $160 million, causing concerns among taxpayers. Furthermore, with the British trade connections no longer available, many individuals became uneasy. These anxieties often manifested in criticism towards the government and a desire for greater equality in various aspects such as land and laws. A native state has experienced tumultuous events that have even led to the suspension of courts in certain counties. Unprincipled and restless individuals, devoid of conscience, have manipulated and misled a misguided multitude by exploiting imaginary grievances.
According to Doc G, individuals had different demands regarding the economy, including the implementation of paper currency and equal distribution of property. Slavery, which had previously played a crucial role in generating income through activities such as tobacco farming, was also viewed as a necessary change by many. While some regions opted to abolish slavery, they continued to discriminate against individuals who had tried to flee from areas where slavery was still permitted. The areas where slavery no longer existed devised alternative methods to sustain their economies. This is highlighted in Article 6th.
The text declares that within the specified territory, slavery or involuntary servitude is not permitted, except as a penalty for crimes committed. Nevertheless, if an individual who is believed to be legally bound to provide labor or service in one of the original states flees into the territory, they can be lawfully returned to the person claiming their labor or service. Additionally, in order to address the aftermath of the war and counteract labor shortages in certain regions while guaranteeing financial stability for the nation, the government obtained loans from foreign countries and issued its own paper currency called Continentals.
However, inflation occurred as a result. A merchant named Robert Morris came up with the idea for states to implement a 5 percent national import duty. This was intended to fund the congressional budget, ensure interest payments for the war, and provide compensation to veterans and creditors. Unfortunately, it was rejected due to the Articles and therefore failed. As a result of the Revolution, America’s previously financially secure society transformed into one that was struggling to recover from war-related debts.
One of the most intriguing changes in American society was the shift in social ideas and perceptions, particularly about women, during and after the war. The war prompted discussions about race, class, gender, and the significance of women. Women expanded their support for colonial resistance through various activities during the war, including serving as “camp followers” who took care of cooking, laundering, and nursing for the wounded.
During the Revolution, some women, including Deborah Sampson, disguised themselves as men and joined the fight. However, the majority of women stayed at home, taking charge of household and business affairs. The traditional female role underwent a significant transformation. Women like Mary Silliman were responsible for managing children, overseeing servants and slaves, and operating a commercial farm, all while attempting to secure her husband’s release from British captivity. This was the typical role for most women at that time, resulting in increased responsibilities and heightened significance in people’s lives compared to before.
According to the depicted drawings (Doc A/ Doc F), women were seen managing both business and household farms independently. One drawing showcases a woman tending to the farm while the other depicts a woman supervising the work of slaves on the family farm. These illustrations challenge the gender relations that colonists used to believe in. Women desired equality with men and found the prevailing domestic arrangement unfair, as they were responsible for maintaining everything while men were away fighting in war.
People such as Abigail Adams and Molly Wallace believed that women should be given more importance than they had before the war. They hoped that those responsible for creating new laws and government would remember to consider women. The revolution sparked women’s desire for a voice, representation, and recognition of their worth. Adams expressed her apprehension about her own situation as a young and inexperienced woman, but the support she received from others encouraged her to overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties.
Some individuals question whether we should ever appear in public. They argue that our inherent shyness and domestic situation are reasons against what I have undertaken. However, sarcastic remarks regarding female speaking abilities do not hold any validity. These remarks simply imply that, because we are women, we should be denied the most effective means of acquiring proper delivery. It is unquestionable that we should be educated to read in the best manner, so why not speak? Women aspired to be heard and believed they deserved it. While no laws were passed to support this aspiration in the changing American society, it did initiate discussions about women’s roles in the new republican government. Ultimately, the Revolution brought forth societal changes in America that would shape the country for years to come.
With the implementation of new political measures, American society started to change. These measures included creating a natural aristocracy, making currency reforms using continentals, and questioning social order, specifically concerning women. Several influential figures like Robert Morris, Abigail Adams, and Molly Wallace played crucial roles in this transformative process for the newly-established free nation. Women gained more significance and responsibilities while the government shifted its focus towards serving the people. Additionally, a country that was once financially prosperous under British rule now faced debt challenges, which led to the development of innovative economic strategies.
Documents such as the Treaty of Paris, Articles of the Confederation, and others emerged due to the Revolution to ensure the functioning of the new nation. While numerous aspects of the Revolution contributed to transforming American society, alterations in politics, economics, and social ideas/perceptions were the most impactful and revolutionary changes. These changes completely transformed the country and introduced new ideas that would continue to shape our nation for years to follow.
