American society was changed in many ways due to the American Revolution.
Democratic ideas were made and also tested during this time. The controversy of women and slaves was debated during this time as well, even though not much really changed about views towards them later on changes were actually made. The revolution tested our economy and our democracy when poor farmers almost revolted over high taxes and little representation. Even though we didn’t yet have a stable government, we had the framework set in which set a stage for democracy for more than one hundred years.The first thing I will address in this essay is the change made in politics because of the American Revolution, and the age of Enlightenment. The ideas of liberty for all came at a time when monarchs ruled most of the world with an iron fist, not listening to, in particular, the farmers and lower class.
In some sense a government was needed but it wasn’t used to collect revenue directly from the people. During the revolution we had a problem with those who were among us but for the British, Tories. It is ironic how we wanted a republic in our nation but only with our types of people. (Document B) We pretty much started the practice of always listening and letting people vote. Although we were able to make a good republic and democratic nation, we were still unable to make peace with the Indians because they felt they were excluded for the peace between U.S and Britain.
Our mistreatment towards them was incomprehensible; we made peace agreements with them only to break them when we felt like it. (Document E & C)The next effects dealt with the American Revolution are the social effects of our nation. two important socio-economic issues the founding fathers discussed were the rights of women and slavery. While me were away fighting or running the country, women were at home running and defending the farm.
The revolution also increased the education of women and encouraged them to be more involved in public life. Women were not ultimately granted the right to vote until many years later, but that foundation started during the American Revolution. (Document A)The revolution also enabled religious freedom to be written into the fabric of our nation. Many European nations had state religions of this time.
Some of the first settlers to the colonies came in search of religious freedom. However, some of them instituted theocratic governments once here. But the revolution showed that America was a melting pot of ideas and people. They believed that our government should not sponsor one particular religion. Virginia enacted such a law in 1786.
(Document D)The last effect that the Revolution had on our nation is the economic affect. The agriculture industry had weakened during this time. Many farmers were poor, owed debt, and inflation was high. Their creditors wished to be paid, and took many to court.
In response, many of them tried to create a revolt and shut down the court system. This situation also underlined the fact that our economy was suffering from inflation and our extended debtors. Today one of the key factors of the US industry is its strong governmental support. (Document F) The Revolution brought good and bad things towards American Society, but it greatly influenced our political, social, and economic nation that we have today.
