The American Revolution, which lasted from 1775 to 1783, had an impact on abolishing British governance to the foundation of the United States of America. The ideals of liberty, Dissatisfaction with British policy, an urge for independence, and equal rights were only a few of the things that propelled the revolution (Locke et al., n.p). Based on the history of the revolution, various people had different experiences, extending from poor and oppressed crowds to women and ordinary folk. Therefore, social changes occurred, particularly regarding how individuals interacted with one another. For instance, Americans underwent a transformation during the revolutionary period from monarchical, hierarchy-ridden subjects to the most liberal, egalitarian, democratic, modern, and business-minded in the entire globe. The revolution fundamentally transformed people’s social and interpersonal relationships, especially women, who were granted dignity, more rights, and respect (Green, 5:42 – 5:52).
Consequently, enslaved Black Americans saw revolution as the opportunity to restore their freedom. Although slavery existed in many areas after the revolution, African Americans’ rights and liberties were still severely restricted (Green 10 -12). The British and the Patriots also offered emancipation to enslaved individuals who joined their militias. Moreover, The Patriots were colonial inhabitants who passionately backed independence and participated in the revolution. They were professionals, traders, farmers, and people from many different walks of life. Numerous Patriots participated in local militias and the Continental Army (Green, 5:33- 5:40). They had the ability to find a new country instituted on the principles of self-governance and individual liberty due to the American Revolution. Also, During the American Insurgency, Native American tribes faced tough situations; certain tribes broke up along partisan lines, with some members siding with the Patriots and others with the British. Native American tribes had a variety of interests and life experiences. However, in the end, as the newly established United States moved west, the war led to the loss of Native American territories and sovereignty (Locke et al., n.p).
Moreover, loyalists were colonists who supported the British Crown and opposed the revolutionary movement. They included business personnel administration representatives with close ties to the British market, who worried about the uncertainty that independence may bring. Because of the persecution and prejudice they endured during and after the war, many Loyalists emigrated from the newly created United States and resided in other British colonies (Locke et al., n.p).
In terms of adopted governance, the American Revolution resulted in a republican form of government, where each individual was treated equally and with dignity. The revolution resulted in transferring of power from British colonists to American citizens. In 1787, due to inadequacies in the Artefact of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution was drafted to establish a stronger federal government with balances, checks, and a division of powers. Additionally, During the formation of an independent nation, the Patriots, who battled for independence and defended the interests of the colonies, gained power. Despite the independence, not all groups had an equal power distribution (Locke et al., n.p). Although, through Constitutional amendments, social movements, and ongoing battles for equality, the United States has gradually expanded its democratic principles and granted political rights to previously oppressed people. As society advances and seeks to create a more inclusive and equal country, the perception of the American Revolution and its effects on various groups continues to change.
Work Cited
Locke, Joseph L., and Ben Wright, eds. The American Yawp: A massively collaborative open U.S. history textbook, vol. 1: To 1877. Stanford University Press, 2019 https://www.americanyawp.com/text/05-the-american-revolution/