American Revolution New American History Is Full

American Revolution New

American History is full of many relevant events that have made a significant impact on the American History. Despite all the relevant things, it should be noted that America itself might not have been conceived if it had not been for the struggles that took place in the American Revolution. It was the starting point of the American history and the time when people were beginning to find the need for democracy. Apart from giving rise to democracy, the American Revolution paved way for minorities to attain their rights in the country. Furthermore, it was seen that the American Revolution altered the entire way of life in the country. Therefore, it is seen that the American Revolution was relevant to American history because it altered the political, social and cultural way of life.

Bankcroft thinks that the origins of democracy were set already in place before the Treaty of Paris came to an end. 1 It is quite clear that an entire regime and political change cannot take place in just one day. A lot of experts believe that the Massachusetts Bay Colony that was charted in 1630 was an important location where this movement was initiated. It was noted that as the colonies started to break away from England, they attempted to make their own form of government. The interesting thing to note here is that the processes they opted for were democratic in origin. Historians also see that the Revolution presented a platform for class struggle. The people of the colonies were beginning to be aware of their rights. The American Revolution picked up pace and momentum as the people beginning to speak against all that was unfair to them. 2

1 Charles Morris, The Great Republic by the Master Historians (R.S Belcher Company, 1902)

2 Gordon S. Wood, The American Revolution (New York: Modern Library, 2002), 51

The people in colonies raised their voice against unfair taxes and pretty soon they realized that they were not free. The people created their own idea of liberty and decided to eliminate the British from their land. Therefore, it is seen that American Revolution gave rise to the entire foundation on which the country is standing today. The events of the American Revolution caused the progress towards the formation of a federal republic. This is the same federal republic that is present in the United States of America today. The Revolution itself worked as a teaching school that deeply ingrained the essence of democracy into the American people.

Thomas Jefferson included the concept of equality in the Declaration of Independence. The people in the colonies were fighting for their rights from way before. Their struggles and fights were still there but it was the ratification of the Declaration of Independence that officially gave rise to the independent republic of the United States. This document went on to protect the rights and privileges of all the citizens of the country. Wood states that the Revolution did have a very important effect on eventually bringing slavery to an end. 3

This notion came into being after the Native Americans realized that they have not been given their rights. The people who drafted the documents of the new nation did not consider the Native Americans equal. It was clear that the independent person could own and cultivate their land. However, since the Native Americans were hunters; they were not considered citizens of the country only because they did not own land. The Revolution itself gave answers to the questions and ambiguities regarding inequality and slavery that had always remained.

3 Wood, The American Revolution, 126

Equality and the fact that 'all men are created equal' were stressed a lot in the Declaration of Independence.

The founders of the nation itself did not go on to act on the words that they had written. In the end, the ultimate result was that people realized that they were not slaves and they were also citizens of the country. Therefore, another reason why American Revolution was important is that it provided the basis on which racial segregation was removed.

The American Revolution also gave rise to a cultural and social awareness for the people. It is clear that the people did not want to belong to the British empire. America originally had always been considered a free land. Ironically enough, the British themselves came to the country so they could let go of their own norms and restrictions. 4 We see that the American Revolution did consist of any replacement of ruling class like the Russian Revolution or any reign of terror that occurred in the French Revolution. It was seen that the Revolutionary spirit was present in every American and led to a great change in the societal and cultural ways of the nation. People begin to be more aware of their rights regarding slavery and voting. Religious minorities and women in the country were not afraid to speak for their rights.

Even though the changes for women and colored people did not happen instantaneously, the revolution paved way for the start of this abolitionist movement. It was seen that land inheritance e laws were eliminated right then. Prior to independence, English law stated that the land would be passed down to the eldest son of the family.

4 "Paul Johnson Explains America." The American Enterprise, Septemer 22, 2013.

Due to this reason, land and wealth in the society was present in the hands of some people in the society. This led to class distributing and the very bad treatment of the poor in the society. As mentioned earlier, the revolution also made it possible for the poor man to get his rights. Also, the religious life also changed such that the Anglican Church did not stay in America. During this time, religious tolerance and an increase in underground religions also changed. It was also seen that American art, architecture and literature all flourished during this time. The concept of family was also reformed as women began to attain more power and rights. Therefore, it was seen that the Revolution changed the culture and society of America to a great extent.