American Revolution EssayThe American Revolution is remembered by Americans as possibly the most important event in the country’s history. It had lasting impacts on how Americans viewed themselves in the world, and paved the way for a series of global revolutions which would follow. However despite how it is remembered today, the revolution did not deliver the immediate change it promised, nor did it live up to its own ideals. Life for African and Native Americans, and even lower class White Americans either stayed the same, or was negatively affected by the declaration. Change for these minorities, and even for women, would be gradual. The Revolution did however create a mindset for the newly created country. The ideals, and the dream held by those revolutionaries, still echoes through American society today.

On July 4 1778, Thomas Jefferson wrote into the Declaration of Independence that “All men are created equal”. Contrary to the benevolent message this assertion endorses, it seemingly only applied to those of European descent, and then only to those who owned property. For African Americans, including slaves, who made up approximately one fifth of the American population of 17761, the revolution did not change life dramatically. Despite the fact that rights for African Americans were written into the declaration, they were still viewed as naturally inferior, and because of this these rights were not enforced. These rights, including the right to vote, only applied to free African Americans. Slaves still made up the vast majority of the African American population, and many measures were written into the constitution in favour of slavery, including protecting the trade for at least 20 years following the drafting of the constitution in 1887. Native Americans were also negatively affected by the revolution. Many tribes allied with the British after the promise of protection from the encroaching American settlers2. However after the British left following the war, the Native population was left to fend for themselves against the settlers. The war also split the once powerful Iroquois Confederacy, and all Natives lost following the victory of the revolutionaries. For the majority of African and Native Americans in 1776, life was affected negatively by the War.

The American Revolution did create change, despite its gradual state. Society in 1776 was fuelled by high levels of prejudice against racial and religious minorities and women. Despite this, written into the Declaration of Independence was the right to religious freedom. This gave people of all religions the right to practice their religions without prejudice. There was voiced opposition to this, especially against the catholic and Jewish minorities, and this right did not in eliminate the prejudice against these people. Women also began to gain rights following the revolution. They were able to be involved in politics as well as household work, and were also allowed to buy and sell property, provided that they were unmarried and over 21. A married woman was considered her husband’s property however, and their opportunities were severely limited because of it. Nevertheless in 1797, New Jersey passed the voting act which allowed any inhabitants of the state to vote, including women. Though it was reversed only a decade later, this was a large step forward in women’s rights, and helped encourage the first wave of feminism in the United States. For Religious minorities and women, the Revolutionary War began the process which would ultimately give them more freedoms.

A revolution is defined as a radical and sudden change in social order and structure3. Though the American Revolution did not create a social, nor a political upheaval, it is still remembered as possibly the most important event in American History. Politicians today continue to quote and

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follow the beliefs and wishes of the nations ‘Founding Fathers’. The Constitution and the Declaration of independence are possibly the most culturally significant documents in the US. Because of this importance, they are often interpreted in different ways for the political gain of movements, notably right wing and conservative. The War of Independence is often dramatized as a struggle for freedom and human rights by an oppressed people against a tyrannical ruler. This Mindset of fighting for freedom continues to dominate American foreign policy today, demonstrated in their mission to instil democracy into regions such as the Middle East and North Africa.

The American Revolution did not bring high levels of change. The Wealthy and Powerful remained so, and life did not improve for racial minorities and those in poverty. Minor levels of change were brought on for Religious people and Women, but the largest impact the American Revolution had was on the hearts and minds of its citizens. The Revolution had a profound and continuing impact on American values, ideals and politics, and so while not having an immediate impact on American life, it is undoubtedly the most important event in United States history.

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