The American Revolution: Not Exactly a Revolution

The social aspect of American life was the most changed by the American Revolution. An egalitarian spirit overcame the nation. Formerly elite Loyalists were driven out of the states by Patriots such as the author of the Pennsylvania Packet, who completely denounces those “baneful wretches” that “strove to prevent [independence]”. Regardless of class, though, the role of women in everyday life changed also. They were increasingly respected, as made evident by the new nickname “The Republican Motherhood” to represent women as the “moral compass” of the country. The ability of women to divorce from abusive or inconvenient marriages was made easier and some states even granted women voting rights. After all, females like the one portrayed in the woodcut took part in the revolution, too. As for slaves, nine out of ten were freed in the North and eventually, three out of five were represented in the South. The common white man could enjoy lower voting restrictions and an increase in trade organizations, as well as the elimination of primogeniture laws. This development of society can still only be called an accelerated evolution, though, because it was only a matter of time before it would have occurred anyway. Besides, there were some aspects of life that were not egalitarian at all, some social steps backwards per se. Slavery continued in the South and the issues of the slave trade were put off until a later date. Women’s voting rights were taken away in the Constitution and the common man still had only a minor role in government. Molly Wallace’s valedictorian address stresses the plight of women to achieve equality among men. She spoke her words in 1792 after the Constitution was adopted, so even though there were a few positive changes in society, the old principles held strong – white men were dominant while women, slaves, and Native Americans were second-class.

The economic situation of Americans was the least changed by the revolution. Before independence, Americans had to endure taxes and were controlled under a system of mercantilism where trading and manufacturing was limited. Under the Constitution, the people were to be taxed by two different governments – state and federal. Revenue would be used to pay off the copious debt still held by the nation. Plus, Britain continued to be a major trading partner of the U.S., so American industry still had to compete with cheap British goods that flooded the markets. Also, the depiction of the man working his fields on the medal of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture confirms that farming was still the base of the American economy. Because of these reasons, some might argue that conditions were similar to earlier times. Again, the economy of the United States was barely changed by the revolution.

The changes that occurred in American society after separation from England, in actuality, were not revolutionary politically, socially, or economically. However, in the hearts and spirits of the American people, they were. From the standpoint of a colonist, breaking away from the strongest empire of the time was a huge accomplishment. It also meant that the Americans now had the opportunity to change themselves freely and shape their society into a unique nation. The independence of Americans inspired the French and Spanish in their revolutions, as well as many other people. That is enough evidence to show that the American Revolution was significant, even if it did not bring about amazing changes.

America’s independence may not have come smoothly in its first few years, but what revolution ever does? The growth of America can be compared to the growth of a human. There were the early, toddler stages where the mother, Great Britain, was needed for guidance and basic development. Then the nation entered the teen ages, where revolutionary and independent thinking took over, as well as a desire to break away from all grips. After successfully cutting loose from parental British ties, America reached its early adulthood, where it would take some trial and error to discover the right path to take. From there, it was only a matter of time and evolution to become a learned adult, where the nation could be a land of opportunity and prosperity.