Was the American Revolution Really Revolutionary?

Has the American population as a whole been lead to misunderstand the greatness or lack thereof of the American Revolution?  How revolutionary was the American Revolution?  The American Revolution was most definitely Revolutionary.  By looking at definitions of Revolution by historians and the dictionary, one can find that the American Revolution fits well into the qualifications.  The rights given to women were unique and very important on the international standpoint.  There also was the economic difference between before and after the war.  And most importantly, the comparison between the American Revolution and other revolutions.

The definitions in the dictionary are the perfect way do decide whether or not the American Revolution can be qualified as a revolution.  The definition of a revolution, according to the dictionary a revolution is “1 a forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favor of a new system.  2 a dramatic and far-reaching change.” (Webster Dictionary)  The American Revolution was an overthrow of the British monarchy in the colonies in order to form a democracy.  It lead to many dramatic, and eventual international changes.  Therefore it was a revolution.  The definition of revolutionary is “1 involving or causing dramatic change or innovation.  2 engaged in, promoting, or relating to political revolution.” (Webster Dictionary)  The Americans did cause great change in government alone, as well as engaging in a war against Britain for freedom from their politics and rule.  So, according to the dictionary, the American Revolution was a revolutionary revolution.

The rights earned by women after the revolution were also very unique and eventually changed political ideas on an international level.  The United States Constitution clearly states the following: “The rights of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any other state on account of sex.” (Doc N)  This amendment (19) says in essence that women no longer barred from voting.  Although the amendment was passed in 1920, it was a result of the gradual social equalization after the revolution.  In the years leading up to the war, 94% of male divorce petitioners and 50% of female petitioners claimed the other had committed adultery.  However, the numbers changed after the revolution.  Then 91% of male petitioners and 79% of female petitioners claimed on grounds of adultery.  This difference in claims can lead one to believe that after the revolution, women were beginning to gain more confidence and this lead to more rights.  In the years before the war 61% of males and 44 % of female won their divorce cases.  After the war 72% of males won, and 70% of females won.  This change can most likely be attributed to the rights and respect that women began to earn during and after the revolution.  (Doc O)