Was the American Revolution Really Revolutionary?

The economic scene in America before and after the revolution was not one to be overlooked.  The states of New Hampshire, New Jersey, And New York before the revolution had a wealthy (£50,000+) population of 36%, a well-to-do (£2000-£5000) population of 47%, a moderate (£500-£2000) population of 17% and a poor (£0-£500) population of 0%.  After the revolution they had a wealthy population of 12%, a well-to-do population of 26%, a moderate population of 62% and a still a poor population of 0%. The states of Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina showed comparable results.(Doc I)  These percentage changes show the equaling of wealth after the war and how the average man is now truly average.  The fact of 0% poverty should not be overlooked either.  America as a young nation was better off than most countries (If not all) that had been around for centuries.

The most important way to decisively ascertain whether or not the American Revolution was a revolution is to compare it to other revolutions that are considered revolutions “beyond a doubt.”  In talking of the French Revolution, the Encarta Encyclopedia says the following: “As for economic development, the Revolution probably hurt more than it helped. In the long term, the liberation of the economy from royal controls, the standardization of weights and measures, and the development of a uniform civil law code helped pave the way for the Industrial Revolution. But the disruptive effects of war on the French economy offset the positive effects of these changes. In terms of total output, the economy was probably set back a generation.” (Encarta)  The effects of the American Revolution on the American economy, as previously stated, were very positive.  The other Revolution that is not in debate is the Russian Revolution.  “Hopes for rebuilding soviet democracy were not realized. The Communist Party was supposed to be a highly principled working-class force that would control the new government bureaucracy. However, the bureaucratic mode of functioning, combined with the brutalizing effects of the civil war, transformed the Communist Party into an increasingly authoritarian body.” (Encarta)  When the American Revolution was complete, Democracy was formed in the states.  This democracy has lasted years past either government formed in the French or Russian revolutions.

In conclusion, one can only say that the American Revolution is correctly named.  The Revolution was not a riot in which ten people died, but a war in which thousands died.  The definition of revolution clearly states and describes the American Revolution.  Women gained rights not available in any other country.  The economy strengthened to heights no other country could have after a revolt.  And in comparison to those “great revolutions,” surpassed in greatness, effectiveness, and positiveness.  There is no doubt that the colonists (future Americans) truly had a powerful and fantastic revolution.