Dbq - American Revolution

One of the most significant events in the history of America was the American Revolution. It was not so significant because of the number of deaths or the affects it had on America's relationship with Great Britain, but more because of the changes it caused in society socially, economically, and politically.

American society was greatly affected socially by the American Revolution. Compared to women in Europe, women in America already held a slightly greater role in society. That role would grow even larger by the end of the Revolution. The artwork of the time shows that the American soldiers and minutemen often depended on their wives, not only to assist them in their duties at camp but also to run the communities while they were off fighting. During this time, women still had very few rights, but as the Revolution went on, more and more women began fighting for equality. Although there were many issues that they were not happy with, receiving a lesser education was a large concern to them. Molly Wallace said, "No one will pretend to deny, that we should be taught to read in the best manner. And if to read, why not to speak?" (Doc. J) This was said as a part of her valedictorian speech at a young ladies' academy. They were beginning to receive the education that they wanted, despite the fact that what they had to say still was not held as very important. With this education, they were able to become more active politically and give their own opinions on the issues of those times. Slavery was another social issue that was affected by the Revolution. In 1787 in the Northwest Ordinance, slavery was banned in any new states. Although they still would not ban slavery in the South, this is beginning of the outlawing of slavery (Doc. H). These two groups of people both began to receive more rights and be looked upon more highly as a result of the American Revolution.

One of the more negative social effects the American Revolution brought was the relationship of the Americans with the Indians. It is evident in the difference between what they had to say at the end of the war and what they had to say three years later. In the Chickasaw Chiefs' message to Congress at the end of the war that they had high hopes for repairing their relationship, despite the assistance they had given the British (Doc. C). However, three years later, it is obvious that the Americans had no intention of reconciliation. In a speech at the Confederate council, one Indian said "It is now more than three years since peace was made between the King of Great Britain and you, but we, the Indians, were disappointed, finding ourselves not included in that peace..." (Doc. E) From this time on, the relationship between the Indians and the Americans spun out of control, eventually resulting in the decrease in Indian population and loss of their native land.

Economically, the war had very few positive effects. The debt caused by the war was immense and caused a devastating depression for the few years. The government attempted to solve this problem on their own, but it took a while for them to succeed. In Abigail Adams' letter to Thomas Jefferson, the tension caused by the debt is very evident. She talks of communities turning on the courts and the government and of the wants and needs of those affected (Doc. G). Events such as Shay's rebellion also show the discontent of citizens during these times. Eventually, America began promoting