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The American Revolution was not a great social revolution like the ones that occurred in France in 1789 or in Russia in 1917 or in China in 1949. A true social revolution destroys the institutional foundations of the old order and transfers power from a ruling elite to new social groups. Show
Nevertheless, the Revolution had momentous consequences. It created the United States. It transformed a monarchical society, in which the colonists were subjects of the Crown, into a republic, in which they were citizens and participants in the political process. The Revolution also gave a new political significance to the middling elements of society-- artisans, merchants, farmers, and traders--and made it impossible for elites to openly disparage ordinary people. During the colonial era, the percentage of white men who voted or participated in politics was low. There were no organized political parties, and adult white men tended to defer to gentlemen. Established merchants, wealthy lawyers, and large planters held the major political offices. But in the years leading up to the Revolution, popular participation in politics increased. Voter turnout climbed as did the number of contested elections. Political pamphleteering also became more common. By the time the Revolution was over, ordinary people had become much more heavily involved in the political process. The revolution also profoundly altered social expectations. It led to demands that the vote be extended to a larger proportion of the population and that public offices be elected by the people. During and after the Revolution, smaller farmers, artisans, and laborers began increasingly to participate in state legislative elections, and men claiming to represent their interests began to win office and wield power. Leaders in the new state governments were less wealthy, more mobile, and less likely to be connected by marriage and kinship than those before the Revolution. For the first time, state assemblies erected galleries to allow the public to watch legislative debates. Above all, the Revolution popularized certain radical ideals--especially a commitment to liberty, equality, government of the people, and rule of law. However compromised in practice, these egalitarian ideals inspired a spirit of reform. Slavery, the subordination of women, and religious intolerance--all became problems in a way that they had never been before. The Revolution also set into motion larger changes in American life. It inspired Americans to try to reconstruct their society in line with republican principles. The Revolution inspired many Americans to question slavery and other forms of dependence, such as indentured servitude and apprenticeship. By the early 19th century, the northern states had either abolished slavery or adopted gradual emancipation plans. Meanwhile, white indentured servitude had virtually disappeared. The Revolution was accompanied by dramatic changes in the lives of women. Before the Revolution, many women were involved in campaigns to boycott British imports. During the conflict, many women made items for the war effort and ran farms and businesses in the absence of their husbands. After the Revolution, American women, for the first time, protested against male power and demanded greater respect inside and outside the home. Lucy Knox, the wife of General Knox, wrote her husband in 1777: "I hope you will not consider yourself as commander in chief of your own house--but be convinced...that there is such a thing as equal command." After the Revolution, the first feminist writers, such as Judith Sargent Murray, demanded equal rights for women. Copyright 2021 Digital History George Washington George Washington by Gilbert Stewart George Washington was the Father of the Country, Commander in Chief of the Contiental Army, and the First President of the United States. He established government traditions such as the inaugural address and the cabinet system as well as the tradition of only serving two terms, a tradition only broken once by Frankin Roosevelt in 1940. Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin by Joseph Siffred Duplessis
John AdamsJohn Adams by Eliphalet Frazer Andrews John Adams was the spokesman of the American Revolution, playing a central role in convincing the Continental Congress to vote for independence. He also worked with Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin to write the Declaration of Independence. He also served as a diplomat in the Netherlands and Britain before eventually becoming the second President of the United States. He and Thomas Jefferson died on the the same day within hours of each other. Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson by Charles Peale Thomas Jefferson was a one of the most important and prominent figures in American history. He was a founding father who was responsible for writing the Declaration of Independence as well as the third President of the United States. During his career he was a diplomat, the governor of Virginia, and Vice President under John Adams. He also organized the main opposition to the Federalist party, known as teh Democratic-Republican party. He and John Adams died on the the same day within hours of each other. Alexander HamiltonAlexander Hamilton by John Trumbull Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury, a chief of staff to George Washington during the Revolution, and founder of the Federalist Party. Hamilton established the financial system of the United States and was instrumental in the creation of the first nation bank. He was shot and killed in a duel with then vice-President Aaron Burr in 1804. James MadisonJames Madison by John Vanderlyn James Madison was the fourth President of the United States. He was called the Father of the Constitution and Father of the Bill of Rights for his role in drafting both documents as well as for his working to have them ratified. He was one of the authors of the Federalist Papers together with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. John JayJohn Jay by Gilbert Stuart John Jay was a Founding Father, governor of New York State, and the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Jay was a Federalist and played a major role in creating and helping to have the Constitution ratified. Together with James Madison and Alexander Hamilton he wrote the Federalist Papers. He was also responsible for the abolition of slavery in New York State. Marquis de LafayetteMarquis De Lafayette by Joseph-Désiré Court The Marquis De Lafayette (full name: Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Marquis de Lafayette) was a French military officer who fought beside George Washington and the Continental Army during the American Revolution, particularly at the battle of Yorktown. Lafayette played an important role in the French Revolution as well, trying to steer a moderate course that failed when the French Revolutionaries became radical and murderous. He spent five years in prison during the French Revolution until after it ended, Napoleon arranged for his release. In World War One in 1917 when American troops entered France and American commanders visited his tomb, to honor for his role in the American Revolution, they said "Lafayette, we are here". Betsy RossBetsy Ross presenting the first American flag to George Washington by Edward Percy Moran Betsy Ross is credited with making the first American flag in 1776 at the request of George Washington. What Revolution did the American Revolution inspire?The Americans' victory over the British may have been one of the greatest catalysts for the French Revolution. The French people saw that a revolt could be successful—even against a major military power–and that lasting change was possible.
What did the American Revolution influence?The Revolution also unleashed powerful political, social, and economic forces that would transform the post-Revolution politics and society, including increased participation in politics and governance, the legal institutionalization of religious toleration, and the growth and diffusion of the population.
What was the American Revolution most influenced by?The ideas of the French Enlightenment philosophes strongly influenced the American revolutionaries. French intellectuals met in salons like this one to exchange ideas and define their ideals such as liberty, equality, and justice.
What influenced revolutions?Between 1775 and 1825 several revolutions occurred around the Atlantic Ocean, all influenced by Enlightenment ideas. Economic problems that nearly bankrupted several governments also and helped spark revolutions.
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