American Revolution Dbq Analysis

The American Revolution fundamentally changed American society politically, socially, and economically from 1775 to 1800. The effects of the Revolution were both positive and negative. The political effect of the Revolution was negative in that it left much conflict between different groups of people still living in the United States after the British formally left. Socially, the American society was affected positively as more people came together. The effect was negative on the society because the American Revolution brought on a post-war economic depression. Politically, the American society resulted with a negative impact. Conflict became widespread throughout the people of America. One example was the Tory vs. Whigs issue. The Tories,
British loyalists who fought against the rebels in the Revolutionary war, were still settled in America after the British retreated out of the colonies. The Whigs, also known as the Patriots, were still consumed with bitter resentment against their Loyalist neighbors. Tories were still numerous in parts of the colonies like aristocratic New York City and Charleston and Quaker Pennsylvania. One Whig man in Pennsylvania spoke to his fellow Patriots to bring them together and banish all Tories from the area (Document B). His purpose was to establish a sense of security among his people so that they would no longer have to live alongside their enemies. Another form of conflict that arose was between the Native Americans and the Americans. When America won the Revolutionary war against Britain, the Treaty of Paris of 1783 was signed by both sides which recognized the independence of the United States and granted generous boundaries. This treaty not only displeased the Canadians, but also the Native Americans. The United Indian Nations, to the Americans, stated how disappointed they were to not be included in the peace treaty made (Document E). If the Natives had been included, there would have been a promoted friendship between them and the U.S., but instead the U.S. completely neglected them. This would eventually lead to more future conflicts considering the boundaries and Native American lands. One more conflict that was accounted for was slavery. Slavery had already been a problem even before the British left but now that there was no more British authority left, rules for slavery began to change. Abolition of the slave trade was called for. While slavery in the South was still strong, many northern states either abolished slavery outright or provided for a gradual emancipation of blacks. For the territory Northwest of the Ohio River, slavery and involuntary servitude were all abolished and anyone who disobeyed this would be convicted (Document H). The Northern and Southern states both disputed over the rules of slavery since none of the states south of Pennsylvania abolished it. All of these conflicts resulted due to the American Revolution. Socially, the Revolutionary war had a positive impact on society as it brought many people together.
The first example is how all of the Americans came together when it came to the notion of religion. After the United States won their independence, freedom of religion was established. It did not bring the citizens together under one common religion, but instead united them under one country without any judgment. For example, in Virginia, the law claimed that no man could be forced to a religion by anyone and may maintain their own opinions (Document D). This shows how diverse and accepting society had become and eliminated an unnecessary conflict over religion among the Americans. It gave the people freedom which left them much happier and satisfied than before. One more example of people being united was with the Native Americans. When the British officially left the U.S. the Americans were not the only ones granted freedom, but also the Native Americans. One message from a Native chief to Congress stated how happy they were to be able to live in peace with them and hope for a lasting friendship in the future (Document C). Many Native Americans were glad to start fresh with their American friends and hoped it would only bring greatness. Another example of the unity the Revolution brought was among women. Against the British, the Patriots had a shortage of people and were desperate for anyone who could serve. It was in this case that the role of women in society finally
became more important. Many women came together during the war and handled much more responsibility than before. In some cases, women actually dressed up like men and fought alongside the army during the war without fear (Document A). Gender equality finally took a step forward which would lead to increased freedom for women in society. Overall, many people, such as women, Native Americans and in general all of the Americans, came together under many different causes due to the Revolution. Economically, the American Revolution left a negative impact on society.
There was a post-war economic depression that effected many people. Independence had its drawbacks for the U.S. Much of the trade with Britain was reserved for the loyal parts of the Empire and American ships were now barred from British and British West Indies harbors. Also the import and export of goods with Britain also decreased by a lot due to still lagging resentment which caused much of commerce to be disrupted. This was harsh on the Americans who were falling behind in the economy. They eventually reverted back to the old ways and went back to agriculture. Farming and agriculture was highly promoted in order to get the depressed economy back up and running (Document F). Also, state governments had borrowed more money during the war than they could have ever hoped to repay. Inflation had increased and citizens were worse off financially than they began. This led to Shays’s Rebellion in 1786 which was an alarming uprising by some backcountry farmers who were losing their farms due to mortgage foreclosures and tax delinquencies. According to Abigail Adams, they were crying out for paper currency, which had depreciated much in value and wanted an equal distribution of property (Document G). The economy of the independent United States was not doing so well on its own in result of the
war. Overall, the American society was affected politically, socially, and economically due to the Revolutionary War. The effects lasted from 1775 to 1800. The American Revolution impacted the society both negatively and positively. While it created many conflicts and brought an economic downfall, it also promoted the unity of the people. At the end, the American Revolution fundamentally changed American society.