The Revolution and Social Change The war left the United States in a dark spot as they must settle two important issues as to what kind of society America was to become and what sort of government the new nation would possess. Social tensions exposed during the imperial crises of 1765-1775 were subsequently magnified along with the principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the dislocations caused by the war itself. 1. Egalitarianism Among White Males • By 1776, the anti-British movement that had persuaded many elites to maintain the appearance, if not the substance, of equality. • The war only helped efforts to erode the class differences between the gentry who held offices and the ordinary folk serving as privates.
Depending on how one looks at it, it may be stated that a series of miscommunications ultimately caused the American Revolution. In general, when Parliament passed an act, tax, or law, it was to fix a problem they felt was detrimental to the colonies. The colonists, however, perceiving these policies as a deliberate attempt to repress colonial growth and gain wealth at the expense of the colonies, often misinterpreted them. These misunderstandings, such as the Proclamation of 1763, further alienated the colonists from their mother country, and along with obstinate resistance from Britain towards addressing colonial concerns, led to the consequent revolution. Although the colonists sustained a connection to Britain for more than a decade after the British victory in the French and Indian War, the strategies Parliament implemented to strengthen their hold on the colonies and pay off war debts, as well as their provincial views towards the colonists, primed the American colonies for independence as relations between Britain and its colonies began to sour.
British Pigs in Powdered Wigs The disorganized and disconnected British rule on the thirteen American colonies created situations that led to the Revolutionary War. Through unwarranted taxes, unwanted wars, and an overall mismanagement of the colonies lead the colonies to view Britain as an incompetent government. These complicated times brought thoughts of a revolution which was critically evaluated by leaders in the colonies. Leading up to the revolution men voiced their opinion through writings and speeches similar to Patrick Henry, John Adams, and Samuel Seabury. Small disagreements between the English Empire and the colonies continuously went unresolved until thoughts of rebellion started to become a serious topic in the colonies.
By 1819 new states were all being added as slave states. Missouri in 1821 which was not part of the original N.W and S.W ordinance was a new slave state. Planters thanks to Eli Whitney, were now able to grow different types of cotton that was better suited for the internal lands of the U.S. Northern states were worried about the increasing slave states because it meant that there was a growing southern power in the house of Reperesentves. In 1821 Missouri was admitted into the union in 1820 because of the Missouri compromise. This meant for the admission of Main as a free state.
Tensions began to grow rapidly and the American colonies were becoming more opposed to the British and their King. Britain and the colonies slowly become more and more divided in the way they think and act, as shown when the British imperial polices were soon being established and enforced against the colonies will. Intensified resistance to the British rule made the colonies have more and more resentment with a want of independence to be separated from England. Although British made these imperial polices between 1763 and 1776 while the American colonies and Britain were ideally Father and Son nations, they had overstepped their boundaries as the father country and became monarchy based as they created new laws and enforced taxes and made
Americans felt that since they had no representation in Parliament, and that there were decisions being made for them without proper representation, that they were slaves to the forceful word of the British crown. Even some countrymen in Great Britain felt that the Americans were being treated unfairly. Lord Camden believed that Americans were not being given their natural born rights as men. “My position is this – I repeat it – I will maintain it to my last hour, - taxation and representation are inseparable: - this position is founded on the laws of nature,” (pg.95, Major Problems in the Era of the American Revolution, Brown). It seems there was a miscommunication, because Britain was treating the Americans different from other British and also wanted to keep major control in anyway, like restricting trade from any other country (like France and Spain).
“Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” - John Parker. Revolution is a dynamic process whose consequences no one can anticipate. The American colonies in 1765 were surprised by the new taxes that were being presented from the Parliament. This caused a rebellion that lead to a complete separation from Great Britain that once the colonistshad loved because of their powerful government that viewed them as equals and largely left alone to do what they wanted. Little over a decade, conflict began to occur with the British and Patriots in the Spring of 1775 in Massachusetts.
Once the American Revolution started, women had to take over the men’s roles while they were gone at war. The Revolution also increased the education of women and encouraged them to be more involved in public life. Women were not ultimately granted the right to vote until many years later, but that foundation started during the American Revolution. Another big social change in America involved slavery. The practice of slavery was common during the American Revolution, but was mostly practiced in the south.
The Revolutionary War began as the result of Britain's attempt to gain revenue from the American colonies, seen in the creation of many Acts designed to tax the colonists. Because of the initial negative reaction of the colonists, the British army increased its presence in an attempt to follow through on collecting taxes, which angered many and led to the American Revolution. After a period of salutary neglect, the colonists were startled by Britain's sudden interest in them as a source of revenue. After the Seven Years War in Europe against France and Spain and the French and Indian War in America, Britain was financially strapped and looking for new ways to raise funds. Since there were already very high taxes in Britain, King George III
Since the 1760’s colonists in North American experienced many changes in the way they were being treated by England. New policies, acts and taxes set forth by England infuriated the colonists. These new things affected every area of colonial lifestyle including, political, economical and social conditions. The Patriot, directed by Roland Emmerich, illustrates how the colonists viewed its relationship with England. It also portrays the feeling that the fight for independence is worth putting their lives on the line.