The American Revolution is one of the most critical events in the history of the United States, which led to the birth of the new nation and shaped the core principles of its citizens. Without any doubt, the revolution was a big step toward creating a country where freedom and equality are the main priorities. Despite it having taken several years or even decades for some changes to be introduced, the American Revolution significantly influenced the country politically, socially, and economically.
To begin with, many people believe that even though the revolution was conservative, it fostered different liberal ideas. This statement has a clear and true meaning, which is crucial to understand. The American Revolution halted British oppression and restored rights, but the revolutionaries were not intent on making radical changes. Instead, they desired to preserve their values and protest British rule, which was becoming even more harsh and unfair. Gibbes noted that “The liberties of America are treacherously and cruelly violated by an abandoned administration in Great Britain” (180). However, the sympathy for soldiers and a love for their native land altered the perspectives of many individuals. After facing and hearing about fierce battles and brave patriots, Americans started to search for a more radical meaning of the revolution and changed their views. Therefore, the revolution, which was initially a conservative one, caused the spread of liberal ideas.
On the one hand, the American Revolution led to independence and caused numerous political, social, and economic changes. Americans put an end to British rule; thus, the oppression ceased, and new opportunities arose. What is more, the political era of constitution-making and state-building began, and mercantilism ended (Locke and Wright 134). It is impossible to object to the fact that these changes are significant, as they made the United States one of the most developed and wealthiest countries in the world later. Furthermore, citizens became more active and socially engaged. After the long, exhausting, and blood-soaked revolution, they got the opportunity to build their nation and make a positive impact on their communities. Patriotism flourished, and it had far-reaching political, economic, and social effects. Therefore, the idea that the American Revolution was a big step forward, which led to crucial changes, is justified.
On the other hand, some individuals claim that the positive impact of the revolution was not so considerable. According to Locke and Wright, the revolution, which fought in the name of freedom and equality, allowed slavery to persist, encouraged individual self-interest and personal gain, and caused the oppression of Native Americans (136). It took many years and even decades to introduce the reforms, making the United States the country where freedom and equality are the main priorities not only in words but also in actions. Unfortunately, numerous slaves suffered brutal and unfair treatment, while the revolutionaries spoke up publicly about the importance of justice and freedom, and it continued for almost a century after the revolution.
In conclusion, the American Revolution’s conservative aims fostered liberal ideas because of growing sympathy for the nation’s soldiers and an emerging love of an independent American nation. These progressive ideas led to beneficial consequences such as numerous new opportunities, the start of the era of constitution-making and state-building, the end of mercantilism, and increased social engagement. At the same time, slavery, personal gain, and the oppression of Native Americans persisted, even though the revolution aimed to build a country full of freedom and equality. Nevertheless, the American Revolution created a country whose citizens eagerly strove for justice and freedom through the last centuries.
Works Cited
Gibbes, Robert. Documentary History of the American Revolution. D. Appleton & Company, 1855.
Locke, Joseph L., and Ben Wright. The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open U. S. History Textbook, Vol. 1: To 1877. Stanford University Press, 2019.