Introduction
The United States of America could not have become the superpower that it is without engaging in fierce battles, resisting British colonial rule, and rebelling against oppression. The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) is one of the defining moments in American history as it led to American independence through the expulsion of the British colonialists. The War was fought between 13 North American colonies and Great Britain after political disagreements that followed a period of peace and financial success. After the victory, the colonies merged into the United States of America and formed a government by the people and for the people that was founded on the principles of freedom and equality. The War was caused by the British attempt to exert greater control over the governance of the colonies and is historically significant because it secured American independence, created the American national identity, and formed a republic that was founded on the values of equality, liberty, human and civil rights for all, and accountable citizenship.
Causes of the War
The American Revolution was mainly caused by British attempts to assert its dominance over its American colonies in order to repay its huge debts. After the end of the French and Indian War, Great Britain was experiencing huge financial burdens and so required its colonies to participate in paying the money for the protection offered during the 7-year War (“Why the American Revolution Matters”). As a result, they imposed taxes (the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the Tea Act) on the colonies, which was against their wishes (Johnson 43). The colonies opposed the new developments, and disagreements over trade regulation, taxation, and political representation ensued. The colonists opposed the new policies because they felt that they were structured to benefit the colonialists only (“Why the American Revolution Matters”). Moreover, Parliament was constituted by English lawmakers who were unaware of the colonies’ needs. “Rejection sparked profound regret, a sense of loss every bit as strong as the anger sparked by taxation without representation” (Breen 20). In that regard, they insisted that taxation was unfair.
The War was shaped by conflicts in interests between Great Britain and the colonists, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic differences. Social and economic changes that were taking place at the time elicited mixed reactions among the locals. They felt that it was their right to lead fulfilling lives by taking advantage of the opportunities and resources that were at their disposal but under the control of the colonialists (Johnson 48). They wanted the freedom to own property, conduct trade, worship, and improve the quality of their lives without the micromanagement of Great Britain. According to Allison and Ferreiro, “far from seeking independence, colonists cherished the liberties, military security, and profitable trade provided by a triumphant empire. (19). It is difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of the War, but the aforementioned factors played a significant role. After the United States secured independence, it formed a republic that was based on the principles of liberty and equality for all.
The Significance of the Revolutionary War
The Independence of the United States
The first and most important impact of the Revolutionary War was the independence of the United States from the authority of Great Britain and the subsequent secession from the British Empire. For many decades, America was under the rule of Great Britain, even though it had no representation in Parliament (“Why the American Revolution Matters”). The policy of salutary neglect gave the North American colonies to freedom to self-govern because policies were loosely implemented (Johnson 76). The main requirements for the maintenance of the status quo were for the colonies to remain loyal to Great Britain and to make their financial contributions to the “Crown.”. Therefore, the colonists had to rebel when the colonialist’s sough to exert greater political and administrative control. Historians believe that without the War, America would have gained independence later in the years, like other colonies. However, a republic based on key values of equality and liberty would not have been formed. This made America the first to gain independence.
The Establishment of a Sovereign Republic
The Revolutionary War also led to the establishment of a republic that was governed by key principles, mainly equality and liberty. Unlike the British Parliament, the government formed was focused on the interests of the people, especially their freedom, human and civil rights, and improving their quality of life (“Why the American Revolution Matters”). The United States was the first nation to emancipate itself from colonial rule and establish a republic that was not ruled by kings and lords (Parkison 74). The example set by Americans inspired subsequent Atlantic revolutions that fought for the establishment of sovereign republics (Breen 57). Unlike the United States, the majority did not last as they collapsed as fast as they were formed. The American republic has lasted for centuries because the founding fathers of the republic thought it wise to base it on core values and rules that were enshrined in the Federal Constitution (“Why the American Revolution Matters”). In contemporary society, the majority of republics that exist owe their success to the blueprint developed by the United States after the Revolutionary War.
The Creation of a National Identity
The third impact of the revolution was the creation of a national identity that differentiated the United States from Great Britain and the rest of the British Empire. America is a republic that is based on a shared history, cultural experiences, a belief in the equality of human beings, and the right to be free and pursue the American dream (“Why the American Revolution Matters”). Each of the thirteen histories had different cultural beliefs, ideologies, cultures, and identities. However, they joined forces to create a united republic that had a single national identity and shared history. The identity of the American people cannot be described or discussed without making reference to the Revolutionary War, and the role played by the founding fathers (Parkison 103). Globalization and technological advancement have brought immense transformations into American society. However, its national identity is so strong that these changes have not replaced it or diluted its essence.
The Principles of Equality, Freedom, and Responsible Citizenship
The fourth impact of the Revolutionary War was the establishment of ideals that govern the political, social, and economic ideologies of the United States till today. They include equality for all, liberty (freedom), responsible citizenship, and the enjoyment of human and civil rights by all citizens. These ideals were adopted from ancient Greece and Roman ideologies, and they formed the basis of a new political order that has been replicated many times throughout the world. Political, philosophical, and social thinkers agree that these principles are some of the most important components of a just and successful political system (Allison and Ferreiro 61). The founding fathers of the United States incorporated these ideals into the declaration of independence and developed a foundation for the establishment of a free and just society. A totally free society has not yet been achieved because of the prevalence of social injustice, racism, economic greed, sexism, and social exploitation (Allison and Ferreiro 78). However, the United States has made significant strides over the decades in the creation of a society that is characterized by fairness and equality for all. The challenges experienced in this journey as mainly based on the flaws of human nature rather than the shortcomings of the aforementioned ideals.
Conclusion
The Revolutionary War was caused by the British attempt to exert greater control over the colonies and is historically significant because it secured American independence, created American national identity, and formed a republic that was founded on the values of equality, liberty, human and civil rights for all, and responsible citizenship. Prior to the American Revolution, the American colonies were under the rule of Great Britain and did not have representation in Parliament. The devastating financial effects of the French and Indian War prompted the colonialists to impose taxes that angered the colonists. This was the beginning of the revolution that led to the securing of American independence. Moreover, it established a national identity that has stood the test of time, despite the effects of globalization and technological advancement. The founding fathers adopted the Roman and Greece ideas and incorporated them into the declaration of independence to form a republic that has been replicated throughout the world. The history of the United States has numerous defining moments that dominate political discussions and academic studies. However, the Revolutionary War will remain the most significant moment in the history of the United States, from rebelling against British rule to becoming an independent republic.
Works Cited
Allison, K. David, and Larrie D. Ferreiro. The American Revolution: A World War. Smithsonian Books, 2018.
Breen, Timothy H. The Will of the People: The Revolutionary birth of America. Harvard University Press, 2019.
Johnson, Donald F. Occupied America: British Military Rule and the Experience of Revolution. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2020.
Parkison, Robert G. The Common Cause: Creating Race and Nation in the American Revolution. University of North Carolina Press, 2016.
“Why the American Revolution Matters.” The American Revolution Institute, 2019, Web.