American Revolution Dbq

The American Revolution of 1775 to 1783, not only gave colonists freedoms from the British government, but set a foundation for improvements and change across multiple platforms. Though the newly found nation held many promises, it also faced many struggles and imposed a large threat to the native people of North America. Striving to create a more limited government that would ease the fear of central power from the past experience of British rule was met with the need for funding and stability following the war. This weak of a government created an imbalance unsuitable for any newly found country. The ideologies of the United States government also created a premise for freedom movements throughout various societal platforms. Some proved to be a positive step in the right direction, while others suffered immense consequences.

Following the Revolution, women and African Americans alike began to hold a greater place in society and make great strides in quest for equality, while Native Americans began a fight for their rights; one in which they had no previous intent to begin.

While the affects of the war were great on America during the time, they paved the direction in which the country would continue for years to come.

In hopes of creating a government which preserved individual’s rights and limited executive power, the Continental Congress drafted the Articles of Confederation in 1777, which placed the majority of power within the state’s hands. Many believed restricting federal power would prevent a government as powerful as the British from forming again, this however hindered the democracy, prosperity and freedoms for the United States. The ratified Articles of Confederation written by the Continental Congress and approved by all thirteen states was the start to the new nation’s government. However, it soon became clear a stronger and more powerful central government than was established in

these articles was necessary. One of the most significant weaknesses of the government under the Articles was the inability to tax citizens directly. Their only form of taxed income included only what the states were willing to give. Following the Revolution, the nation was in great debt as any would be after fighting a war. The war in addition to the revenue needed to fund a new nation was weighing heavily on Congress’ capital. Alexander Hamilton, delegate from New York to the Constitutional Convention, stated in favor of the future Constitution that would replace the Articles, “[Under the Articles of Confederation] we have reached the last stage of national humiliation…We owe debts to foreign nations and our citizens, and we have no means to pay them. Is part of our country in the hands of other nations? Yes, and we have neither the troops, nor the money, nor the government to get them back (Constituting America).” The national economy after the Revolution began to plummet in response to the lack of taxation placed upon citizens at the national level, and this in turn created instability for the nation as a whole. The economy during this time represented the lack of central government and need for reevaluation and improvement.

Though the majority of change following the American Revolution was seen in States themselves, Britain experienced a degree of economic change as well. While the colonies were under British control, the protection from British military was costly and expensive. Thus, the colonies themselves were nearly more of a liability than an asset. Following the end of the war, the prosperity of Great Britain became clear; in order for the newly founded United States to thrive, they would have to do so by taking part in British trade and economy. With America’s dependence on British commerce, trade between the two nations increased by more than 10,000,000 pounds within 17 years (Rise and Fall of British Empire). This proves the economies of both Britain and the States prospered when they did so separately. It can be assumed the British defeat in the Revolutionary war was actually more beneficial to Great Britain than if they would have eventually reserved control over the bitter and hostile colonies.