Essay On Patriotism And Independence

We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” ― Benjamin Franklin. An essential player in the fight for American Independence, Benjamin Franklin 's play on words truly illustrates the nature of the American Revolution. After all, every man involved in the framing of the Declaration of Independence was committing one of the highest crimes in existence: treason against the King. Through their subversive actions, the Patriots started a conflict with Britain that was, in a way, do or die. If they lost the war, Americans would have to submit to Parliament 's authority permanently, however, in the slight chance that they won, the major Patriot dreams of freedom and Independence would be realized. In one of the most remarkable

Throughout the turbulent times of the American Revolution, and the rebuilding phase of post war life, a variety of both continuities and transformations emerged in the fields of politics, economics, and social situations. Beginning in the early 1760s, and in the years that followed, a massive amount of changes emerged as America and her people severed all ties with Britain, and won their independence in the Revolutionary War. During the time when the American non-importation policy against Britain was in place, a group of women called the Daughters of Liberty contributed greatly to the war effort. As these women gained a sense of responsibility and worth, they began to challenge traditional customs regarding the rights of women. Actions like these had never been taken in the past, and this new way of thinking unsettled many men and women alike. Later, in the twilight of the war, a massive shift occurred among the top tiers of society. Before the days of revolution, Loyalists who had close ties with Britain dominated the wealthy, upper class. However, after the colonists defeated Great Britain, a new group that consisted of mostly Patriot Merchants

In regard to social issues, the practice of slavery, instituted well before the Revolutionary War, continued throughout and after its completion. The continuation of slavery was greatly due to the Great Compromise of 1787 which delayed any further debate regarding the abolition of slavery until the year 1808. Ironically this "compromise" would contribute greatly to another American war (the Civil War) almost a hundred years later. Similarly to the continuation of slavery, the roles of women in society remained nearly unchanged throughout the Revolutionary War. Although women began to challenge the traditional beliefs about their gender, the institution of the new American republic only allowed white males full citizenship. Women were still considered legally unequal to their spouses, and remained disenfranchised even after the war. In regard to political continuities, Americans began structuring their governments in republican styles beginning in the early 1760s, and continued to do so through the American Revolution. Even though the American revolution obliterated all political ties with Britain, the republican forms of state governments that existed before the war generally remained in place under the Articles of Confederation. In other words, the political structure that American leaders chose to run their state