3.6 Influence of the Revolution

Learning Objective: Explain the various ways the American Revolution affected society.

Theme Focus: Social Structures

For the Everyday American

• Not a radical change for most Americans

• Life did not drastically change after achieving independence

Economic Changes

• Manufacturing stimulated because of less reliance on Great Britain

• American ships banned from great Britain and West Indies

• More trade with other foreign nations including all the way to China

• In debt from the war

• Classes created and cemented

• Social classes; a bit harder to move between the different classes

• Profiteers became very wealthy

Increased Awareness

• Inequality in society

• Calls for abolition of slavery

• Desire for more political democracy in all levels of government

“Republican Motherhood”

• Civic virtue: democracy depends on each citizen’s commitment to the good of the country

• In response to women’s participation in the revolution. Enlightenment ideals and calls for an expanded role for women

• Suggested women should teach republican values in the family

• Increased education

• Gave women a new importance in American political culture

Widespread Repercussions

• America became the inspiration for future independence movements

• France

• Declaration of the Rights of Man

• Haiti

• Latin America

Troubles at Home

• Shay’s Rebellion (1786), western Massachusetts

• Poor farmers were losing their farms through foreclosures

• Demanded that the state lighten taxes

• Quickly crushed by Massachusets authorities

• Did lead to changed laws in Massachusetts helping farmers who were in danger of losing their farms

• Led to fears that the Revolution had led to a “mobocracy” mindset

• Just through a fit and you get what you want

• Caused future revolts to be settled down very quickly

Equality & Democracy

• No more primogeniture laws (oldest son to inherit father’s estate)

• It was banned

• Anglican church disestablished

• Because it was very English

• Split between government and religion

• Hit hard in Massachusets and Virginia