Category: American Revolution

By what specific steps did the American Revolution transform from a revolt of thirteen British colonies meant to secure the colonists traditional English rights under Crown rule in a war meant to establish an independent nation in which the people are sovereign and equal rights before the law?

Explanation

The American revolt started as a fight against inequality. The thirteen colonies were not strangers to the oppressions and intolerable acts of the British parliament. The oppression included harsh tax laws.

The people were not represented in their tax revenues and termed the oppression as an act of inequality. Similar oppressions broke out in different colonies. In Boston, the people rejected Townshend law and called for a rebellion.

The British branded the rebellion as a sign of weakness on their part. They used force to crush the rebellion among the colonies. The colonies defended themselves against the oppression and gave their lives for the common cause.

They organized a continental meeting and pledged to protect each other against any oppression. The continental meeting in 1774 signaled the turning point of the American Revolution. The American Revolution began without a cause against inequality.

The oppressions of the colonies by the British became a regular occurrence and the people sought a solution. The colonies were loyal to the King, but they did not enjoy the treatments they received. They were dragged like slaves and used as tools for recreation.

The Americans termed this act to be intolerable but did not foresee a chance of secession from the British rule. Within the colonies, small groups of rich men gathered to discuss politics of the day, each taking turns to curse the King and his troops.

It was difficult to revolt against the King given their present predicament. The colonies were slaves to the British by every standard. The food they ate, the water they drank, the wages they received, came from the British. How could they stage a revolt when all their supplies came from the British?

The oppression continued and the people of Boston became defiant with the Kings troops. They staged a peaceful revolt against the King. The militia in Boston dumped an entire shipment of tea into the sea prompting wild outrage.

This incident set in motion a chain of events called the American Revolution. The colonies came together as a union to transform a revolt under crown rule to a war meant to establish an independent nation called America.

The words of the tea party spread across Britain within days, the British troops described the rebellion as a revolt in the family and decided to flush the tiny group before they grew in numbers.

The King ordered the occupation of Boston by the British military and the use of force if necessary to enforce their loyalty. The Boston revolt did not gain acceptance by the majority because they never saw a chance of victory against the King.

Even the sober or drunkard did not curse the King or boast the independence. The revolt gathered momentum; small groups of militias grew in numbers. People began to weigh the events that played out with caution.

They argue that the same treatment given to Boston could be replicated to another colony charged with rebellion. By 1774, fifty-six leaders among the colonies met in Massachusetts to pledge their allegiance to a common cause: defend or die trying.

The colonies were strangers to themselves, they hardly relate. They were closer to the Kings men than themselves.

The meeting in Philadelphia signaled the turning point of the American Revolution. People with different backgrounds from thirteen colonies united in a common cause. Their cause became known as a common sense.

The thirteen colonies were adequately protected by British troops, but they wanted liberty. During the meeting in Philadelphia, the delegates comprising of businessmen, plantation owners, jurists, lawyers pledged their loyalty to each other.

They agreed to a bond, in pain and sorrow to fight any form of operation. They agreed to stop the importation of British goods and depend on their local supplies. Their businessmen refused to trade with the British and closed all routes of the slave trade in their colonies.

These steps changed the course of a revolt in a war for an independent nation. The businessmen in London suffered from the boycott. They petitioned the British parliament. To enforce their authority, British troops ordered the arrest of the leaders of the militias and seizure of ammunitions.

The troops led by General Cage entered Lexington to enforce their authority. The events of that evening changed American history. Words of war echoed across the thirteen colonies and they united with a common cause to defend their territory.

When the tales of Lexington broke out, the remaining colonies knew the time has come and there was no way back.

The British troops, driven by anger to suppress the rebellion, fought with courage and the people of America who took their fight as a revolt from the traditions of the British rule, believed in the American Revolution.

The second meeting held by the thirteen colonies voted money to assist the militias in Boston. They drafted the declaration of independence and the United States of America became a dream.

By what specific steps did the American Revolution transform from a revolt of thirteen British colonies meant to secure the colonists traditional English rights under Crown rule in a war meant to establish an independent nation in which the people are sovereign and equal rights before the law?

Explanation

The American revolt started as a fight against inequality. The thirteen colonies were not strangers to the oppressions and intolerable acts of the British parliament. The oppression included harsh tax laws.

The people were not represented in their tax revenues and termed the oppression as an act of inequality. Similar oppressions broke out in different colonies. In Boston, the people rejected Townshend law and called for a rebellion.

The British branded the rebellion as a sign of weakness on their part. They used force to crush the rebellion among the colonies. The colonies defended themselves against the oppression and gave their lives for the common cause.

They organized a continental meeting and pledged to protect each other against any oppression. The continental meeting in 1774 signaled the turning point of the American Revolution. The American Revolution began without a cause against inequality.

The oppressions of the colonies by the British became a regular occurrence and the people sought a solution. The colonies were loyal to the King, but they did not enjoy the treatments they received. They were dragged like slaves and used as tools for recreation.

The Americans termed this act to be intolerable but did not foresee a chance of secession from the British rule. Within the colonies, small groups of rich men gathered to discuss politics of the day, each taking turns to curse the King and his troops.

It was difficult to revolt against the King given their present predicament. The colonies were slaves to the British by every standard. The food they ate, the water they drank, the wages they received, came from the British. How could they stage a revolt when all their supplies came from the British?

The oppression continued and the people of Boston became defiant with the Kings troops. They staged a peaceful revolt against the King. The militia in Boston dumped an entire shipment of tea into the sea prompting wild outrage.

This incident set in motion a chain of events called the American Revolution. The colonies came together as a union to transform a revolt under crown rule to a war meant to establish an independent nation called America.

The words of the tea party spread across Britain within days, the British troops described the rebellion as a revolt in the family and decided to flush the tiny group before they grew in numbers.

The King ordered the occupation of Boston by the British military and the use of force if necessary to enforce their loyalty. The Boston revolt did not gain acceptance by the majority because they never saw a chance of victory against the King.

Even the sober or drunkard did not curse the King or boast the independence. The revolt gathered momentum; small groups of militias grew in numbers. People began to weigh the events that played out with caution.

They argue that the same treatment given to Boston could be replicated to another colony charged with rebellion. By 1774, fifty-six leaders among the colonies met in Massachusetts to pledge their allegiance to a common cause: defend or die trying.

The colonies were strangers to themselves, they hardly relate. They were closer to the Kings men than themselves.

The meeting in Philadelphia signaled the turning point of the American Revolution. People with different backgrounds from thirteen colonies united in a common cause. Their cause became known as a common sense.

The thirteen colonies were adequately protected by British troops, but they wanted liberty. During the meeting in Philadelphia, the delegates comprising of businessmen, plantation owners, jurists, lawyers pledged their loyalty to each other.

They agreed to a bond, in pain and sorrow to fight any form of operation. They agreed to stop the importation of British goods and depend on their local supplies. Their businessmen refused to trade with the British and closed all routes of the slave trade in their colonies.

These steps changed the course of a revolt in a war for an independent nation. The businessmen in London suffered from the boycott. They petitioned the British parliament. To enforce their authority, British troops ordered the arrest of the leaders of the militias and seizure of ammunitions.

The troops led by General Cage entered Lexington to enforce their authority. The events of that evening changed American history. Words of war echoed across the thirteen colonies and they united with a common cause to defend their territory.

When the tales of Lexington broke out, the remaining colonies knew the time has come and there was no way back.

The British troops, driven by anger to suppress the rebellion, fought with courage and the people of America who took their fight as a revolt from the traditions of the British rule, believed in the American Revolution.

The second meeting held by the thirteen colonies voted money to assist the militias in Boston. They drafted the declaration of independence and the United States of America became a dream.

American Revolution is an outstanding event in whole world history. This war proved that all people, no matter their religion and nationality, are equal and have the rights to be respected. The premise of the war was for economic, political, territorial, and ideological reasons. British crown strived to take the colonies over control and become more powerful. The government discriminated against Americans by exercising different laws, fines, and restrictions on the colonies. The point of no return was the tea act of 1773, and the followed Boston Tea Party protest. The war that lasted more than ten years included many bloody battles that were decisive in gaining independence by the North American colonies.

The battle of Bunker Hill, 1775, is one of the first American battles with the British for independence. The initial cause of the battle is the desire of the British to take over the harbors in Massachusetts (Grant 507). The British forces were twice as strong as American ones. Thus, the British were confident that they could win and underestimated Americans. Even though the British army had better equipment and weapons, Americans defended the territory with dignity (Grant 512). Thus, even though the battle ended with the British victory, their army had severe losses. The battle of Bunker Hill marked the end of the peaceful rebellions and protests and became the first armed conflict of the American Revolution.

The Battle of Saratoga, 1777, is one of the turnings points of the American Revolution. Two significant battles lasted eighteen days and helped the Continental army to establish its positions (Montanus 10). The first battle near Freemans farm ended with the win of the British soldiers under John Burgoynes command (Montanus 23). However, the British witnessed huge losses, and the colonial generals took advantage out of it. Thus, later during the Battle of Bemis Heights, the American reinforcements appeared, and, as a result, Burgoyne was cornered and surrendered his army (Montanus 11). Therefore, the battle of Saratoga was a crucial win for the Americans and ensured the subsequent communications with France.

The Battle of Monmouth in 1778 was the first success of the colonial forces in the war of independence. Jorge Washington using the withdrawal of the British forces for his benefit, deployed American troops to intercept enemies (Timpanaro 220). The main point of Washington was to avoid the battle first to make British forces underestimate the American army. Thus, the American troops under Lees command dealt several blows and withdrew. Therefore, they were trying to weaken the enemy (Timpanaro 221). Thanks to this strategy, the British thought that they can defeat Americans without calling the reinforcements. However, Clinton figured out the Americans tactics and tried to confront the enemy (Timpanaro 221). As a result, the battle was a draw, but the Americans advantage was that they could confront the British forces that were much larger than American ones.

There were many essential for the American Revolution battles in the history of the Americans claim for independence. The three mentioned battles were crucial turning points for the revolution. Even though The British had military superiority, colonialists managed to achieve their goal. The sorely planned military strategies of Americans and their fighting spirit helped them to achieve their goal. The Battle of Saratoga, Monmouth, and Bunker Hill demonstrated that the American colonialist often used the fact that The British underestimated Americans. Thus, the British were distracted by the Americans morale, strategy and, as a result, cornered or left with huge losses. The number of other battles contributed to the gaining the independence by the American colonialists.

Works Cited

Grant, Larry. Men of War: The American Soldier in Combat at Bunker Hill. New York History, Fenimore Art Museum, 2017, pp. 509513.

Montanus, Paul. The Saratoga Campaign: Maneuver Warfare, the Continental Army, and the Birth of the American Way of War. Papamoa Press, 2017.

Timpanaro, Michael. Fatal Sunday: George Washington, the Monmouth Campaign, and the Politics of Battle. NJS: An Interdisciplinary Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, 2018, pp. 219-223.

The American Revolution played a big role in the shaping of the current American political, social and administrative systems (Peterson 1).

Its effects were also felt globally as the former British colonies (which currently constitute the United States of America), rose up against their colonial powers to form one of the most powerful states on earth (USA).

However, even after the British were ousted from America, a great majority of the American public felt shortchanged (in terms of leadership), and as a result, several rebellious movements sprang.

Nonetheless, even before the dissatisfaction was eminent, previous rebellions existed, and they varied, depending on their cause. Most of the movements had a strong impact on the American Revolution.

This study will consider the positive and negative impact of four rebellions namely: the Bacon rebellion, Friess rebellion, Slave rebellions, and Shays rebellion. This sample will quantify the role rebellions played in hurting or helping the American Revolution.

Bacons Rebellion

Bacons rebellion did more harm than good to the American Revolution. It was started by Nathaniel Bacon in 1676 who wanted Native Americans to leave Virginias protected lands (Tim 36).

During the revolution, a series of attacks were launched on Indian farms, while other attacks were directed at Native Indians (in the form of killings and murders).

These aggressive acts were motivated by acts perfected by the Virginian governor, William Berkley, of favoring native Indians (Tim 36).

The Bacon rebellion was one of a kind because it was the first rebellion witnessed in the American Revolution, because a few years after its end, other rebellions sprung up (such as similar uprisings in Maryland).

The rebellion was retrogressive to the cause of the American Revolution because it facilitated the spread of the ruling class and further hardened the position of the ruling class regarding the hierarchical arrangement of slavery (Tim 36).

The only achievement evidenced from the rebellion was the recalling of Berkley back to England, but nonetheless, the locals never succeeded in driving Native Americans from England (Tim 36).

Fries Rebellion

The Friess rebellion was a tax-related rebellion that failed to add to the gains of the American Revolution.

This rebellion was organized by a small group of taxpayers in the state of Pennsylvania who were revolting against tax measures imposed by the government (regarding housing) (Douglas 1).

The rebellion was directed at assessors who came to Pennsylvania to assess properties in readiness for tax measures (Douglas 1).

Fries, who was the leader of the revolt, warned such tax assessors on such a move and persuaded them to leave (otherwise, they would be attacked). They failed to oblige.

Small bands of mobilized groups then attacked the tax assessors and harassed them, leading to a massive resignation of such officers from their job (Douglas 1).

This rebellion was retrogressive to the cause of the American Revolution because it was a revolt against the newly formed federal government and an act of rebellion against American laws (Douglas 1).

Some philosophers openly note that Fries and his group were misinformed in holding such a rebellion and they were equally ignorant of the American language, in the same manner, they were of the countrys laws (Douglas 4).

The rebellion can, therefore, be assumed to be a long stint meant to belittle the American government and its constitution (again derived from the American Revolution).

Slave Rebellions

Slave rebellions such as the Haiti slave rebellion which were witnessed during the American revolution made significant gains to the developments evidenced in the American Revolution.

Moreover, the revolutions helped catalyze the developments made by Americans during the revolution, through efforts made by slave rebellion leaders in the American Revolution, such as Gabriel Pressor (Santos 48).

During the American Revolution, slaves found a chance to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of national affairs and consequently, the years 1780-1810 saw a considerable number of slaves freed in the South (Santos 48).

Slave rebellions in Saint Dominique, during the 1790s, catalyzed the American Revolution, in the sense that, they were meant to fight against British oppression (a course which was also fought by many Americans) (Santos 48).

However, some historians note that the American Revolution also made many white slave owners nervous, especially considering many slaves were having more rights (supported by movements such as the French revolution and the Haiti revolution) (Santos 48).

This new and unsettled attitude among slave owners later led to increased freedoms for African-American slaves (Santos 48).

Nonetheless, the end of the American Revolution never saw an end to slavery. Many of the Southern states held on to slavery because their domestic economy was primarily defined by the agrarian economy (Santos 49).

Shays Rebellion

Shays rebellion is among one of the most appreciated rebellions in the American Revolution (Richards 2).

The rebellion shaped American democratic systems as we know it today (even though it was crafted by a few, poor farmers and debtors who were protesting against unjust tax systems and the local civil authority) (Richards 2).

The rebellion was also motivated by poor leadership, with many of its proponents at the time crying foul that the gains made after ousting the British colonial rule were being backtracked by the present regime (Richards 2).

It is also from the rebellion that General George Washington came back into public life, and the articles of confederation were done away with, to pave the way for a new American constitution (Peterson 11).

It is because of this development that the American constitution was crafted and it has successfully governed the country for more than 200 years now.

The biggest contributor to the rebellion to the American Revolution is that it sealed the fate of the American Revolution by first shaking up the core of the entire countrys ruling class (Peterson 1).

Conclusion

Rebellions witnessed during the American Revolution both facilitated the gains of the American Revolution and equally did little to foster the realizations of such gains.

Initial rebellions never amounted to much; as can be noted from the Bacon revolution which never realized its goal of driving native Indians out of Virginia.

Though the Bacon rebellion was a precursor to subsequent rebellions in the American Revolution; not much progress was made by subsequent rebellions, such as the Friess rebellion which was a setback to the constitutionality of the American constitution.

However, there were other rebellions like the slave rebellions which fast-tracked the gains of the American Revolution because its cause was much similar to the American Revolution.

Shays rebellion, however, sealed the gains made of the American Revolution because it ushered in a new democratic spirit in America by paving the way for a repeal of the countrys laws and eventual writing of the American constitution.

These rebellions, therefore, define the gains and setbacks of the American Revolution.

Works Cited

Douglas, Paul. Friess Rebellion: The Enduring Struggle for the American Revolution. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004. Print.

Peterson, John. Shays Rebellion and the American Revolution. 2010. Web.

Richards, Leonard. Shayss Rebellion the American Revolutions Final Battle. 2011. Web.

Santos, Robin. Slave Rebellions. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2006. Print.

Tim, McNeese. American Colonies. New York: Lorenz Educational Press. Print.

The American Revolution played a big role in the shaping of the current American political, social and administrative systems (Peterson 1).

Its effects were also felt globally as the former British colonies (which currently constitute the United States of America), rose up against their colonial powers to form one of the most powerful states on earth (USA).

However, even after the British were ousted from America, a great majority of the American public felt shortchanged (in terms of leadership), and as a result, several rebellious movements sprang.

Nonetheless, even before the dissatisfaction was eminent, previous rebellions existed, and they varied, depending on their cause. Most of the movements had a strong impact on the American Revolution.

This study will consider the positive and negative impact of four rebellions namely: the Bacon rebellion, Friess rebellion, Slave rebellions, and Shays rebellion. This sample will quantify the role rebellions played in hurting or helping the American Revolution.

Bacons Rebellion

Bacons rebellion did more harm than good to the American Revolution. It was started by Nathaniel Bacon in 1676 who wanted Native Americans to leave Virginias protected lands (Tim 36).

During the revolution, a series of attacks were launched on Indian farms, while other attacks were directed at Native Indians (in the form of killings and murders).

These aggressive acts were motivated by acts perfected by the Virginian governor, William Berkley, of favoring native Indians (Tim 36).

The Bacon rebellion was one of a kind because it was the first rebellion witnessed in the American Revolution, because a few years after its end, other rebellions sprung up (such as similar uprisings in Maryland).

The rebellion was retrogressive to the cause of the American Revolution because it facilitated the spread of the ruling class and further hardened the position of the ruling class regarding the hierarchical arrangement of slavery (Tim 36).

The only achievement evidenced from the rebellion was the recalling of Berkley back to England, but nonetheless, the locals never succeeded in driving Native Americans from England (Tim 36).

Fries Rebellion

The Friess rebellion was a tax-related rebellion that failed to add to the gains of the American Revolution.

This rebellion was organized by a small group of taxpayers in the state of Pennsylvania who were revolting against tax measures imposed by the government (regarding housing) (Douglas 1).

The rebellion was directed at assessors who came to Pennsylvania to assess properties in readiness for tax measures (Douglas 1).

Fries, who was the leader of the revolt, warned such tax assessors on such a move and persuaded them to leave (otherwise, they would be attacked). They failed to oblige.

Small bands of mobilized groups then attacked the tax assessors and harassed them, leading to a massive resignation of such officers from their job (Douglas 1).

This rebellion was retrogressive to the cause of the American Revolution because it was a revolt against the newly formed federal government and an act of rebellion against American laws (Douglas 1).

Some philosophers openly note that Fries and his group were misinformed in holding such a rebellion and they were equally ignorant of the American language, in the same manner, they were of the countrys laws (Douglas 4).

The rebellion can, therefore, be assumed to be a long stint meant to belittle the American government and its constitution (again derived from the American Revolution).

Slave Rebellions

Slave rebellions such as the Haiti slave rebellion which were witnessed during the American revolution made significant gains to the developments evidenced in the American Revolution.

Moreover, the revolutions helped catalyze the developments made by Americans during the revolution, through efforts made by slave rebellion leaders in the American Revolution, such as Gabriel Pressor (Santos 48).

During the American Revolution, slaves found a chance to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of national affairs and consequently, the years 1780-1810 saw a considerable number of slaves freed in the South (Santos 48).

Slave rebellions in Saint Dominique, during the 1790s, catalyzed the American Revolution, in the sense that, they were meant to fight against British oppression (a course which was also fought by many Americans) (Santos 48).

However, some historians note that the American Revolution also made many white slave owners nervous, especially considering many slaves were having more rights (supported by movements such as the French revolution and the Haiti revolution) (Santos 48).

This new and unsettled attitude among slave owners later led to increased freedoms for African-American slaves (Santos 48).

Nonetheless, the end of the American Revolution never saw an end to slavery. Many of the Southern states held on to slavery because their domestic economy was primarily defined by the agrarian economy (Santos 49).

Shays Rebellion

Shays rebellion is among one of the most appreciated rebellions in the American Revolution (Richards 2).

The rebellion shaped American democratic systems as we know it today (even though it was crafted by a few, poor farmers and debtors who were protesting against unjust tax systems and the local civil authority) (Richards 2).

The rebellion was also motivated by poor leadership, with many of its proponents at the time crying foul that the gains made after ousting the British colonial rule were being backtracked by the present regime (Richards 2).

It is also from the rebellion that General George Washington came back into public life, and the articles of confederation were done away with, to pave the way for a new American constitution (Peterson 11).

It is because of this development that the American constitution was crafted and it has successfully governed the country for more than 200 years now.

The biggest contributor to the rebellion to the American Revolution is that it sealed the fate of the American Revolution by first shaking up the core of the entire countrys ruling class (Peterson 1).

Conclusion

Rebellions witnessed during the American Revolution both facilitated the gains of the American Revolution and equally did little to foster the realizations of such gains.

Initial rebellions never amounted to much; as can be noted from the Bacon revolution which never realized its goal of driving native Indians out of Virginia.

Though the Bacon rebellion was a precursor to subsequent rebellions in the American Revolution; not much progress was made by subsequent rebellions, such as the Friess rebellion which was a setback to the constitutionality of the American constitution.

However, there were other rebellions like the slave rebellions which fast-tracked the gains of the American Revolution because its cause was much similar to the American Revolution.

Shays rebellion, however, sealed the gains made of the American Revolution because it ushered in a new democratic spirit in America by paving the way for a repeal of the countrys laws and eventual writing of the American constitution.

These rebellions, therefore, define the gains and setbacks of the American Revolution.

Works Cited

Douglas, Paul. Friess Rebellion: The Enduring Struggle for the American Revolution. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004. Print.

Peterson, John. Shays Rebellion and the American Revolution. 2010. Web.

Richards, Leonard. Shayss Rebellion the American Revolutions Final Battle. 2011. Web.

Santos, Robin. Slave Rebellions. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2006. Print.

Tim, McNeese. American Colonies. New York: Lorenz Educational Press. Print.

As disdainful as it is, there has been a recurrent dynamic in recent years in the historical field  to alter or to overlook a portion of historical facts that does not suit a particular political purpose. Since the materials that serve as a base for spreading biased information can be greatly widespread, the noxious effect that they cause is magnified by hundreds, especially when they are used in the educational context. Therefore, it is ones entitlement before this generation and the following ones  to preserve historical authenticity to its fullest extent. Doing so, in the opinion of the author, is a form of retribution to the people long gone, the ones who sacrificed their lives in honor of the ideals that, in their lifetime, promised a better and freer world. The following essay is an attempt to follow this noble route. The essay is aiming to fulfill two main objectives: to contribute to the emerging dynamic of being realistic about history, and to argue that the American Revolution would not be as successful as it was without women.

The general consensus on the role of women during the period of the American Revolution is such, that colonial women lacked even the slightest interest in the sociopolitical matters that have been occurring all around them. A woman of the era is painted as a stereotypically docile, passive, largely uneducated, and above all, unwilling to participate in any decision-making. However, as can be seen further, a point of view based on the dominant doctrine of the time does not reflect the actual state of the matters.

Indeed, colonial women of the 1700s were subject to numerous oppressing factors that defined every area of their lives. The traditional female role consisting of childbearing and keeping the house was, in fact, thought of as womens contribution to the economy. Many women, indeed, stayed at home and, when their husbands went to war, practically took charge of affairs. However, such a contribution alone the female part of the population could not have influenced the revolutionary process as significantly as it did, so, there must have been major exceptions to the rule.

In fact, there are a vast number of historical accounts on the women of colonial times who challenged the limiting and oppressing gender roles that society imposed on them. By not conforming, quite a large number of women entered warfare, political parties or kept various businesses. Since the first moments that the American Revolution started to gain momentum, the cooperation of women was essential. The majority of British goods that Americans decided to boycott were purchased by women: fabric, candles, soap  so even the colonial leaders realized the need to spark an interest in revolutionary ideas among the female population. Boycotting was one of the first examples of female legal participation in political and economic matters  with the colonial forces recognizing the substance of a womans role in their cause.

Boycotting was not the only form of national consciousness that women exhibited. Many organized into voluntary groups  for instance, the Ladies Association of America that Philadelphian elite women participated in. Generally, the nature of womens social contributions largely depended on their class. While the upper class organized into associations, women of the lower and middle class arranged food riots and demonstrations. Thus, it can be noted that lower-class women absolutely legally possessed higher political freedoms than the elite ones, as they could express their opinions on the streets.

However, the history of the American Revolution is abundant in stories about women breaking the law and bending the societal norms in order to follow their hearts desires. Szayna et al. writes, during earlier wars, women concealed their gender by pretending to be men and boys, others served as replacements for their husbands. From 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, who warned Patriots of the coming of British troops, to women similar to Deborah Sampson, who concealed themselves as men and became recruits for the American army. Although it is quite hard to determine the exact number of women who did this, historians have the right to believe there were quite a large number of them. A lot of them, like Sampson, earned great respect from her male comrades, to the point where upon identity disclosure, she was not evicted, but received an applause. Thus, even on the battlefield, a traditionally male domain, women displayed outstanding illustrations of bravery, loyalty and selflessness, proving that these qualities are not dependent on ones sex.

Much more frequent was a woman in the role of camp-follower, however, often it was no less dangerous than fighting on the battlefield directly. The women who occupied such positions were much more numerous; they did all the hard work in caring for the soldiers and the wounded. Interestingly enough, all the enormous work that they did in the rear was simply overlooked, with George Washington ordering the camp-followers to take a different route when passing through towns, so that his army might appear more professional. These women were considered a shame, which only proves how little of these womens efforts were acknowledged. It seems that it is from these intentions exhibited by the general Washington modern tendencies to erase historical facts.

Like warfare, politics, being an institute of power, was traditionally associated with male membership, and it was virtually unthinkable for a woman to engage in political matters. However, the Edenton Tea Party is one famous example of a group of women expressing their political views  boycotting British goods and supporting their husbands opinions. Although this act might not seem as revolutionary as it was seen at the time, it holds a major significance as a female contribution to the American revolution. This deed was, perhaps, a more successful feat that Abigail Adams who repeatedly insisted to her husband to allow women to vote  however, these acts are similar in their cruciality. Whether entrances into higher institutions of power were illegal or shunned by the society, the women were able to find their way into the world of politics, essentially prohibited for them to enter at that time.

The Edenton Tea Partys loyalist counterpart, Haudenosaunee women were just as remarkable in terms of their political influence  however, entirely different in their intentions and origin. These women, being leaders of their community, were truly a threat to the colonies, which was the reason for hostility from European-Americans. The Haudenosaunee farmlands were devastated by the colonists in order to force these women out and initiate a decline in their political power. Perhaps, their influence was unsettling for the colonists for the reason that Europeans were unaccustomed to a woman exhibiting such level of privilege; whereas the Haudenosaunee did not limit women in such ways.

The fact that the women discussed earlier are of European descent, with some coming from highly privileged backgrounds  being the wives of generals, merchants and plantation owners  one might have an impression only white women partook in the Revolution. It could seem natural, however, this is just not the case, as history is full of examples of African-American and Indigenous women playing their part in the process. A figure as well-known as immensely unusual for her time, Phillis Wheatley was a slave, a poet, and a supporter of the Patriots. She was not alone in her interest towards American independence. Many saw a grander possibility in the Revolution, especially those who were vulnerable and oppressed  like women and enslaved people  so, perhaps, that is why they were promoting the Revolution.

By studying historical accounts of the women who directly experienced the American Revolution, learning that they participated in matters where they are largely erased from  like politics and warfare  a greater insight was attained. Womens role in the Revolution and in the establishment of American statehood is truly immense. There were active female participants everywhere  from the battleground to the abandoned mens homes and farms. The women were doing most of the work that is generally overlooked  while also expanding into traditionally male domains with the bravest members of the weaker sex. The Revolution would not be possible without women because women are self-sufficient members of society just like men. Constituting half of the entire population, the women were not able to alter the perception of them by their contemporaries in any significant manner, however, they definitely influenced the outcome of the Revolutionary war. Quite naturally, it would not be possible to win the war if such a big portion of the population were disinterested. Additionally, the revolutionary experience allowed many women to rethink their societal role and greatly enhanced their confidence.

Bibliography

Arendt, Emily J. Ladies Going about for Money: Female Voluntary Associations and Civic Consciousness in the American Revolution. Journal of the Early Republic 34, no. 2 (2014): 15786. Web.

McArthur, J. L. Women of the Revolution. New York: Proceedings of the New York State Historical Association 5 (1905): 15361.

Oberg, Barbara B. Women in the American Revolution: Gender, Politics, and the Domestic World. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2019.

Szayna, Thomas S., Eric V. Larson, Angela OMahony, Sean Robson, Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Miriam Matthews, J. Michael Polich, et al. The Integration of Women and Other Excluded Groups into the U.S. Military: The Historical Experience. In Considerations for Integrating Women into Closed Occupations in the U.S. Special Operations Forces, 1546. RAND Corporation, 2015. Web.

Zeinert, Karen. Those Remarkable Women of the American Revolution. Brooksfield: Millbrook Press, 1996.

Two acts passed by the British Parliament on British North America include the Stamp Act and the Townshend Act, which caused the Boston Massacre. These two acts are the most significant acts passed by the British Parliament as they played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. The Stamp Act and the Townshend Act were turning points in North Americas quest for independence. The Stamp Act was passed to help the British government replenish its finances and pay off war debt after the seven years of war with France, which was costly and led to severe financial losses (Skalenko, 2020). Furthermore, part of the revenue from the Stamp Act was purposed to support the British army to ensure peace between the colonists and the Native Americans.

The Stamp Act required the colonists to pay for a seal or official stamp whenever they bought paper items. However, the effects of this Act did not favor the British government as the Act outraged the American colonies, who immediately protested against it and established a secret society known as the Sons of Liberty (Skalenko, 2020). The Townshend Act caused the Boston Massacre, which infuriated the colonists. The Boston Massacre had a negative effect on the British as it had a major impact on their relationship with American colonists, which resulted in riots and tension between the British soldiers and the colonists (Brown, 2020). This roused the American colonists, who were already wary of British rule to fight for independence.

The Declaration of Independence was fundamental to the development of the American Revolution as it contained the grievances the American Colonists had against the British king. It also outlined the arguments used by the colonists as to why they wanted to be free of British rule (Corbett et al., 2015). The declaration also stated crucial ideals such as equality and liberty and analyzed the American colonists motivations for independence.

References

Brown, K. E. (2020). Remembering the Boston Massacre Trials at 250: John Adams and the Common-Law Tradition. Social Education, 84(2), 83-88. Web.

P. Scott Corbett, V. J. (2017). U.S. History. Samurai Media Limited.

Skalenko, N. (2020). William Livingston and the Stamp Act Crisis of 1765. The Macksey Journal, 1(1), 21902. Web.

The American Revolution is the event that resulted in the United States gaining independence and ceasing to be part of the British colonies. The term bourgeois revolution is often used to evaluate this rebellion, as the violent action captured all parties involved in the conflict. In addition, the revolution was the result of several factors, including the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and The Declaratory Act.

The Proclamation Act of 1763 sought to settle new British lands in North America and stabilize relations with the Indians by regulating the fur trade, colonization, and land purchases on the western frontier. In addition, the goals were also the assimilation of the French population and the transformation of Canada into a British colony. The Proclamation was initially well-received among the American colonists because of the emancipation of the land and the cessation of hostilities (Ellis, 2021). However, there was a backlash among the migrating colonists in which many ignored the Proclamation and settled in the west, creating tension between them and the Native Americans. The Proclamation is believed to have regulated land relations for the first time, but recognizing Native sovereignty remains unresolved. Nevertheless, the Proclamation Act remains an important influence on Native representations and movements, including American colonist migrations and land consolidation.

The purpose of The Declaratory Act was to equalize the powers of Parliament in America with Great Britain. The Declaratory Act of 1766 was about the absolute power of the Parliament to legislate and amend the colonial government, even though the colonists were not members of Parliament (Ellis, 2021). In so doing, the Act denied freedom and tightened the framework within which colonists could act. The Act vividly demonstrates the British governments unpreparedness for the political fullness and awareness that arose among Americans. In so doing, the Act exacerbated the psychological aspect of the colonists and spurred Americans to act for their freedom.

Thus, among the events preceding the American Revolution, a considerable number of acts hurt American society. The gradual accumulation of pressures and the aggravated situation of indigenous peoples led to the emergence of protests and the strengthening of political literacy. The American Revolution resulted from extensive changes in social attitudes, also affecting legal norms and introducing notions of freedom struggles.

Reference

Ellis, J. J. (2021). The cause: The American revolution and its discontents, 1773-1783. Liveright

Introduction

Abigail Adams was a public figure in America in the late eighteenth century and the early nineteenth century. Among the outstanding stories written on her name is the fact that she was a wife to an American president and later a mother to an American president, a legacy shared with only one other woman in America.

This paper seeks to discuss Abigail Adams as a famous woman in her American times and whether or not her fame was due to her husbands legacy or due to her own making. The paper will look at the life history of Abigail, her achievements as a woman and her husbands influence over her outstanding status.

Life History of Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams was born to William Smith on November eleventh in the year 1744. Her father was a religious leader and it is noted that her mother descended from lineage of highly regarded personalities in church among them, Quincy Elizabeth. Her family lived in Weymouth, Massachusetts among the Puritan settlers.

Abigail who was Smiths second daughter did not have the opportunity to attend school. An excuse is given to her health which is claimed to have been unstable. She was however keen and learned a lot of things through observations. She also did some home reading, a fact that to an extent might have enlightened her.

Abigail got married to John Adams in the year 1764 and once again devoted her life to domestic life. The revolutionary war marked an empathetic emotion in her life as she felt the pain and suffering that people especially women went through in the event of war (American Revolution 1).

According to Gale, it was not Abigail alone who never went to school in the area at that period of time. It was common that women only had basic education and their primary focus according to the then traditions was to marriage. She however possessed outstanding personal qualities that made her adorable. Adams, who was later to become her husband, described her as prudent, modest, delicate, soft sensible, obliging and active (Gale 1).

In her marriage, she was active in the domestic chores taking care of the servants supervision, dealing with accounts records besides the household duties. She interestingly managed to have five children within a time span of eight years. She took the responsibility of being supportive to her husband as Adams was elected into congress (Gale 1).

Lewis Johnson also expresses Abigail as a woman who participated in advocating for womens rights in her writings though they were letters to her husband which could otherwise be taken to be husband and wife talks. She through her extensive reading became outstanding in administration and financial management of the affairs of their firm. She lived in their home for most of her marriage life where she managed her family (Lewis 1).

The appointment of her husband Mr. Adams to vice presidency elevated her to publicity in different circumstances. Her husbands presidency further opened her way to fame as a complement to the presidents career as well as a talented woman. Her talent was majorly exhibited in writing (American Revolution 1).

Abigail as Womens Rights Advocate

Abigail is recorded to have raised issues with her husband over rights of the American women. She is recorded to have urged her husband in a number of letters that he together with the other legislators was supposed to empower women into leadership. In one of her letters in 1776, she is recorded to have implored Mr. Adams that together with the congress, they ought to think about women and incorporate them in the government.

She expressed her dissatisfaction over the former generations whom she described as having been mean and unfavorable to the women. She advocated against unlimited power in the hands of men accusing them of being tyrant if they had an opportunity. She was even categorical to threaten that that they, as women, would form a rebellion if no consideration was given to their empowerment.

The passive advocacy in her letters could still be considered as constructive owing to the fact that her husband was an important in the administrative figure in the countrys administration. He was important in that in the moments that followed, he rose to become the countrys vice president and then later the president.

If he therefore influenced women empowerment policies, then the policies could as well be attributed to his wife Abigail (Adams et Al. 7). Abigail is also counted by OConnor as one of the figures in gender and womens leadership. He recounts that Abigail was one of the early advocates as she wrote to her husband over the issue.

He also brings out the view that contrary to the traditional opinion that leadership was a career for men, a new face was experienced where women came out and took part in measures that were to bring change. The first of this change was according to him first noted in Abigail as she made it to her husband that the plight of women had to be taken into consideration (OConnor 61).

Contrary to the soft approach of Abigails advocacy by some writers, Gelles claimed that the most famous advocate of womens rights was Abigail. Gelles noted that Abigail did not submit to all views of her husband but rather was an integral influence in much of the decisions that her husband made in the political arena (Gelles 1). She was not pleased when her husband ignored her activism and this provoked her into a feminist activist.

She then started soliciting for support from other sources like Mercy Warren. She is also noted to have challenged Thomas Jefferson over womens rights. Her efforts to liberate women are therefore seen to have gone beyond the domestic or rather family discussions with her husband (Gelles 9).

Abigail under the Influence of Her Husbands Fame

It is notable that Abigails role in advocating for womens rights was just but one of the reasons that rose her to fame. The fact that she was the wife to the vice president and later the president was a credit enough to give her fame. The presidency is a highly celebrated position and in her husbands capacity, she was elevated to the eyes of the whole nation.

She would then be regarded among women and even publicized in her activities. The position would also put her into contact with influential personalities across the country who visited her husband. These among other things could have as well enhanced her fame (America 1; Abigail 1).

Conclusion

Abigail having been born in a generation where women were disregarded and not educated fought her way through unstable health into basic education. She got married to John Adams who later became the vice president then president of the United States.

She tried to influence her husband into making reforms that would value the status of women in the country and in her failure at this level advanced to collaborate with others in the fight. She later took a stern position challenging even president Jefferson over the issue.

Much regard can therefore be made to her initiative in the initial stages of the fight for the rights of women rather than her capacity as a wife to a president. This is because the effects of the fight was and still is felt and appreciated among many more than her being the wife of a president. Her fame is therefore more attributed to the womens right activism.

Works Cited

Abigail et al. The book of Abigail and John. New York, NY: Cengage, 2002. Print.

America. Abigail Smith Adams: Remember the Ladies. America, 2008. Web.

American Revolution. Abigail Adams. American Revolution, n.d. Web.

Gale, C. Womens history. Gale Cengage Learning, 1996. Web.

Gelles, Belle. Portia: the world of Abigail Adams. Bloomington: Indian university press, 1995. Print.

Lewis, Johnson. Abigail Adams. Women History, 2011. Web.

OConnor, Karen. Gender and Womens Leadership. New York, NY: SAGE, 2010. Print.

Introduction

As a nation fights its internal threats, as it falls into the tremors of war and discord it has the possibility of losing much of itself in the flow of blood and turmoil and is often at the hazard of not ever being able to stand back up on its feet.

Strength for the final explosion

In the case of the American Civil War, however, the glory that it has ultimately brought to its people is of a different kind. Even though the Civil War burst upon the United States, with almost the suddenness of the meteors glare, almost like an eruption of a volcano where pent up fires had, for ages, been gathering strength for the final explosion (Abbott, p. 14) it created eternal figures, events, heroes and lessons for the history and people of the United States of America. The heroes created by it have been immortalized forever and names resound with millions of Americans who reenact replica wool uniforms, Springfield rifled muskets discuss the War and pay homage to names such as Lincoln, Robert Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and Stonewall Jackson (Catton, p. 1). Its eminence lies perhaps in the scope of the conflict fought on a continental scale. The grand scale upon which it was fought added to the historical drama and element of the war. Once it was over, men wrote of battles and sieges and restoration and reconstruction soon after. Further few years down the line, however, experts began to appear, disclosing insight and the social, economic, and industrial causes and consequences of the war (Thorpe, p. 4).

Chaos in a country

At a time of political, social, and economic chaos in a country, its greatest threat to its solidarity can often become its people. It was the same case in the American Civil War, where the divided opinion of two sides of democratically elected and politically sound governments clashed, leading to one of the greatest wars to be fought in American history. The war brought a climax to ideological warfare between Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions even before the ratification of the Constitution (Sidlow and Henschen, p. 60). As a result of it, the greatest issue that could have ailed a nation as big in its size and diversity was brought to terms. The war could have been avoided if the Southern states would have compromised on the slavery issue; however, it was in the interest of future stability that the war established strong and disciplined grounds where the issue of state vs. national supremacy was concerned. The incidents and the bloodshed of war made sure that the people of the United States would not confront themselves in the future with the conflict and chaos when it came to the division of powers. The Civil War helped establish a truly federal nature of the United States Constitution, making it possible for social and political differences to find themselves aligned in the name of the federation.

The issue of slavery

Although through the eyes of relativity, no war would ever completely benefit its people, especially a civil war, since war only brings destruction. However, in the long-term impact, wars are often inevitable and necessary in some cases. It also brought along with it a rhetorical and historical landmark: the emancipation of slaves. The issue that provoked the war was the issue of slavery. It took the shape of national versus state supremacy. The conflicts, upon which civil rights and civil liberties of the African-Americans stand today, were contested in that very war. To the commemorators of ethnic and racial justice, the American Civil War is a counteraction to the denial of rights to African Americans. It created a cause for social unity for the African-Americans to be treated as equals and not chattel.

Conclusion

Despite the chaos and spoils of war and its implications, the Civil War stands at a unique position in American history. It stands as a symbol of emancipation, of making America land of the free and home of the brave, and celebrates the true spirit of democracy, freedom, and justice.

References

Abbott, John S. C. The History of the Civil War in America; Comprising a Full and Impartial Account of the Origin and Progress of the Rebellion, of the Various Naval and Military Engagements, of the Heroic Deeds Performed by Armies and Individuals, and of Touching Scenes in the Field, the Camp, the Hospital, and the Cabin. New York: H. Bill, 1863.

Catton, Bruce. The Civil War. New York: American Heritage Press, 1971.

Sidlow, Edward, and Beth Henschen. America at Odds. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth, 2003.

Thorpe, Francis Newton. The Civil War: The National View. Phildelphia: G. Barrie, 1906.