Category: American Revolution

The definition of American freedom as described by Eric Foner was ‘born in revolution’ (Foner, 2012). Freedom has been a recurring theme for the United States, reaching its pinnacle during the American Revolution, where the meaning of the word had transformed and had different meanings. There are many concepts of freedom to different people, and a majority might associate freedom with independence during the revolutionary era however it was much more than that. For slaves, it would mean freedom from bondage, for Indians, freedom to live their lives peacefully and maintain their culture and lands without interference. Women also had a concept of freedom in the form of freedom for enfranchisement and participation. White liberty contained a plethora of different concepts because of their subgroups, while Puritans prioritised religious freedom, political elites favoured independence and property. While all these freedoms were present during the revolutionary era, there is a huge difference to the achievements of those freedoms and in this essay, I will explain each of them.

Religion was a major theme in defining American liberty. While the struggle for independence saw new ideas of liberty flourish and transform, religion was always a central matter in America. For example, the Puritan settlers of Massachusetts originally hailed from England and were seeking to remove themselves from religious prosecution and this was achieved (CRF, 2013). The American Revolution created a catalytic movement that changed the meaning of religious freedom. It was no longer dominated by religious pluralism, (which was a British ideal) such as Congregationalism and Protestantism but allowing a melting pot of different sects of Christianity and even different religions or non-religious beliefs as Eric Foner states ‘a papist, a Mohomatan, a deist, yea an atheist could become President’(Foner,2012). Atheism was frowned upon however it suggests how far religious liberty has come during the revolutionary era. Eventually, America transformed into a beacon of religious freedom towards the world. Just before the Revolution, the Great Awakening had occurred which was a movement of religious revivalism ensuring religion was a main ideal of America. The Awakening established religion as an important liberty and without it, it wouldn’t be as prominent a topic in the revolutionary era, as it even encouraged a more nationalistic society. Even the social order of the church was even essentially destroyed. Therefore, when Eric Foner states his astonishment at the legitimate recognition of religious freedom during the Revolution, it is less of a surprise due to the Awakening ensuring religious ideals were at the forefront of American liberty and the attempt to remove America from any kind of British influence (Foner, 2012). No longer was America influenced by British Anti-Catholicism and the dominant Church of England; a separation from monarchical rule meant a new age of conscience and religious tolerance.

Race is also an important matter in understanding minorities freedom during the American revolution. For example, The Constitution states that ‘all are born equal’ and that it is self-evident (National Archives, 2019). However, slaves were prosecuted and forced into unpaid labour, unable to vote and counted as only three-fifths of the national electorate, so evidently, they were unequal. Jefferson did have a lesser racist attitude towards Indians that they could be welcomed into the American citizenry. (National Archives, 2019). However, this was not what the majority wished for. They wanted to protect their culture and lands which was not respected and instead met by significant violence such the Gnadenhutten massacre in 1782, which killed 96 unarmed Native Americans in an effort take their lands (Harper, 2007). Therefore, although Indians were treated more human-like and were even invited by revolutionary figures such as Thomas Jefferson to become Americans, their concept of freedom was suppressed and instead met with considerable violence, forced removal and enforcement of American ideals to be entrenched in their way of living.

Jefferson, also an architect of Declaration of Independence stated George III, king of Britain was the cause of slavery; ‘captivating and carrying them into Slavery in another Hemisphere, or to incur miserable Death, in their Transportation thither’ in his first draft of the document (Reynolds, 2009). This was of course just to account for the policy of slavery however this was a huge dilemma, to justify slavery while also advocating that all men are equal. However, slaves’ freedom did take a turn for the better during the American Revolution. A separation from Britain meant a full attempted removal from British ideals, and that included slavery, as colonists blamed England for the coming of slavery. For example, Gary Nash states that the slaves took the opportunity of an upheaval in normal life during the Revolution and ‘politicised by the language and modes of white protest and were quick to seize the opportunities for securing their own freedom’ (Nash, 2001) Some estimated thirty-thousand fled as chaos occurred in their towns and cities. Literal freedom from bondage, which was the overwhelming concept of freedom to blacks took to the fore by as colonists and slave owners were preoccupied with their own liberties as well as the Revolution. These runaway groups also took the Revolution to achieve literal freedom by fighting their old owners. Furthermore, some were even transported to the Caribbean and Canada at the end of the Revolution, making up the free black community overseas. This showcased their humane abilities when not whipped or held in shackles. There was a certain degree of toleration especially in the North towards non-whites brewing starting from protests against enslavement in England to Vermont eventually drawing up a state constitution against it, and by 1804 all the Northern states had laws which would eventually in time abolish slavery. (Reynolds, 2009). On the other hand, the Founding Fathers knew the fragility of maintaining an agreement with all states after the Revolution and knew that keeping slavery was the price that had to be paid for guaranteed unity, as the South were determined in keeping slavery. Therefore, although there was still entrenched racial segregation and thousands of slaves still were enslaved into the 19th century, the black concept of freedom was one that was most likely to be met. Before the revolution, emancipation laws seemed impossible. Post-revolution, they were in place in Northern states and paved the way for eventual complete emancipation in 1863.

Women were always seen as lower-class citizens before the revolution. For example: as David Reynolds states, the American Revolution emphasised complete upheaval of different ideals but in fact was not revolutionary, especially to women (Reynolds, 2009). They wanted the freedom to vote and actively participate in ‘manly activities’, such as politics and public affairs. Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams famously reminded her husband to ‘remember the ladies’ when drawing up the Declaration of Independence (Foner, 2012). However, evidently, that was not upheld. When Adams said that ‘all men are equal’ he meant men in the literal sense, and that a woman’s sole purpose was to keep their husbands content and provide them with offspring. (National Archives, 2019). Women did play a role however in the revolution. They protested during the Townshend Act which enforced new taxes on resources such as paper and tea. Women also protested to Congress and accompanied their men into battle camps. They also gave important economic aid during the boycott of the British Acts. In terms of achieving their concept of liberty, this was very short-sighted. The most significant attempt of freedom for women achieved was most likely the example of enfranchisement by New Jersey in their new state constitution given they met the property and economic requirements so still barred an amount (Reynolds, 2009). However, women played an important role in voting against Democrats in New Jersey, and although their vote didn’t count, in the end, their voices were heard and picked up by newspapers. Nevertheless, in the grand scheme of things, this was not at all revolutionary and not at all meeting the concept of women’s liberty (Reynolds, 2009) They still never had proper political and individual freedom despite the rising egalitarian atmosphere and were still disenfranchised throughout most states. After all, the Revolution was male-centred, and did not undo their monopoly on society. There was an authority over someone in all fields for example, master over slave, husband over wives and especially man over woman. With the Revolution’s ‘new coinage of liberty’, women were hardly a part of it. (Foner, 2012). Therefore, women’s concept of freedom was not met, though discussed and very rarely applied. Republican ideas during the Revolution dominated society and segregated gender specific roles, men being involved in public affairs, while women becoming the embodiment of domesticity. William Griffith, a political spectator in New Jersey, sums up attitudes towards women’s freedom with his reaction towards their enfranchisement, calling it ‘perfectly disgusting’ and women are physically unable to fulfil a duty other than in the home (Reynolds, 2009).

To many white colonists, property and economic freedom was the central concept of freedom during the American Revolution as well as independence. For example, John Peter Zenger, a New York journalist stated that property was interwoven with the eighteenth century understanding of freedom. William Blackstone agreed with an elevated idea of property, arguing that men who do not possess any type of property would fall ‘under the immediate domination of others’ and those who did not have property which was seen as basic economic freedom could not even control their own lives. (Foner, 2012) However, as the Revolution progressed, so did the meaning of property. It was no longer based on economic terms but ‘Rather than property serving as a requirement to qualify for freedom, freedom could be imagined as a form of property’ (Foner, 2012). It was now an ideological freedom; its definition was extended to include one’s own self as property and this dismissed the economic inequalities within society and especially dismissing British ideals. This showed the change of attitudes that transformed the United States, incorporating more of the society, although mostly white men, into the represented American citizenry.

Independence was also included in their concept of freedom, especially during the Revolutionary Era. The surge of patriotism started with the Stamp Act seen as the so-called ‘funeral of liberty’ (Foner, 2012). The Act imposed taxes on the colonists, which they were up in arms about. This was the true start of the American Revolution. The Townshend Act followed in which the colonists replied with the dubbed ‘Boston Tea Party’ destroying 342 cartons of tea by throwing them in Boston Harbour (Reynolds, 2009), The Intolerable Acts followed which closed part of Boston in reply to the Party, which was the last straw for the colonists. America was no longer just protesting the taxes and acts, but British rule in whole. They were now taking an active role in entrenching the idea of US liberty, as reiterated in Thomas Paine’s Common Sense journal, where he advocated a divorce from the Old World. (Paine, 1793). This eventually led to the drawing up the documents Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Colonists wanted to essentially create a new democratised culture which led to a significant relaxing of laws and change in political requirements. For example, voting becoming a universal right rather than something where qualifications are needed. Indentured servitude was all but removed, and people certainly had a different attitude towards slavery as mentioned before, the North especially moving towards emancipation. Economic equality was also in the works as economic requirements were relaxed. Although independence battles brought about huge change in America, it was a significant theme mostly only important to political elites as well as the white colonists. They had already provided themselves with individual liberty and now moving on to expand on that, other minorities such as slaves were still literally in shackles.

In conclusion, I believe the concept of freedom was different for all races and genders before and after the Revolutionary era. Women wanted freedom in the form of political and social activities such as voting and to do enjoy freely the same liberties as men, however, this was largely ignored. Racial minorities such as Indians saw their freedom as maintaining their culture and lands, which was met with hostility and forced removal instead. Slaves wanted literal independence from bondage, and this was met to some extent through the abolishing of slavery in Northern states although Southern states still disagreed, this being the price of unity. To the colonists, freedom came in many forms from religious to property to independence. Religious liberty was completely transformed by dismissing pluralism and a big theme in defining American freedom brought to the fore by the Great Awakening and leading to a complete transformation in attitudes and the creation of a religious melting pot. Property also was a factor and was transformed into an ideological freedom, allowing for economic equality, as well as the obvious factor being independence, as a complete divorce from Britain and creating their own culture. However, ultimately there was not one concept of liberty that could describe the revolutionary era as there was a concoction of many different freedoms depending on race, gender, and stature.

Bibliography

1. Crf-usa.org. (2013). [online] Available at: https://www.crf-usa.org/images/pdf/gates/puritans-of-mass.pdf [Accessed 9 Nov. 2019].
2. Foner, E. (2012). The story of American freedom. Winnipeg: Media Production Services Unit, Manitoba Education.
3. HISTORY.COM (2019). Great Awakening. [online] Available at: https://www.history.com/topics/british-history/great-awakening [Accessed 9 Nov. 2019].
4. Harper, R. (2007). Looking the Other Way: The Gnadenhutten Massacre and the Contextual Interpretation of Violence. The William and Mary Quarterly, 64(3), p.621.
5. Nash, G. (2001). Race and revolution. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
6. Paine, T. (1793). Common sense. 1st ed. London: Printed for H.D. Symonds.
7. Loc.gov. (2019). Religion and the American Revolution – Religion and the Founding of the American Republic | Exhibitions (Library of Congress). [online] Available at: https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel03.html [Accessed 3 Nov. 2019].
8. Reynolds, D. (2009). America, empire of liberty. London: Allen Lane.
9. National Archives. (2019). The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription. [online] Available at: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript [Accessed 4 Nov. 2019].

Before the American Revolution, a woman’s aesthetic was to maintain a perfectly pictured home for their husbands and care for their children while the men were expected to work and provide for their families. Yet, when the Revolutionary war hit the colonies and the men were drafted into war, the women had no choice but to step up and perform the duties that their husbands or sons had done. The Revolution brought about a new era for women, on both sides.

When the British Parliament imposed the Stamp Act in 1765, the first call for women was put into motion. Since women were the primary consumers of British goods, the colonists believed that in order to repeal the Stamp Act their best option was to extend their pleas to women all across the colonies, “…women became crucial participants in the first organized opposition to British policy” (Berkin, pg. 13). The women reveled in this ideal and ordered their first act of resistance by saying “No.” They said no to merchants, manufacturers, and even their fiancés’ by declaring, “…they would marry no men who applied for a stamped marriage license” (Berkin, pg. 14). Because of the powerful effect of the word “No.” told by women to sellers of British goods their sales plummeted and on March 1766, the Stamp Act was repealed.

The issue of boycotting was brought up, and yet again, women were asked to use their consumerism as a weapon in their arsenal. Many committees were pressuring women to refrain from purchasing British goods like sugar, fabrics, tea, clothing, and many other goods. According to Revolutionary Mothers, “What a woman bought…ate…drank, and the clothing she [wore] could all signal a political commitment” (Berkin, pg. 16). So, many women chose to create a spinning circle in which they could create homespun clothing in order to show a visual political statement. And, yet again, the lack of consumerism from the colonies forced the British to repeal their revenue-raising effort. In the early stages of the Revolutionary War, the issue of boycotting was what initiated the start of the war. Without the women’s role of saying “No.” to consumerism, the states could’ve been very different from as we see them today. Although some women might have only participated in the boycotting out of a duty to their husbands, there were many others who claimed, “that it was a duty they owed to themselves” (Berkin, pg.22).

During the time of the Revolutionary War, many women were often found home alone without their husbands, sons, or fathers to do necessary work because they were in military service. So, the women had to find a way to balance their domestic duties with their absent males’ duties. Yet, try as they might women found it increasingly difficult to perform both actions of “maintain[ing] the farm or shop, protect[ing] their children and their homes, [as well as] expand their circle of affection and interest beyond their family” (Berkin, pg.27). Because of the struggle of juggling two different duties, many women had started to resent their feelings of patriotism that took their husbands and sons off to war. Yet, there were some women who encouraged men to enlist in the continental army. They issued public statements and appeals in the local newsletters that, hopefully, would encourage other wives to let their husbands enlist.

For many women the challenge to survive weighed heavily on them. When their husbands and sons left, they were pushed to their absolute limit and then pushed harder to do more. While General Washington’s troops were fighting for our freedom, they were also fighting for their own survival. The army was painfully short on ammunition and other necessities. So, women who contributed to the “public defense” didn’t need to be asked twice. They found time in their hectic schedules to find aid for their country’s troops by making saltpeter or clothing. Many women, “went door-to-door, soliciting clothes from neighbors, then cleaned and mended them” (Berkin, pg.43). Even when the army needed bullets and cannon shots, “women melted down their own pewter tableware, clock weights, and window weights, and solicited their neighbors to do the same” (Berkin, pg. 43). Many women even opened their homes up to wounded or sick soldiers and offered to take care of them, no matter the disease or sickness brought to them. During the Revolutionary war, women played a crucial role in supplying the army with anything they could ever need, all while performing their duties at home.

There were also women who started to follow the trail of the soldiers, they were called, “followers.” They seemed to carry baskets on their backs which were full of pots and kettles, furniture, and even sometimes children. Both the British and Continental armies saw these women as burdens yet, these women had a place in the camps, “as cooks, washerwomen, seamstresses, nurses, scavengers for supplies, sexual partners, and occasionally as soldiers and spies” (Berkin, pg.51). These women chose to follow the armies for the feeling of safety and security, as well as loneliness and poverty. And yet, even though they got meager rations of food and cramped tents, to them, it was better than to have nothing at all. They provided immediate services to the soldiers at their camps like cooking, sewing, and washing clothing that belonged to the soldiers. Although General Washington despised these women, they were a necessity for the men in his army. They brought soldiers to comfort that they would’ve received from their mothers or wives while at home. Even though they tended services to the troops they were paid although their profits were smaller than the soldiers, to them, it was better than nothing. Life as a follower was not glamorous, but it did offer support and morale to the troops, which at that time was desperately needed.

One of the most influential women of the Revolutionary War was the general’s wife, Martha. She lifted the morale of her husband, officers, and the troops, “she represented the prosperous and genteel life that officers were fighting to defend – and that many soldiers hoped would be theirs” (Berkin, pg.68). By showing her presence at the camps was a remarkable event that had everyone understanding that anyone, wealthy or poor, was willing to make sacrifices for their freedom the war would eventually win.

Over the course of the war, many women, young and old, chose to go behind enemy lines and risk capture or arrest, in order to receive or give information that was pertinent to their ally. Many call them ‘Revolutionary War heroines,” and that couldn’t have been a better name because passed down from generation to generation is a story of how women would chew and swallow documents in order to hide them from the enemy or to spy through keyholes and deliver messages to their allies of an impending attack. These women were spies, and they tipped the weight of the war in favor of their side. Their whole ploy was to play on the stereotypes and expectations that men had set for women by acting innocent and showing charm to gain the trust of their enemy. One woman named, Harriet Prudence Patterson Hall and three other friends deceived enemy soldiers, yet when they were stopped, Hall feigned a false story and the redcoats saw nothing that gave them a reason to be suspicious because, “standing before them were four well-dressed matrons, on an errand that took them to the city” (Berkin, pg.138). So, the soldiers waved them on, and without realizing it, the redcoats had let an important message slip through their fingers, that was meant for the American commander, all because of their unwillingness to think that a woman could be capable of deception.

Throughout the Revolutionary War, women played a crucial role while the men were off in battle. Left to fend for themselves, they stepped up to the plate and accomplished what no man in that era could’ve thought possible. Women were nurses, caregivers, spies, general laborers, and some even soldiers. In many ways, without the support of women, the continental army would’ve been torn apart by the British troops. They provided ammunition, clothing, cooked meals, cannon shot, and vital information that would’ve never made it past enemy lines without the quick cleverness of the women who bravely crossed over with nothing but fierce determination and a willingness to succeed as well as to not be caught. Women changed the Revolutionary War, everything they did was to help ensure their freedom once this war was over and that hopefully their husbands and sons would eventually return. They sparked the Revolutionary War, and none of this would’ve been made possible if women didn’t step outside their comfort zones and tend to what needed to be done. The war was won because women were a major part throughout the entirety of it.

Irving Kristol was known as the godfather of neoconservatism due to his influential repercussion in the intellectual and political culture of the last half of the twentieth century, as well as his contributions as an author and editor.

Irving Kristol, in his brilliant analysis of the American Revolution, The Most Successful Revolution, provides a thorough explanation of the reasons behind the Americans’ revolt. He starts off focusing on the main revolutionary leaders and how younger Americans have taken for granted what they did and fought for. He describes this situation as paradoxical and extremely embarrassing caused by the progressive loss of popular interest in the mater. Misconceptions about the true meaning and use of the Revolution are widely spread. Kristol defends that modern Americans have ceased to see it as the historic and political symbol that it is, but instead use it to point up how we have failed to honor it and instead created shortcomings for the American society.

George Washington, as Kristol describes, was perhaps the one indispensable man among the founders, widely known as the Father of the Country. Many young Americans have distanced themselves from historic traditions, and figures such as Washington have been diminished in size and left behind. Our conception of leadership and what a true revolutionary leader is, has progressively changed to the point that we take for granted the struggles that our ancestors had to go through for us to enjoy the freedom and liberty that we do. Because of this twist, not only memorable figures such as G.Washington are not considered revolutionaries anymore but neither is their work.

For many years, historians looked at the American Revolution as something abortive and incomplete in comparison with other models such as the French. But, recently historians have given it a more respectful study that, as Kristol states, has revealed the forgotten truth of what the Founding Fathers insisted on. The Revolution wasn’t flawless or perfect. It unleashed controversy, but it was so exceptional that they were able to turn all of this doubt and ambiguity into serious thinking about the problems of political philosophy. People were uncertain of what was happening, but they stayed loyal and trusted their leaders. This is why many people such as Kristol defend that this revolution was infused by the mind, not by dogma. This is not only impressive but also enviable and unique, not only back then but it has also formed our political institutions into what they are today.

Throughout the article, we see the views of different people in the matter. We see the term “ imperfect” faith, but what does it mean? Is there such thing as imperfect faith? The Founding Fathers subscribed to this believe. They defended the frailties of man and believed that a political system could take care of that. They were certain that republican self-government could not exist without self-control, self-reliance, and a disinterested concern for the public good. People have amazing different exceptional qualities and they can be used for good or evil. The Founding Fathers believed in human nature, they trusted that the people would make smart choices, and presupposed the existence of good qualities in a higher degree than bad ones.

Democratic demagoguery has now become the only proper rhetorical mode of address as between government and people in a republic, but this goes against the Fathers’ initial beliefs. They thought that self-government was a chancy and demanding enterprise and that successful government in a republic was a most difficult business. We, instead, believe that republican self-government is an easy affair, that it need only be instituted for it to work on its own, and that when such government falters, it must be as a consequence of personal incompetence or malfeasance by elected officials.

The American Revolution was key for the development of the country. It had two faces though, it undoubtedly forced the ends of British rule and stablished the famous system of republican- elf rule. These are facts, and whether or not you consider the Revolution successful, these events shaped not only the government but the American society as we know it today.

The American Revolution played a significant role in the development of America through strengthening or weakening: the economy with its taxation and insufficient amount of currency, the American legal system with its institution of the electoral college and constitution, and the American culture with its views on racial and gender equality. This movement had a tremendous impact upon American society by demonstrating the fragility of its economic system, by forming the basis for its current Constitution and legal values, and by encouraging women and other races to fight for their rights, due to the fact that the Revolution failed at putting republican principles into practice. It’s true that the American Revolution had some mixed results from the standpoint of liberty, but it led to the formation of the country that we live in today. The Protestantism of the Founding Fathers also helped the Revolution succeed. Their Protestant worldview placed an intense value on the individual—his conscience, the state of his soul, his understanding of Scripture, his personal relation to God, his salvation. The best answer to that fear was the example of the Founders themselves—men of luminous public spirit, who had no hesitation in “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions” in the Declaration of Independence. And that is the last, and largest, reason that the American Revolution succeeded, where others failed.

I. Point

Make your stand on the issue, “Does social inequality justify the need for a revolution?” Yes, I agree with that statement because, this Social Inequality needed to justify a revolution because somewhat In a way of when the Government only prioritizes the elite classes and they want to those on the silver linings are abandoned also they predict that when exploited peasants revolt and overthrow the traditional elite, short of run that peasants are better off and for both Inequality and the Status Inheritance are both declining.

II. Evidence

• Provide 3 or more significant events (in total) that are related to “INEQUALITY” during the French Revolution and American Revolution.

Reign of Terror, they need strong relationship about this poverty, inequality and also this terrorism, because the primary two estates had didn’t must to pay their of the taxes that the commons decided that they had enough unfair taxes because the opposite estate are didn’t pay most of the taxes, and also the inequality, in order that they wrote of the declaration for being unfair, and inequality so we writes and that they declared to the rights of man and that they forced the king at the time, because the Revolution gained more power, therefore the leaders became more paranoid, his Maximillien Robespeiree in 1793 he had assumed that had most of the ability in france, so he declared that the Reign Terror would be begin during this past year because they had assume more had resources, also the people from the france still because the That happened within the France during The reign terror are Bloody Actions, Thier are have evidences that point at some point during on the Reign of the terror there was an a political candidte writing on the national to asking their permission to start out they killing people without their permission or without giving any of them are fair trial.

Tennis Court Oath, At That time we had some representatives who declared themselves their National Assembly which is the Third Estate declared also took an oath, to force the new constitution, Actually the king had no other choices also to try and raise the taxes this First Two Estates were not pay to all taxes. While the king was thinking of these 2 members of the Tennis court they met until he recognized them as the Tennis Court Oath that we know in this incident.

Storming of the Bastille, The National lands were decided by the Roman Catholic Church for France to pay their off public debt to more and the redistribution of their property, the bourgeois had an issue with the National Constituent Assembly they agreed to this because be guaranteed by the church value on the lands also they wished that they hoped to be a free prisoners, and because of the third estate we gained more power it triggered the French Revolution and forced King Louis on publicity to acknowledge a new constitution.

• Provide 3 or more significant events that are related to “INEQUALITY” during the Colonisation of the Americas.

Treaty of Paris, the Americas were treated as unequal because they were not resented but they also feared that this would lessen a loss of control of their affairs. Also, the Declaration of Independence was adopted because after the Congress we’d recommended that colonies form their governments.

In the Middle Colonies, some people were not happy to steal the land and the slaves in other places or countries they were not content because they wanted more power, wealth, resources, and also gold, and the problems that people faced in their everyday lives were they had bad weather and sometimes they mistreated the slaves, and for me this is unequal. Also the taxes, the colonies were not happy because, with the new taxes of the colonies, they said that they should not have to pay British Taxes. Their motto is “No taxation without representation” because they had no representatives of the British Parliament.

The Tobacco Colonies became slaves the produce or plant the tobacco, it’s unequal because the tobacco that they planted was not theirs because they were colonies in the past so the colonies sold this tobacco to other countries at high prices and for the produce or planted the tobacco they didn’t pay the colonies because if you planted or produces plant you didn’t pay taxes and also you don’t have money that saves because you can’t pay on your planting and producing on the tobacco for you didn’t pay the tax.

III. Explanation

• In your own opinion, how do the significant events that you mentioned above justify the need for a revolution? Explain each event. America and French Revolution.

“Reign of Terror” This Reign of Terror are they brought democracy to the French people because of what they needed for democracy they had to free French people from the monarchy and that was to destroy the common of all like the church also the taxes that we are too much for them too pay and also for the another reason of why we need to justify the reign terror is that because it they helped for the government and the others country with the war of efforts against inside and the outsider’s threats.

“Tennis Court Oaths” The king created and gave way and two ordered the clergy and nobility to join the third estates, they had consequently because the three estates formed a single chamber and for formation of the National Assembly was completed, actually this is the first triumph that the people are over of the kings and it’s marked that the real revolution on this past year was beginning.

“The Storming Bastilles” Because the people had suffered from food starvation and the weight of taxes used to pay King Louis XVI’s vast debts I don’t know and I ‘m not sure if you need to justify your revolution because of taxes and food starving on their people but I want to all people equal not an inequality on the people on these colonial days.

Colonisations of the Americans.

“The Treaty of Paris”, In the year 1783 declared the end of the war for Independence between America and Great Britain, These tensions continued the rise between these two nations and also the issues that remained unresolved by and for the treaty. Also, Declaration of Independence Adopted this wrote of Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, and for issuing Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress The 13 american colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain so the Declaration summarized the Colonist’s motivations for seeking independence, August 2, 1776, the day of the most people those celebrated days in American History when the 56 members people of the second Continental congress started to sign the Declaration of Independence on the place of Philadelphia.

I don’t fully agree if you need to justify the revolution for this middle colonial, and yes they stole our lands and they want there to be slaves to didn’t pay the taxes but they are not content and happy because they want more resources and wealth and for me, that’s unequal because their equalities are not there of the people who steal the land and for me this is unequal. Also, the Tax Law that the rules under the public authority have a claim on taxpayers, requiring them to transfer to the authority part of their income or property the power to impose taxes is generally recognized as the right of the governments.

It’s unequal because you’re the one who is planting and producing the tobacco but you didn’t yours, the colonies are sold in other countries with high prices. It’s unequal because you didn’t produce and plant the tobacco but you have more money because you sold the tobacco to the other country that planted and produced the slavery.

IV. Link

• With all the information that you have, how does this information impact your life? What is the importance of the French Revolution, the American Revolution, and the colonialism of America in your life?

The French Revolution put an end to the monarchy and feudalism, and by taking the political power from the catholic church, they brought new ideas to Europe including freedom and liberty for the commoner as slavery and the rights of women.

The American Revolution also unleashed the powerful political, social, and economic forces that would transform and the growth and diffusion of the population brought changes to virtually every aspect of lands and its people From trade, and hunting to warfare and personal property European goods, ideas, and disease are changing the shape continent.

V. Sources

1. https://www.britannica.com/event/French-Revolution
2. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-bastille-overview-1221871
3. https://origins.osu.edu/milestones/july-2014-storming-bastille
4. https://www.britannica.com/event/French-Revolution
5. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-bastille-overview-1221871
6. https://origins.osu.edu/milestones/july-2014-storming-bastille

The Age of Revolution was a historical phenomenon, that not only impacted Europe and America, but also started a butterfly effect of revolutionary events across the globe. The Age of Revolution is a period in history, from approximately 1774 to 1849, with which a series of revolutionary movements occurred throughout most of Europe and America. The period is most significant for changing single power monarchies to representative governments with a documented constitution, and the creation of individual nation states. Influenced by the ideas of ‘Enlightenment’ (intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 18th century), the American Revolution, from the years 1765 to 1783, is considered to be the starting point of the Age of Revolution. It, in turn, worked as the ‘butterfly effect’, inspiring other countries to revolt, starting with the French Revolution in 1789 which later, rapidly spread to the rest of Europe through its propaganda and wars.

In 1799, Napoleon (b. 1769, d. 1821) took power in France and followed on from the French Revolution by conquering most of Europe. This included Belgium, Holland, most of Italy, Austria, most of Germany, Poland and Spain. Although Napoleon attempted to bring improvement to his conquest such as equality before the law, and the civil code, his domineering military occupation triggered nation-wide rebellions. After Napoleon’s defeat, Europeans remaining great powers forged the ‘Holy Alliance’ (an alliance aimed to restrain liberalism and secularism in Europe) at the Congress of Vienna in 1814 to 1815. This was aimed at preventing future revolutions from happening, as well as restoring the previous monarchies.

Spain was significantly weakened by the Napoleonic Invasions and lacked the resources to control its American colonies, almost all of which declared their independence between 1810 and 1820. Revolution then spread back to southern Europe in 1820, with uprisings in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Continental Europe was shaken by further revolutionary waves in 1830 and 1848. The 1848 wave is known now as the ‘Spring of Nations’ and encompassed seemingly unconnected uprisings in many countries. The common theme was lower and middle classes demanding equality. Some years of crop failure and hardship as well as the improvement in communication via popular press may have been a common root cause. The democratic demands of the revolutionaries often merged with independence or national unification movements, such as in Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary. The revolution of the Spring of Nations came to an end in most countries due to disagreement between various factions and marked the end of the era.

Once the American Revolution became an effective uprising that the French observed firsthand, it began a series of complex conflicts between the French with numerous triggers (Marks, How did the American Revolution influence the french revolution?, 2019). After the American colonists won independence from Britain in the Revolutionary War (from 1775 to 1783), the French, who participated in the war themselves, were both close allies and key participants. Several years after the revolt in America, French reformists faced political, social and economic hardship that mirrored the colonists’ struggles (Marks, 2019).

Although the French and American revolution had several distinct and differing motives for revolting against their ruling governments, some similar causes led to both revolutions, including the Economic struggles, Monarchy and Unequal rights. The Economic struggles involved a taxation system both the American and French found discriminating and unfair. Additionally, France’s involvement in the American Revolution (along with extravagant spending practices) left the country on the verge of bankruptcy (Marks, 2019). The monarchy was equally involved in its role as a constitution with a parliamentary system. America has revolted against the royal powers of King George III, much like how the French has risen against Louise XVI (Marks, 2019). Finally, like the American colonists, the French felt that specific rights were only granted to certain segments of society, primarily the elite and aristocrats; triggering an equal rights movement (Marks, 2019).

Whilst the American success in the Revolutionary war created a new nation, the British tore away part of their empire. Modern readers suggest Britain suffered immensely as a result of losing the war, however, the hostility towards Napoleon enabled Britain to fight an extremely long war soon after (Brooks, 2017). Britain spent a vast amount of money fighting the Revolutionary war, sending their national debt soaring, and creating a yearly interest of nearly 10 million pounds (Wilde, 2019).

The movement of the Atlantic slave trade during a four-hundred-year period was by any standards a major historical phenomenon with long term international consequences (Hardy, 2014). Historians’ estimates of the effects of the slave trade range widely, from those who see the trade as fundamental to the problems that blighted Africa both then and later, to those who see it as only a marginal factor in Africa’s historical development (Hardy, 2014). West Africa was the most severely impacted by the slave trade as Britain’s primary supply of slaves came from countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Mali (Pruitt, 2019). Although, at the height of the slave trade, many other parts of Africa were greatly impacted. Black slaves played a crucial part in the economic development of the New World, above all by making up for shortage of labour, they were especially important for the ‘plantation’ agriculture that developed in the New World, first in Brazil, and later in the Caribbean and the southern parts of North America (History.com, 2019).

The long-term economic exploitation of millions of black slaves was to have a mass effect on the New World’s history. Most fundamentally, it produced deep social divides between the rich-white and poor-black communities, the consequences of which still haunt American societies today (History.com, 2019). At the centre of the debate is the economic transformation of Britain. During the eighteenth century, Britain became the first country in the world to ‘industrialise’, in terms of an unprecedented economic shift towards manufactures and commerce, and the progress of technology. These were also years of large British involvement in the slave trade.

Undoubtedly the slave trade affected the British economy in several different ways. The British cotton mills, which became the emblem of the ‘Industrial Revolution’, depended on cheap slaved-produced cotton from the New World; cotton would have been more costly to obtain elsewhere. British consumers also benefited from other cheap and plentiful slaved-produced goods such as sugar. The profits gained from the slave trade gave the British economy an extra source of capital. Both the Americas and Africa, whose economies depended on slavery, became useful additional export markets for British manufactures. Certain British individuals, businesses, and ports prospered because of the slave trade.

The Atlantic slave trade inevitably inspired the Haitian Revolution, which was the first and only successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial insurrection by self-liberal slaves against French colonial rule in Saint-Domingue (now known as the sovereign nation of Haiti). The revolution began in 1791 and ended in 1804 with the former colony’s independence; involving blacks, mulattoes, French, Spanish and British participants. The Haitian Revolution was the only slave uprising that led to the founding of a state which was both free from slavery, and rules by non-whites and former captives. It is now seen as a defining moment in the history of the Atlantic world.

The Latin American Wars of Independence were a revolutionary wave that took place during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and resulted in the creation of a number of independent countries in Latin America. These revolutions followed the American and French Revolutions which has profound effects on the British, Spanish, Portuguese and French colonies in America. The Peninsular war with France, which resulted from the Napoleonic occupation of Spain, caused Spanish Creoles in Spanish America to question their allegiance to Spain, stoking independence movements that culminated in the wars of independence, which lasted almost two decades. At the same time, the Portuguese monarchy relocated to Brazil during Portugal’s French occupation. After the royal court returned to Lisbon, the prince regent, Pedro, remained in Brazil and in 1822 successfully declared himself emperor of a newly independent Brazil. Cuban independence was fought against Spain in two wars (Ten Years and Little War). Cuba and Puerto Rico remained under Spanish rule until the Spanish–American War in 1898 (Lumen; Boundless World History , 2019)

In conclusion, the Age of Revolution wasn’t only a European and American event, but rather a global phenomenon that impacted parts of Africa and Haiti. It began with the American Revolution for detachment against the British empire, which later inspired the French revolution who overthrew the monarchy and took control of the government. Other catastrophic events that happened within this time period were the Atlantic slave trade by America, and the Haiti slave trade by France. Whilst there was no revolution by the American slave trade, the Haiti revolution was one of the most significant events in history as it was the first and only successful revolt against a white culture. This left the people of Haiti as the first black colony that controlled their own governmental system (Forster).

American society was altered after the American Revolution because this fight paved the way for many changes. Since the Articles of Confederation had some flaws, the Constitution was written to replace it. However, diverse groups like women, slaves, immigrants, and Native Americans were left out and were not given the same rights as white rich men after the Constitution was signed at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. This diverse group of people tried to implement ideas and ideals like freedom, natural rights, and equality from the American Revolution to develop their own. This un-representation urged them to work towards securing their own rights and equality.

The role of women during the 1790’s to the 1860’s consisted of staying at home and caring for her husband, children, and the household. Nevertheless, the life of attending to a man’s every need became insignificant to women, and they started to desire more for themselves. Women all over the country realized that they did not have access to basic rights like owning property or voting just like slaves. Slaves were not equal because they were not seen as people therefore they did not deserve rights just like women did not deserve rights because they were inferior to white men. The American Revolution became a guide for women to utilize in order to create and acquire a different role in society. Females were only allowed to go to school to learn domestic skills like how to cook and be ladylike. The top priority for all females was tending to chores around the house even above receiving an education. In the article “The Creation of the American Eve: The Cultural Dialogue on the Nature and Role of Women in Late-Eighteenth-Century America” it says “Since wives and daughters were generally excluded from such petitions, they turned now, in their new leisure and affluence to conduct books to learn how to become ladies” (253). Women wanted men to encourage females to care about their education. Males also had to be willing to give up some of their luxuries like a well-prepared meal in order for the women to have time for their studies. Women were kept incompetent and submissive, so that they would not question their role and keep relying on men. White men did not want women to start questioning why they weren’t able to serve on juries and make a will without their husbands being present. Women also wanted their time, effort, and labor to be valued as much as a man. A woman would work just as hard as a man to prove herself equal just for her efforts to continue going unnoticed. Two women that advocated for women’s rights called for a convention that is known as the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. These two women, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady, wanted to analyze all the different rights women were entitled to and women’s condition in society. Women followed the examples in the American Revolution and began to rebel and started demanding equal political rights. Women also created the Declaration of Sentiments during the Seneca Falls Convention. In fact they used the Declaration of Independence as a guideline to make a version for women and state all the inequalities they faced. The Declaration of Independence states, “all men are created equal” and in the Declaration of Sentiments it states, “all men and women are created equal”. In the Declaration of Sentiments, women state all the rights they are deprived of and try to get other women to realize men are in control of every aspect of their lives. Although most delegates did not sign it, this event was significant in the women’s movement and women continued to use their voice and eventually became successful.

Furthermore, women and slaves had some common restrictions like not being able to vote or being able to own land. Slaves were seen as property and thus had no legal rights. Slave codes were enforced so everyone is knowledgeable on how to treat slaves and to decrease the likelihood of them trying to escape. These slave codes deprived them of their freedom by not allowing them to leave their owner’s land without permission or communicating with other slaves without a white person being present. Typically, it was a crime for slaves to be educated and know how to read and write because the owners did not want them to pass notes and plot against them. This fear is the same reason slaves had to practice their religion in secret. Slaves were whipped, tortured, and abused without any legal action taken against their owner. They were treated like animals, and they could not fight back. For instance in the book “Slave Codes and Judicial Practice in New Orleans” it states, “ The basic laws defined blacks as slaves for life, ruled that a person’s legal status (free or slave) followed that of one’s mother, and categorized slaves as either movable or immovable property” (2). Even African Americans who were not slaves could not vote in most states nor testify against whites in court; this was shown in the Dred Scott. Vs. John Sandford case. Dred Scott was unable to make a lawsuit and the court denied his freedom because he had no rights as a slave from Missouri. The American Revolution was dedicated to freedom and equality, yet slaves did not have these rights. In the 1790’s, some Congregationalists started to acknowledge and spread how sinful slavery was thus making emancipation a fundamental requirement of church members. However, they wanted to free slaves and then send them to Liberia, and African Americans wanted to stay because it was their native land. William Lloyd Garrison was the first person in the country to voice an opinion on civil rights and he was supported by many free African Americans. Later, he was joined by Quaker reformers and Evangelicals in which they formed the American Anti-Slavery Society. The anti-slavery act grew and more slaves became free. The anti-slavery movement followed in the steps of the American Revolution by creating petitions. Angry mobs consisting of slaveholders began to form and an abolitionist, Lovejoy, was killed by these angry mobs. Slaves were encouraged to revolt and take violent action against their masters by people like David Walker who was a free African American. But other abolitionists did not agree with this method causing the split of the abolitionist movement. This event would later prove to minimize the abolition movement’s affect.

During the antebellum period, there was a great deal of new immigrants coming into America, who were mainly Irish and German. The Irish were going through a potato famine, which led to many trying to escape starvation, and coming to the United States. Germans wanted more freedom after the Revolutions of 1840 and came to the United States. The sudden arrival of immigrants created an Anti-Immigrant Sentiment because the Irish were Catholic and started to overpopulate the American Protestants. This made the Protestants fearful and led to Anti-Catholic riots organized to restrict immigration and oppose the influence of the Catholic Church because they had already parted from a form of tyranny in the American Revolution. Irish and German immigrants were also more willing to work for less money than Americans meaning they would be favored when it came to job opportunities. A continuing resentment in Americans grew towards immigrants, they became known as nativists, over time the Know-Nothing party was organized. According to the book “Give Me Liberty” it says “ The Know-Nothing party trumpeted its dedication to reserving political office to native-born Americans and to resisting the aggressions of the Catholic Church” (500). In other words they attempted to exclude immigrants and Roman Catholics from public office and have them wait 21 years to gain citizenship, however, this was not granted. The Irish were stigmatized as aliens as soon as they came to America with high hopes of equality and freedom. Many people thought an Irish immigrant killed William Poole, an English butcher who was known for fighting. This incident brought attention to the corruption Americans believed the Irish brought to the country. Nativists blamed immigrants for the crime and corruption in the cities. Later on, Chinese immigrants faced the same poor treatment. Americans did not want any Chinese immigrants going to California and partaking in the Gold Rush because they felt they were not contributing to anything. Americans claimed they opposed the Chinese migrating because they will not become permanent citizens but even when the Irish wanted to become permanent residents because their homes were no longer safe for them, they strongly opposed. Americans speak about the Chinese needing to be dependent on them like slaves, the Irish, and the Indian which is similar to Great Britain and how they perceived the 13 colonies.

Also, Indians were forced out of their homes by Andrew Jackson when he passed the Indian Removal Bill. The Indians had made roots in southern states, but whether they agreed to it or not, they would have to be removed and sent west of the Mississippi River. The Indians’ right to inheritance was being violated and they were helpless. Andrew Jackson followed those actions of Great Britain in the American Revolution and took it upon himself to sacrifice others for the best interest of whites for a rapid advance in wealth and power. There was some resistance to the Indian Removal Bill. Thus The Bad Axe Massacre was a result of the removal of Indians. However the Indians were wrongfully murdered by the militia. Later in Jackson’s presidency, he deprived the Cherokee nation of their rights like voting, owning property, or testifying against whites in court. The Cherokee Nation filed a suit as a foreign nation and they were able to keep their land. The Cherokee Nation stood up for their freedom the same way the 13 colonies did. However, Jackson neglected the court ruling and persuaded a small group of the Cherokee Nation that the only way they would survive is if they move west of the Mississippi River. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, in the Indian Removal Act “100,000 tribesmen were forced to march westward under U.S. military coercion in the 1830s; up to 25 percent of the Indians, many in manacles, perished en route”. When leading the Cherokee to the new territory 4,000 refugees unfortunately died along the way.

Ultimately, women, slaves, immigrants, and Native Americans faced hardships even after the American Revolution. However, they used ideas and ideals from the American Revolution when facing these challenges. For example, women used the Declaration of Independence when writing the Declaration of Sentiments which was significant in their movement. The slaves used the basis of the American Revolution which is freedom and equality to get people to realize that slavery was wrong and it should be abolished. Women fought for their equality, freedom and natural rights, as did slaves. Immigrants fought for jobs and opportunities. The Native Americans stood up for natural rights. All of these hardships demonstrate that being unrepresented does not mean people should give up rather it means people should prosper as one and be willing to fight for their cause under all circumstances.

Bibliography

1. Cady Stanton, Elizabeth. Declaration of Sentiments, 1848. https://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/stantonsent.html.
2. Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty! : an American History. Seagull 5th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2014.
3. Ingersoll, Thomas. “Slave Codes and Judicial Practice in New Orleans, 1718-1807.” Law and and History Review, vol. 13, no. 1, 1995, p. 1-40.
4. McAlexander, Patricia. “The Creation of the American Eve: The Cultural Dialogue on the Nature and Role of Women in Late-Eighteenth-Century America.” Early American Literature, vol. 9, no. 3, 1975, pp. 252–266.
5. “Indian Removal Act.” Britannica Online Academic Edition, 2019, pp. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
6. “The Declaration of Independence: Full Text.” Ushistory.org, Independence Hall Association, http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/.

When most think of the American Revolution they assume it to about men, usually white men of elite status. They were after all the ones who lead the armies, fought the battles and came together in legislative assemblies to create a new government for the newley independent America free from the British crown. Only within the past century and half did the question arise about what did the American Revolution mean for women? After the development of social history in the 1970s, women’s history in 1980 and gender history in 1990s did both scholars and no scholars come to a realization on the critical question did the American Revolution benefit women? The revolution did change the way women were perceived in society. The Social and political affairs after the American Revolution resulted in no significant differences for women.

Before the American Revolution, Colonial Women’s legal status was governed by the British Common Law. Women’s roles in in the 18th century was limited to childbearing and child rearing all in while maintaining the household. Motherhood and marriage are what shaped the lives of 18th century women. Due to high demands in household duties it limited their ability to pursue any nondomestic activities. Before marriage women were the subjects of their fathers but once married, they adopted the identity of their husband. Under the Doctrine of Coverture, upon marriage any property or wealth under a women’s name rightfully became her husband’s and prohibited their rights to buy, sell or manage property under their name (Krawczynski,2007) Women were denied the right to sign contracts, file lawsuits or testify in court and any wages earned belonged to their husband. Even the newspaper at the time such as the “Virginia Gazette’ instructed women to “overlook not the important word OBEY” (Lewis,1994). Thomas Jefferson the founding father and the third president of America told his recently married daughter that “the happiness of your life depends now on continuing to please a single person. To this all other objects must be secondary” (Lewis,1994).

There was only one for women to contribute to the economy and was under the condition of the “death of her husband, a woman might engage in male occupation” (Lewis,1994). However, they were still accepted to perform their domestic duties. women participated in occupations such as tavern keepers, served as inn or became shopkeepers. One of the most defining moment in the eighteenth century for women was Clementina Rind; after the death of her husband she became the editor of the Virginia Gazette much like those women who became widowed and would take on occupation like being stonecutters, millers, shopkeepers and replace their husbands(Lewis,1994).

Women who were of elite status were to have proper demeanor being very modest, chaste and sweet. Abigail Adams; the wife of the founding father and 4th present of the united states John Quincy Adam’s was one of the earliest elite women of status to take initiative for women’s rights .Through the exchange of letters between her and husband, Abigail urged for the reconsideration of laws concerning women’s place in society . She asked for Adam to “remember the ladies” (Crane, 1999) when it came to writing law revolving around them (Crane, 1999) and “be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors” (Crane, 1999) to bring upon change and give a little power to them (Crane, 1999). While arguing not to put such “such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands” (Crane, 1999). She also threatened to form a rebellion if attention was not paid towards women and stated “[we] will not hold ourselves bound by any law in which we have no voice or representation” (Crane, 1999). Despites Abigail’s effort John acknowledged he letters with humor stating he “cannot but laugh” (Crane, 1999) insisting to Abigail to not “repeal the masculine system”

(Crane, 1999). Adam’s was aware of the male dominance but rather then bringing the issue to light he dismissed Abigail’s claims stating that men are just “subject and “have only the name of masters” (Crane, 1999).

However, the Revolution did not make women full citizen of newly independent America bit it was a steppingstone as it allowed Women the opportunities to broaden their social aspect. During the revolution women’s ideology changed significantly. Women were considered to be morally weaker than men until the mid of the eighteenth century “and like their mother Eve, dangerously prone to sin” (Lewis,1994). However, these views dramatically changed with a more liberal and optimistic Protestantism, Sentimentalism, and Republicanism view. These Ideologies viewed women in more positive demeanor. The changes in views towards women came so rapidly that “by the turn of the century, some held hope that virtuous womanhood would redeem the entire nation, if not the whole world” (Lewis,1994). Like all revolution the brakes would eventually be applied but not before some significant changes that will alter women’s lives and status. For example, in New Jerseys, unmarried women who met the property requirement were given the right to vote. Educational opportunities changed for women which resulted in the rise of female literacy.

There were also fewer positive changes that resulted at the hands of the revolution. The opportunities of women profession and work decreased significantly. The scope of female shopkeepers, midwives, and newspaper editors became rare and became male dominant role. The American Constitution was more Liberal than Republican even though, the Republican thoughts were valued they were not represented in James Madison Government one of the founding father and later on became the 4th President of America. Madison put in the Federalist, NO 51 “If men were angles, no government would be necessary” (Lewis,1994). Hence, the term “Virtue” being losing its public meaning which the Republican had attached themselves to and associated with women. Therefore, women were still not granted the right to participate in political role and were only limited to exercise their political influence indirectly through male relatives and friend but never to be talked about on their own.

In conclusion, even after the American Revolution women were still denied the basic rights of voting and participating in political. The Revolution did alleviate traditional gender roles and increased women’s interest in public affairs but, was not sufficient enough to elevate women status in society to that of man.

References

1. Crane, E. (1999). Political Dialogue and the Spring of Abigail’s Discontent. The William and Mary Quarterly, 56(4), 745-774. doi:10.2307/2674234 Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25162982
2. Krawczynski, K. (2007). History in dispute: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Farmington Hills, Mi: St. James Press. Retrieved from ryerson.summon.serialssolutions.com.
3. Lewis, J. (1994). Women and the American Revolution. OAH Magazine of History, 8(4), 23-26. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25162982
4. Oberg, B. (2019) Women in the American Revolution: Gender, Politics, and the Domestic World. University of Virginia Press. Retrieved from ryerson.summon.serialssolutions.com.

Introduction

‘The Shoemaker and the Tea Party’ by Alfred F. Young is a captivating account of the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. In this critical essay, we will examine the strengths and weaknesses of Young’s work, evaluating its historical accuracy, narrative style, and overall contribution to the understanding of the Boston Tea Party and its significance in American history.

Strengths

One of the major strengths of ‘The Shoemaker and the Tea Party’ lies in its extensive research and commitment to historical accuracy. Young draws from a wide range of primary sources, including diaries, letters, and newspapers, to provide readers with a well-documented and nuanced understanding of the events surrounding the Boston Tea Party. This meticulous approach lends credibility to the narrative and ensures the readers are presented with a comprehensive and reliable account.

Another strength of Young’s work is his ability to humanize the historical figures involved in the Boston Tea Party. By focusing on the story of George Robert Twelves Hewes, a shoemaker and active participant in the event, Young brings a personal and relatable perspective to the narrative. This approach allows readers to connect with the individuals involved and gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and experiences.

Furthermore, ‘The Shoemaker and the Tea Party’ offers valuable insights into the socio-economic dynamics of colonial America. Young examines the role of class and labor in the revolutionary movement, highlighting the tensions between the wealthy elite and the working class. This analysis adds depth to our understanding of the Boston Tea Party and its broader implications for the struggle for independence.

Weaknesses

One notable weakness of ‘The Shoemaker and the Tea Party’ is its limited inclusion of diverse perspectives. While the book acknowledges the presence of women and enslaved individuals, their stories are not given equal attention or exploration. A more comprehensive examination of the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups would have enriched the narrative and provided a more holistic understanding of the Boston Tea Party.

Additionally, the book could have delved deeper into the long-term consequences and impact of the Boston Tea Party. While Young discusses the immediate reactions and repercussions of the event, a more thorough analysis of its significance in shaping the course of the American Revolution and its aftermath would have provided a more comprehensive perspective.

Critical Evaluation

Despite its weaknesses, ‘The Shoemaker and the Tea Party’ offers valuable insights into the motivations and actions of the participants in the Boston Tea Party. Young’s meticulous research and attention to detail lend credibility to the narrative, allowing readers to gain a deep understanding of the historical context. The personal stories of individuals like George Robert Twelves Hewes bring an emotional resonance to the events and highlight the power of ordinary people in shaping history.

Moreover, Young challenges traditional narratives by presenting a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the revolutionary movement. He emphasizes the diverse viewpoints, conflicting interests, and internal divisions among the participants, debunking the notion of a unified and cohesive effort. This critical perspective encourages readers to question oversimplified interpretations of historical events and consider the complexities and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of political change.

Conclusion

‘The Shoemaker and the Tea Party’ is a compelling and informative account of the Boston Tea Party and its significance in American history. While the book has some weaknesses in terms of inclusivity and long-term analysis, its strengths lie in meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and critical insights into the motivations and actions of the participants. Alfred F. Young’s work serves as an important contribution to the understanding of the Boston Tea Party and its broader implications for the American Revolution.

Between the 1650s and the 1770s, the American colonies enjoyed an excellent economic period leading to excellent living standards but lacked freedom and liberty. With the imposition of Parliamentary taxes and more control of the British to the American colonies, politically inspired movements began to form within the colonies to oppose the British and fight for freedom. There were several key players to the American Revolutionary war who included Mercy Warren, Abigail Adams, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, among others. The war officially began in 1775 and lasted till 1783. Mercy Warren significantly contributed to the war through her literary works, which advocated for liberty and freedom from the British and similar rules. She also fought for the rights of women and equality in her later years. Warren also acted as an advisor to the heroes of war and close associates like her husband and Jefferson, and Adams among others. There were limitations on the independence of women before and during the American Revolution. Women were inferior to men, especially in a marriage setting, which was seen in how wives lacked legal rights to participate in political, economic, and civic matters. With a particular focus on Mercy Otis Warren through her political writings and advocacy, she was able to play a vital role in the American Revolution, changing the rights for women, allowing women to have new political, social, and educational opportunities.

Mercy Otis Warren was born in 1728 in Barnstable, Massachusetts, and died in 1814 in Plymouth. . Mercy was born of James Otis and Mary Allyne Otis in a prosperous family in Cape Cod. Her father served as a prominent attorney, colonel, and judge during different times of his life. Warren was the first daughter and third-born in a family of thirteen children. Mercy’s family members from her father, brother, and husband were politically active in the war against the British, thereby providing a conducive environment for Warren to practice her political interest. Before the war, Mercy settled down with James Warren at the age of 26, where they had five sons in 1754, a period when the war was beginning to take root. James Warren had many responsibilities, as he was active in the local politics first as a sheriff and later as a Massachusetts Legislature member, which prompted him to be away from home most of the time. Throughout her life, Mercy was a historian, an American poet, and a dramatist. She lived through the American Revolution and helped publicize the events that took place within that period. She had close proximity to critical national events and political leaders who gave value to her literary work. During the revolution, women were considered inferior in the society. They would often write for themselves rather than publicize their thoughts, which makes Warren stand out among other women during her era.

Before the American Revolution, it is evident how the efforts of women have been less recognized when it came to politics. Compared to men like Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin, among many others, women always got the short end of the stick with their political voice still being shut down. For instance, Abigail Adams reminded her husband John Adams, to ‘remember the ladies’ in their letters during the period when Adams was away for political reasons. Mercy Warren went through the experience since she could not openly participate in politics, although she had a passion for such activities. The best she could do was to offer her home to hold meetings of movements that rebelled against the British rule in conjunction with her husband. She also advised her husband, James, on political affairs as she spent most of her time reading books to improve her knowledge on political matters as well as improve her education level as women were not allowed to study. It is evident that women had a lot of potential during this period but were limited by the standards set by society. Abigail Adams, along with Mercy Warren, kept fighting to make sure women stayed relevant, so their roles as women were not just limited to just motherhood. They wanted to be something greater throughout the war and found that the war was their pedestal to fight for their rights.

The American Revolution was an integral turning point in American history. Before to the Revolution, women didn’t play significant roles in American society, there was little to no national unification, and the government, for the most part, was in an infantile stage. However, the American Revolution transformed the roles of women in society, encouraged patriotism and unification, and acted as a positive catalyst in American Government. However, despite the many advancements it influenced, the American Revolution also revealed and introduced new problems regarding Indian policies, major discrepancies within socioeconomic classes, and many problems regarding the education of women arose.

The American Revolution greatly affected the roles of women as their positions in society changed greatly post-war. Due to their husbands being in combat, many women were expected to take on new roles in their homes, farms, businesses, and in some cases, the battlefield (1-HC). With reformed roles in society, many women found a new sense of self-empowerment and advocated for their rights to education and most importantly, gender equality. For example, in alignment with newfound feminist beliefs, Molly Wallace, a graduate of the Young Ladies Academy of Philadelphia argues that women are as intellectually capable as men. Wallace is representative of the majority of American women post-war as she fights for the right to share her opinions as liberally as her male counterparts and garner similar levels of respect (7-AUD). Despite an increase in advocacy and greater availability of roles for women in America, it is evident through Wallace’s speech that the issue of gender inequality still existed post-war and not all American citizens reaped the benefits of the revolution- not everyone was regarded similarly or equally.

Along with the many societal differences between American men and women, there were also major socio-economic discrepancies in American society post-war as many middle-class citizens struggled to find a solid economic standing among the wealthy. After the war, to pay back bonds, Alexander Hamilton proposed to indirectly tax American citizens. Hamilton’s proposal resulted in the demise of the middle-class and the wealthy unscathed; war bonds were heavily in the possession of the wealthy, including Abigail Adams, one of the first American bond traders. According to a letter written by Adams to Thomas Jefferson in 1787, this inequity between classes led to many middle-class rebellions (5-HC). This letter also insinuates Adams’ disdain for the poor, which is representative of America’s socio-economic gaps post-revolution.

One of the most prevalent results of the American Revolution was the nationwide influx in patriotism and national unification. America before the war can be described as hostile, divided, and incredibly segregated. However, post-war, this newfound sense of patriotism was evident all throughout America. For example, many Americans demanded that Torys, or British loyalists, were to be kicked off of American soil and sent back to Britain (2-AUD). With a lessened amount of British men on American soil, many Americans took up positions of power that were once held by Torys. And therefore, more American men holding higher positions of power, along with British expulsion, established a greater sense of national pride in America and further solidified America’s identity as a strong and sovereign entity.

It is clear that post-war, many advancements were made in America as many reforms were made and many supposedly “radical” ideas were introduced to the states. For example, in 1786, Founding Father Thomas Jefferson proclaimed that “No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship” (3-AUD). Pre-revolution, puritanical beliefs were harked upon Americans, but from Jefferson’s statement, it can be inferred that the notion of “religious freedom” can be credited to the newfound ideas of Enlightenment as it shows the influence of ideas of reason, reform, and progress, as Americans were now allowed to practice any religion as they so choose. This proclamation of Jefferson’s was then followed and solidified by the Constitution as the First Amendment promises that all men had the right to freedom of religion. This was a major turning point in American society as citizens were now allowed to practice any religion that they so pleased- which in itself, was a huge advancement considering the many restraints that American’s once faced pre-revolution. This was undoubtedly a symbol of growth and increased individualism and freedom in American society.

After the Revolution, along with new government and social reforms, the Government also began to impose more power. Considering the overall lack of “togetherness” in America pre-revolution, the Governments heightened role in American society was a huge turning point as they implemented more organization. This newfound impression of order can be seen in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, because the banning of slavery in territories Northwest of the Ohio River proved that the government had power to reclaim authority in the country, but it now had the power and control to impose order and reform in America, which is a significant governmental and societal advancement overall.

However, amidst many advancements and an increase in western expansion, many Native Americans were removed from their land. Angered and betrayed Native Americans recited a speech at the Confederate Council to express their dissatisfaction with the results of the Treaty of Paris, as their rights were overtly dismissed. To elaborate, the Treaty of Paris failed to address the existence of Native American Tribes and nowhere in the treaty were Native American rights mentioned. Despite great Native American efforts, this discourse between Native Americans and white settlers continued on. Eventually, Native American rights became increasingly disregarded, more Native American land was lost, and although American society flourished, Native American culture and land diminished rapidly. This proves that although America saw many advancements post-revolution, Native American culture suffered tenfold.

Lastly, after the Revolutionary War many advancements were made. Most notably was the ratification of the Constitution in 1788. The Constitution tangibly represented post-war American values and it set parameters for the American government. The Constitution granted American citizens to radical ideas such as freedom of religion and declared that slaves should be regarded as 3/5 of a person. The American Revolution, simply put, was a major turning point in American history as it led to many advancements and conflicts in America post-war.