Introduction
The American Revolution is one of the most significant and large-scale historical events, which had various consequences for the people and politics. Revolution in America implies the process of colonial rebellion between 1765 and 1783 in the former British Colonies of North America. In a military alliance with France, the revolutionary forces defeated the English troops in the War of Independence. As a result, the Peace of Paris was signed, the United States of America was proclaimed, and the British crown recognized their complete and unconditional independence. Beginning from 1765, several acts started to be adopted that stopped the oppressive policy of England in relation to the colonies, which began to spread throughout the United States and strengthen revolutionary sentiments. The American Revolution had significant economic, social, and political implications for various groups of Americans and people outside of the United States.
Economic Consequences
The economic impact was formulated by significant positive results. However, there were some downsides connected with land distribution, although they were not too significant. Primarily, it is worth mentioning that the revolutionary governments abolished a number of feudal laws set by England, which made it possible to integrate land into the capitalist trade. In turn, it provoked the opening up of the economy and launched critical financial processes. One expanded the number of lands of the young country due to the confiscation of territories that were under the possession of the English government and loyalists, that is, people supporting the crown (Americanyawp a). As a result, the redistribution of territorial resources at first had leveling consequences.
However, among the shortcomings, one can single out the fact that there was a concentration of property in the hands of land speculators. It reduced the efficiency of new market relations and financial flows, although the positive aspects, such as the development of industry and farming, were more significant. Moreover, there were different consequences for various groups of Americans, namely the working class and the rich upper class. Namely, for the rich part, revolution meant the end of the usual way of life and the influx of money, at the same time, for the working class, it opened up new opportunities.
Furthermore, the positive economic consequences of the revolution were formulated by access to new territories and important trade points and routes. Thus, the United States achieved trade admission to southern Europe and the West Indies ports. In turn, the trade access made it possible to launch significant financial flows, which impeded the development of commerce. In addition, America gained an approach to the ports of South America and Asia, opening up new markets (Americanyawp a). Considering that the release from various prohibitions of the English authorities made it possible to develop industry, new markets were necessary for the country’s economic development. After the declaration of independence, the debts of the colonies to England were canceled, which contributed to the release of significant capital. Monetary resources were invested in the development of the country’s economy and business, namely in the land and fur trade.
Social Changes
The American Revolution had significant social consequences, namely the division of society. Separation was formulated by the fact that it was beneficial for the more affluent stratum of society and the top of the authorities to remain loyal to the crown. They had a stable income and wanted to keep their positions, thus, regime change and equality were not advantageous. At the same time, the bulk of the people, namely the working class with middle and low incomes, were extremely dissatisfied with the conditions in which they lived. The lower strata of the population became the main driving force of the coming revolution since the repressive measures had a major impact on them. Consequently, revolutionary moods began to appear, and a war broke out between loyalists and revolutionaries. Generally, the working class was dissatisfied with high fees, duties, and prohibitions on many aspects of the colonies’ financial, commercial, and political activity.
A wave of creation of illegal political parties, congresses, secret communities, and various revolutionary groups began. The ranks were actively joined by port workers who went on strike, and because of this, the business could not function normally. In addition, students also played an essential role by creating posters and groupings and spreading revolutionary ideas. At first, the local authorities were the target of the clashes of the revolutionary forces, but it soon became clear that the primary discontent was directed at the British authorities (Americanyawp c). Moreover, the revolution had an impact on the situation outside the country, as people in many countries were inspired by events in the United States. It spawned similar ideas worldwide and, in some cases, became the birth of revolutions. Moreover, the revolution in America had negative consequences for England itself since harsh anti-American rhetoric gave rise to public discontent and unrest.
Political Implications
The central aspect of the political consequences of the revolution was the change of the authority system, namely the rejection of individual dictatorship. Thus, in America, a regime of public sovereignty was established that guaranteed respect and consideration for the voice of the people and the exclusion of authoritarian rule. Several provisions were determined to strengthen the position of the people, for example, that the establishment of a new legal government should take place with the people’s consent. That is, the prototype of modern voting was born, but in this case, one could express one’s agreement or disagreement with the authorities. Moreover, one formalized the right of the people to overthrow an unsuitable or despotic power by means of a revolution (Americanyawp b). Military power became subordination to a civil one, which excluded the possibility of using the army for their own advantageous purposes by a small group of people.
Further, changes were made to the power structure for more efficient management of the country and establishment of new acts and laws. There was a separation of various branches of government, such as legislative, executive, and judicial. Moreover, the power of the government became limited by law, which excluded the possibility of unjust and authoritarian practices in relation to the people. It was one of the most critical aspects for the people since the English government significantly limited the opportunities and rights of people.
Finally, the geographical centralization of power was bounded when one person or a small group of people had influence over the entire territory of the country. For this, local authorities were guaranteed a significant degree of independence, the right to perform essential political decisions, and the opportunity to use their full economic potential. The political consequences were also different for the working class, the wealthy, and the loyalists. For people loyal to the crown, the revolution meant exile and the inability to lead a political life, and some wealthy people tried to adapt to the new charter.
Conclusion
To conclude, the revolution in America had significant economic, social, and political consequences both for the country and for the rest of the world. Basically, the revolution had positive implications for the state, which consisted of developing its own industry and opening new territories. In addition, the United States was able to gain access to important trade points and routes, which launched financial processes. The form of political government was changed, which now became aimed at the sovereignty of the people and the exclusion of authoritative practices in relation to the public. In general, the revolution contributed to the overthrow of many restrictions on British power in relation to the colonies and contributed to the economic and social development of the United States.
Works Cited
Americanyawp (A). (n. d.) Boston trader Sarah Knight on her travels in Connecticut, 1704. Web.
Americanyawp (B). (n. d.) Colonial Society. Web.
Americanyawp (C). (n. d.) The American Revolution. Web.