The struggle for independence from Great Britain was a cause of a massive conflict within the American colonies at the time, leading to one of the greatest confrontations in U.S. history and allowing the colonies to gain long-awaited liberation. However, whereas the political aspect of the conflict could be resolved comparatively fast, the social tensions within the American community were far more difficult to mend. Due to the heated environment and the abundance of factors that incentivized both parties. From loyalty to the British crown to the developing sense of independence, the conflict did not cease with signing the agreement (Hook 319). As a result, the adaptation process was taking place with significant difficulties, some of which were not resolved at the time. It was only with time and collaboration that reconciliation finally became possible, allowing Americans to celebrate their independence as a nation.
The problem of the agreement was even more convoluted and intricate on a personal level and within American families. For example, historical records mention that Benjamin Franklin and his son William never agreed on the subject matter. Thus, communities were largely divided by the two ideologies even after peace was declared (Hook 386). Delving into the reasons for the observed unwillingness to reach peace within the American community after the American Revolution, one should mention the dilemma between the emotional attachment of loyalists to the Crown and the development of national identity in patriots (Schultz 115). Therefore, the divide within the nation was defined by the community trauma and the need to reconcile with personal beliefs first.
However, slowly but surely, the two parties reconciled. The main reason for the agreement to have been reached was the transition from perceiving the conflict as a personal one to considering the opportunities that the change entailed for citizens’ economic well-being and political freedoms (Schultz 115). According to Hook, the idea of the U.S. taking the lead in the global market and gaining huge influence as an economic trendsetter allowed citizens to channel their emotions into a more productive process (418). Thus, on the public level, the issue was addressed by creating a shared goal that both sides could strive to accomplish.
As for the rift between families and neighborhoods, the process of healing was admittedly much more complicated. Since the nature of the confrontation was fuelled largely by emotions, it had a drastic effect on both parties. For instance, the existing historical records of the events that transpired during and after the American Revolution show that the conflict-affected private businesses significantly, making loyalists suffer massive damages. As a result, the latter often returned to the United Kingdom (Schultz 115). In contrast to the official conflict, which ended with signing a peace treaty, local ones died down only after people recognized the necessity to collaborate to support their families and create an environment for economic growth and development.
The outcomes of the fight between loyalists and patriots are still relevant today since, without this conflict, the U.S. as it is known nowadays would not have existed. Moreover, the conflict in question has defined the values that would become the cornerstone for the American identity, namely, the spirit of freedom and the willingness to explore opportunities (Hook 422). Therefore, the reconciliation between loyalists and patriots was inevitable and essential for the promotion of economic, political, and sociocultural development of the United States.
Works Cited
Hoock, Holger. Scars of Independence: America’s Violent Birth. Crown, 2017.
Schultz, Kevin M. HIST, Comprehensive. Cengage Learning, 2017.