Turning Point In American History

This paper presents two essays written by Gordon Wood and Barbara Smith during the nineteenth century on the American Revolution. Both historians have different points of views and interpretation on what this revolution was really about. The purpose of these writings is to give a clear idea of the American Revolution to the readers and to make them closely think on how it affected people’s life and the society. On one hand, the historian wood declared that the revolution ended monarchy and led the society to democracy. He believed that this revolution was a good start to a new life for all Americans.

“In a time of upheaval, ordinary people make events possible” (206). How does the perspective of George R. T. Hewes shape our understanding of the Revolution and its aftermath? Before we can answer this question, we must first examine who is George R. T. Hewes. George R. T. Hewes was a simple American man who played a great role in the American Revolution. Often times people who are influential in unprecedented events never really understand or know that they are a part of something great.

The lower class wanted this to change, and after the revolution had taken its course no only did America's government change but their society changed. Wood says that “one class did not overthrow another”, but that social relationships changed. This made everyone more socially equal; the lower class now how had more dignity, and there was a sense of respectability for

ffects of the American Revolution The Revolutionary War is Quite often regarded as a game changer in the formation of a modern America, though the actual impact that it made on American society is somewhat controversial. There is no doubt that the revolution was a critical moment in American history, yet there is a nuance surrounding the extent that America’s fundamental values were changed. When considering the scope of the war; Political, Social, and Economic concerns must be analyzed. Frequently compared to the French Revolution, the American Revolution is seen as a Social movement as well, stemming from the particular diction and general perception of the Declaration of Independence. In the Declaration of Independence (US 1776) “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The American Revolution was a political revolution that separated England’s North American colonies from Great Britain, leading to the formation of the United States of America. Achieved in large part by the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), which was fought between England against America and its allies, it embodied ideals of the Enlightenment, emphasizing personal liberty and freedom from tyranny among other ideals. Thus, it is important to note the significance to the Revolution and understand that, despite common debate among historians, it was truly revolutionary. The evidence of this can be gathered from primary sources of history that deliver perspective from various social groups, such as Abagail Adams’ correspondence on women’s

Revolution. In the year 1775 began the revolt that would lead ultimately to the end of Britain’s control on the colonies. Leading to the birth of a new country, The United States of America. A man isn’t measured by his wealth or lineage.

However, after the revolution society became more egalitarian and meritocratic(AY). This was due to the Americans becoming more secure in who they were. They were no longer under Britain’s thumb and could now be given equal rights and opportunities. These ideas also lead to America’s new views on aristocracy

The American Revolution was the world-changing birth of a nation that was founded on the strong belief of natural rights and freedom through independence. These beliefs, however, were not what the initial supporters of what would become the revolution intended. Instead, these people, known as the gentry, had initially sought to preserve their authority to rule, a right they believed they already had. Although, after employing the middle sort to help them and slowly giving them more power, new radical ideas had emerged. Suddenly, the gentry’s wish of restoring their authoritative power changed into a nationwide fight for natural rights and independence.

The American Revolution is arguably the turning point of American history as it resulted in somewhat of a significant, positive change in politics, economics, and society as a whole. However, from 1775 to 1800, the effects of the revolution on the American society were subtle as most principles glorified by revolutionists contradicted the examples set forth by colonial reality. Perhaps most alike to revolutionary beliefs was the American economy and how it participated in free trade or encouraged the independence of hard labor. Politically, the states did apply Enlightenment and republican ideas as promised, but more often than not, the benefits of such ideas were limited to rich, land-owning, protestant, white men. This glorification of

The chapters of our textbook, America: A Narrative History, written by George Brown Tindall and David Emory Shi, takes us on a historical yet comparative journey of the road to war and what caused the American Revolution, an insight into the war itself, and a perception to what life was like in America after the war was over. The essays of the book, America Compared: American History in International Perspective, collected by Carl J. Guarneri gives us a global context and a comparison between the North and South Americas in the dividing issues of labor, slavery, taxes, politics, economy, liberty, and equality. Part One These chapters in our textbook Tindall describes; the road to the American Revolution, the road to the surrendering of the British, and the road to the American colonists receiving their independence and developing the government which the people of the United States will be governed by. The road to the American Revolution consisted of several events, which escalated to the war that began April 19, 1775, as the tensions between the American colonies and the British Government advanced towards breaking point.

During the years of 1780–1796, commonly referred to as the Founding Era and the Federalist Era, the maturing United States underwent a numerous amount of significant changes socially, politically, and economically with the establishment of the United States Constitution. With the end of the American Revolution in 1783 as a result of signing the Treaty of Paris, a necessity for a new form of government that would reflect the purpose and ideals of the American Revolution (converting from a monarchy to a more liberal government) became the next controversial concern of the public. Consequently, the Articles of Confederation were loosely formed in order to gain control over the growing, restless population and young nation. However, the United

Revolution to America and the World Imagine an empire, so large and ever reaching influencing every country, state, and city in the world in more ways than one. Now imagine a loosely structured confederacy of only thirteen newly founded colonies which, proclaiming to be states, have not only seceded from this vast empire, but have become entrenched in a hostile war over their own sovereignty. That was the exact situation The United States was in with England, The United States a newly formed coalition is now confronted with the Goliath like beast that is England.

Dr. Wood explains to us how we started with a monarchical society, and very different from what we know now. This society was transformed by the revolution, which helped it modernize our society, placing more importance on equality and a democratic system. To be clear, one must recognize that equality and democratic freedoms have since evolved tenfold since the 18th century in respects to i.e., voting and human rights. However, at that time, the American Revolution helped the United States become one of the most democratic nations in the world, all occurring in a short period of

In times of oppression, mankind has always been known to stand up and fight for a good cause, and the American Revolution was no exception. Held down by the wickedness of the British Empire for some time, America had finally had enough. One voice that stood out in the colonies was that of Patrick Henry. He was an elective of the House of Burgesses and delivered many speeches on the need for revolution. One of his most famous speeches is the “Speech in the Virginia Convention.”

Moving on to the American Revolution, we see novelty and the idea of freedom but through a different lens. The American Revolution, as opposed to the French Revolution’s subversion of monarchy, was a struggle against colonialism; a struggle not within one’s country but with an external power. “they had declared war, not against monarchical principles, but only against the oppressive measures of the British ministry. ”5 The values, ideas and ideals that emerged from this struggle were materialized in two famous documents- The American Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence.