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November 7, 2011 Americans owe the French a debt of gratitude because without them, they would either; still be fighting the British for their freedom, or lose their freedom altogether. Americans have gained their independence but changes occur after the war. American society changed politically, socially, and economically during and after the Revolutionary War. Because majority of the men were at war, the women had to step up and take charge or how society was ran, or the American economy would be ruined.
The political aspect of American society changed greatly after the war; “…no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever… but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion. ” (Document D). This explicates the beginning of America losing its religion-based societies, and becoming more diverse to more religions and cultures.
Unfortunately, Indians were still excluded from political decisions, and since they made alliances with the British, and not Americans, westward expansionism was unable to be stopped; “…It is now more than three years since peace was made between the King of Great Britain and you [Americans], but, we, the Indians, were disappointed, finding ourselves not included in that peace…” (Document E). Indians are seeking peace with the Americans because they are destroying their lands. Socially, American society changed significantly.
Document A shows a woman as a woodcut worker. Before the war, women were stuck in the house, having no input in how their life was run; during the war, they were running society and maintaining the economy. Women also began to libel for their freedom after the war; “What then must my situation be, when my sex, my youth and inexperience all conspire to make me tremble at the task which I have undertaken? But the friendly encouragement, which I behold in almost every countenance, enables me to overcome difficulties, that would otherwise be insurmountable. (Document J). Furthermore, Molly Wallace is saying that when the men where away, the women were able to run society, so they should be included more. The American economic society depleted immensely because they owed a lot of money for the war. Although after the war, people were suppose to be freed from slavery and indentured servitude, even though they weren’t; “…There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duty convicted…” (Document H).
The economy became stronger as well because the states were becoming more united, trying to establish one currency; “…Some of them were crying out for a paper currency, some for an equal distribution of property. ” (Document G). Abigail Adam’s letter suggests how the economy should work, either to establish a currency, or distribute land. Furthermore, during and after the Revolutionary War the American society changed a great deal.
Society changed with the Articles of Confederations, the first American government; “…If men were angels, no government would be necessary…” (Document I). After the Article of Confederation was discovered to be too weak, the bicameral government we have today was established. The Virginia Plan and the Jersey Plan allowed the Senate and House of Representatives. The American Revolution was significant to the molding of today’s government.