DBQ: The American Revolution

The American Revolution led newly independent Americans to reevaluate politics, economics, and their developing society. After freeing themselves of corrupt British forces, Americans desired an innovative government that was more exclusive to all civilians. However, the Americans eventually produced a centralized government similar to that of the British. Nonetheless, ideals from the revolution led to significant societal evolution for loyalists, women, and slaves. Overall, the revolution advanced American politics and society to varying degrees and left the new nation struggling for economic autonomy. Following the revolution, Americans attempted to develop a government that did not reflect British politics. Initially, the Articles of Confederation was adopted because it did not include a national executive branch. This resulted in a weak government whose power was virtually nonexistent because without taxes, …show more content…
During the war, women adopted the ideals of Republican Motherhood in order to instill nationalist values in their children. This is seen in propaganda such as the woodcut of a patriot women, which portrays a colonial woman with a musket (Document A). However, women such as Molly Wallace believed a woman’s role extended beyond the duties of motherhood and desired a higher position in society (Document J). Furthermore, the post Revolutionary era brought about societal progress for some slave regions. In 1787, The Northwest Ordinance declared that “There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory” (Document H). In contrast, the loyalists or the “tories,” experienced a negative change in society after the war. After the revolution, those who were loyal to the British were despised and never allowed to “return to this happy land” or “taste the sweets of the independence which they strove to prevent” (Document