Inequalities In The American Revolution

By definition, the word “egalitarian” is the belief in the equality of all people, especially in the political, economical, and social sphere. This is a word that means being close to equality, and this is not pure equality between people. In his famous book The Radicalism of American revolution, Gordon Wood affirms that since the American Revolution, the United States became the most egalitarian society, and that this is still the case today despite of the wealth inequalities that may exist in our society.
After the decades that follow the American Revolution, and the draft of the Declaration of Independence, the United States appeared as the most egalitarian society. However, this is not the case anymore, and the inequalities in the American …show more content…
This has not been the case in the former colonies. However, the political system shifted from a colonial empire, where colonists were serving the British crown, to a republic, where people became citizens, and were participating in the democratic life, and political process. During the first term of George Washington as the first president of the United States, 5 States (Including Virginia) have expressed the need and the essential presence of amendments that would protect, and guarentee the individual rights of each. The writing of the Bill of Rights is considered by a lot of people as one the most important texts ever written in the American History. In his book American History: The easy way, William O. Kellogg considers this text as a vital and living document. This document allows Americans to enjoy freedom of religion which could be experienced only by a few people on the old continent (in the Netherland), but also the right to bear arms, the right of the accused, the right of fair suit, …show more content…
The spread between the top 1% of the population was less significant than in Europe, even though it has increased after the revolution because of the huge inflation the country has faced. Moreover on a social point of view, the draft of the declaration of independance et the bill of rights has provided their citizens, the freedom that was impossible to experience in Europe seeing the different monarchies. Women also obtained a greater social role in the society. However, the US is not the most egalitarian society in the world anymore. Disparities of income between the top 1% and the middle class have never been so significant. Moreover, Afro-Americans have been the victim of the segregation, and racism long after the abolition of slavery. The election of Barack Obama has definitely been a step forward in the integration of minorities, but progresses still have to be