At the end of the American Revolution in 1776, America broke free of all of its ties to the corrupt government of England, inciting political, social, and economic reform. American leaders explored the radical idea of democracy and the extension of the rights of citizens to distinguish the American government from the British government. American leaders soon realized that a centralized government, much like that of England 's, was inevitable. The democratic ideals, which pushed the American Revolution also pushed women and slaves to fight for their rights and freedoms. Such protest led to the radical social development in the generations to come. Within the years that followed the American Revolution, political, social, and minor economic
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Document A, a woodcut of Patriot woman, shows a woman holding a rifle. This image represents the role of women who fought in the American Revolution alongside soldiers. Not only does this picture depict the strength and courage of women, but also the equivalence of capability between men and women. Despite the significant roles of women in the Revolution, women were sent back to their homes to fulfill their “domestic responsibilities”. Women who publicly disagreed with the societal expectations of themselves spoke of ideas such as gender equality. As stated in Document J, Molly Wallace said “No one will pretend to deny, that we should be taught to read in the best manner. And if read, why not to speak?” While the free, white women of America were freed from the chains of society, Northern slaves were freed from the literal chains of their owners. Unfortunately, southern slaves would not be freed until after the Civil War. Although slavery continued to dominate the South, slavery was prohibited in new territories under the Northwest Ordinance in 1787, which states, “There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in said territory”. In contrast to the progressive changes made by free, white women and northern slaves, the Loyalists or “Tories” also experienced a very significant change in society. After the American Revolution, Tories were despised as they …show more content…
Document F, an image of the Medal of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, displayed a working man accompanied by Lady Liberty. This picture reflects the significance of agriculture in American society. This picture also illustrates the notion of a Jeffersonian democracy, which was based off of an agrarian economy. It would not be until the late 18th century that Alexander Hamilton’s dream of an industrial based economy would come
Document A, a woodcut of Patriot woman, shows a woman holding a rifle. This image represents the role of women who fought in the American Revolution alongside soldiers. Not only does this picture depict the strength and courage of women, but also the equivalence of capability between men and women. Despite the significant roles of women in the Revolution, women were sent back to their homes to fulfill their “domestic responsibilities”. Women who publicly disagreed with the societal expectations of themselves spoke of ideas such as gender equality. As stated in Document J, Molly Wallace said “No one will pretend to deny, that we should be taught to read in the best manner. And if read, why not to speak?” While the free, white women of America were freed from the chains of society, Northern slaves were freed from the literal chains of their owners. Unfortunately, southern slaves would not be freed until after the Civil War. Although slavery continued to dominate the South, slavery was prohibited in new territories under the Northwest Ordinance in 1787, which states, “There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in said territory”. In contrast to the progressive changes made by free, white women and northern slaves, the Loyalists or “Tories” also experienced a very significant change in society. After the American Revolution, Tories were despised as they …show more content…
Document F, an image of the Medal of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, displayed a working man accompanied by Lady Liberty. This picture reflects the significance of agriculture in American society. This picture also illustrates the notion of a Jeffersonian democracy, which was based off of an agrarian economy. It would not be until the late 18th century that Alexander Hamilton’s dream of an industrial based economy would come