The events that led up to the American Revolution unfolded over many years. There was not one single event or specific idea that led the colonists to revolt against their government. Rather, a series of laws and regulations were imposed by England, which caused conflicts within the colonies. The Great Awakening was the unsettled nature of simple life and several other crises; ethical, racial, economic, and military showing North America’s diverse society. There was also a spiritual and philosophical enlightenment that began to change and shape the views of society. Lastly, organized groups of people gathered together to protest and actively rebel against England.
The American colony's proximity to England made it very difficult to maintain control. Over time England implemented many laws and regulations on the colonies The Navigation Acts were one of the earliest regulations placed on the colonies. England wanted to control international trade and cut down on smuggling. England set up a fifteen-member board of trade and plantations. Their job was to control the colonies and ensure they were profitable. They sent ‘enforcers’ to America; essentially they were a type of police that ensured the colonies were complying with the laws. (Norton, 2015)
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After several wars, England desperately needed to increase revenue. They turned to the colonies to raise money. The Sugar Acts and Stamp Acts were enacted during poor economic times in the colonies, which caused hardships and frustrations. Newspapers, land deeds, diplomas, licenses, government loans, and many other things required a stamp or a seal from the government to make it valid. The only way to get a stamp was by purchasing it with a silver coin. Those who did not comply with these acts were subject to a trial by a judge, losing their right to a trial by jury. Some of the money collected by England was used to create a standing army, which did not sit well with the colonists. In England, a revolution was taking place. King James II's power was crumbling and he was removed and replaced by his daughter. Parliament was fighting for fair elections, trials, and taxation. These events inspired the colonists to reflect and evaluate the way their society was functioning. Society’s views on kings and rulers began to change. Kings were subject to God's natural laws and since man created the government they could change it as well.
Changing religious and political views and the harsh rule of England gave the colonists the motivation and the means to make a change. Different groups began to form in response to England’s various unfair laws and regulations. Colonists fought back on the Townshend Acts as well as the Stamp Acts. The Sons of Liberty were one of the most well-known organizations made up of lawyers, merchants, and tavern owners. They created a network across the colonies, which aided in uniting the colonists against England. One of the most well-known acts of rebellion is the Boston Tea Party. Tired of the over-taxation and strict rule of England over 300 chests of tea were thrown into Boston Harbor.
Over time as the colonies grew and developed their ideals and philosophies began to change. Freedom and the idea of individual representation became a very important ideal for this country.
The effects of the American Revolution were felt across the world. A new nation was born, established on the principles of freedom and equality. While these ideals are great they did not apply to everyone. Three groups of people in particular were experiencing something very different from one another. First, Native Americans were no longer owners of their land. Second, African Americans were being freed from slavery but still not considered equal to their white counterparts. Lastly, women who participated and assisted in many aspects of the revolution were pushed back into the shadows having their voices taken away.
As the new nation developed, new laws and plans were put into place. The Indian Trade and Intercourse Act was a series of regulations aimed at changing the lives of Native Americans. The regulations were an attempt to civilize and promote a love for exclusive property. Officials wanted women to take more of a homemaking and child-rearing role rather than farming. Anglo-American development began to surround Native American lands. This took away hunting grounds and eventually caused many Indians to change their ways. Threatened with the loss of their land many conformed to maintain some autonomy and preserve what little they had left.
After the Revolutionary War, over 700,000 African Americans were living in the United States. Emancipation was slowly beginning to happen, especially in the northern states. No emancipation laws were passed in the South. Congress debated slavery very heavily but ultimately the states were given the power to decide. Freed African Americans began moving to large port cities to find work. They began to develop and live in distinct communities. Even though there were freed, land-owning black men. Many states passed laws prohibiting them from voting, testifying in court, and attending public school. They were not considered citizens and were not considered equal. To survive African Americans worked together to provide their communities with schools and insurance. Many of the churches became cultural centers and the main support for those communities. (Norton, 2015)
Women’s rights before and after the revolution were very limited. They were considered homemakers and child bearers. A married woman was ‘covered’ by her husband essentially dissolving her identity and placing her husband in charge. A letter written to John Adams from his wife Abigail contained a plea to ‘Remember the Ladies’ while adopting the new laws of the country. Previous laws give almost absolute power to a man over his wife and her property. The same ideals of patriotism and freedom that the founders had were spreading to other groups. Women began to discuss and fight for matters of rights and equality. In some areas like Rhode Island women were allowed to vote. But, over time that right was taken away and white land-owning men began to separate themselves from all others. (Norton, 2015)
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