3.6 Influence of the Revolution Notes- APUSH- 10/8/21
3.6 Influence of the Revolution
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Learning Objective: Explain the various ways the American Revolution affected society.
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Theme Focus: Social Structures
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For the Everyday American
Not a radical change for most Americans
Life did not drastically change after achieving independence
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Economic Changes
Manufacturing stimulated because of less reliance on Great Britain
American ships banned from great Britain and West Indies
More trade with other foreign nations including all the way to China
In debt from the war
Classes created and cemented
Social classes; a bit harder to move between the different classes
Profiteers became very wealthy
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Increased Awareness
- Inequality in society
- Calls for abolition of slavery
- Desire for more political democracy in all levels of government
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“Republican Motherhood”
- Civic virtue: democracy depends on each citizen’s commitment to the good of the country
- In response to women’s participation in the revolution. Enlightenment ideals and calls for an expanded role for women
- Suggested women should teach republican values in the family
- Increased education
- Gave women a new importance in American political culture
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Widespread Repercussions
America became the inspiration for future independence movements
France
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Haiti
Latin America
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Troubles at Home
Shay’s Rebellion (1786), western Massachusetts
Poor farmers were losing their farms through foreclosures
Demanded that the state lighten taxes
Quickly crushed by Massachusets authorities
Did lead to changed laws in Massachusetts helping farmers who were in danger of losing their farms
Led to fears that the Revolution had led to a “mobocracy” mindset
Just through a fit and you get what you want
Caused future revolts to be settled down very quickly
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Equality & Democracy
No more primogeniture laws (oldest son to inherit father’s estate)
It was banned
Anglican church disestablished
Because it was very English
Split between government and religion
Hit hard in Massachusets and Virginia
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