Social Consequences of the American Revolution Women, Africans, Religious Institutions, Society in general

Who should rule at home? After the Revolution’s euphoria subsided, questions surfaced about social status, class- ruling and otherwise, land, suffrage….. – The elite preferred upper class rule. – The non-elite felt their efforts in the Revolution warranted a more level playing field for suffrage, land ownership, and social mobility.

Equity, post-Revolution Lower classes saw themselves as equal to their wealthy counterparts…. Not in material goods but in political standing- their rights – Participation in politics increased – Lower classes found a voice in new state legislatures- popularly elected – Property requirements to vote continued to tumble away especially in the backcountry – But still no purely UNIVERSIAL suffrage! – Land was perceived as infinite as royal prohibitions now were negated (e.g. Proclamation of 1763/Quebec Act 1774)

African slavery After Revolution, all states (except GA) had ended slave importation “Liberty is sweet.” – G. Washington – British policy of freeing slaves/indentured servants – 11/13 states eventually allowed slaves to serve the Continental Army (SC/GA refused) 5,000/300,000 – integrated mostly Emigrated to Canada/British West Indies – Most northern states emancipated/outlawed slavery during or just after the war

Southern Struggle with Slavery and Liberty Jefferson- Notes on the State of Virginia – Noted the paradox of the situation – Economics trumped morality – Manumission Laws- individual acts to free slaves such as wills…. 10,000 were free in this manner Freeing from south: – Runaways- numbered around 55,000 – Began long, long debate about southern property rights verses freedom and liberty of slaves

Women No political, economic, educational, non domestic rights – Children, property, divorces…. No power Exceptions: Molly Pitcher, Deborah Sampson – Judith Sargent Murray “On the Equality of the Sexes” – Abigail Adams- Famous letter to Husband J. Adams “ Remember the Ladies… all men would be tyrants if they could.” – Although little changed fundamentally, the seeds of reform were planted for both women and other disenfranchised ( people with no political power) groups

Religious Institutions Religious toleration morphed into religious freedom Anglican Church changed to Episcopalian Established churches ended except in VA Virginia STATUE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM – “No man can be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever” – Matter of conscience – Pluralistic and voluntary rather than monolithic and state supported

The Evolving American Culture July 4 most important day of national calendar American Destiny/Exceptionalism – Not rooted in any ancient past – Focused on present and future – Eclectic demographic – “City on a Hill” seemed more a reality that ever before… beyond religious mandate– political as well – The American Revolution to many Americans had just begun…..