1. Unit 1: The Colonial Era Chapter 3: The American Revolution
Effects of the American Revolution

2. Effects on the United States

3. The United States Won it’s Independence from Britain
Though the colonists declared their independence from Britain in 1776, it wasn’t recognized by the rest of the world until the end of the Revolution
In the treaty of Paris (1783), Britain officially recognized the US as an independent country

4. A Generation of American Heroes was Created
The political and military leaders who led the colonists to victory in the Revolution became the first truly American heroes
These Founding Fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams would lead the new nation for years to come

5. The United States Established a Democratic Government
Once out from under the thumb of the British monarchy, the United States established a Republic
Republic = a type of democracy (representative democracy) in which the citizens elect officials to represent them in government
The world was watching to see if this “experiment” in democracy would actually work

6. Native Americans were Pushed West
Without the British government protecting Native Americans’ lands, Americans were free to settle as far West as the Mississippi River
Whenever, this westward migration led to conflict with the Native Americans, the US military would force the Native Americans to move further west

7. Democratic Ideals Inspired Reform Movements
Some Americans saw a contradiction between their belief that “All men are created equal” and the way some Americans were being treated
As a result, two important reform movements began
The Abolition Movement fought against slavery
The Women’s Rights Movement fought for women’s equality
Both of these movements were slow to make progress

8. Effects on the World

9. The American Revolution Inspired Other Revolutions
The French Revolution erupted in 1787
Revolutions against Spanish rule broke out in many Latin American countries in the 19th century

10. Britain Lost Some Status
Britain losing the American Revolution was certainly a surprise
It proved that Britain was not unbeatable
Despite this, there was no doubt that Britain was still the most powerful nation in the world
It would still be quite a while before Britain’s supremacy would be seriously threatened