1. Topic: Assessing the extent to which the American Revolution changed society

2. American definition of “Freedom”
US as a “loose” alliance of free states (Articles of Confederation)
Growth of Social Democracy
Basic equality
Weakening of upper class
Loyalist lands broken up
Revolutionary elitism (Society of Cincinnati)
Separation of Church and State

3. State Constitutions States created by “the people”
Movement of state capitals inland/westward
Constitutions defined (limited) government powers
Written, fundamental laws
Various bills of rights
Strong legislature, weak executive
Property requirements of suffrage remained

4. Republican Motherhood: changing women’s role?
Abigail Adams:
“revolution” for women’s rights?
Importance of mothers:
Offspring
Teaching “civic virtue”
Keepers of the nation’s “conscience”
Increased educational opportunities
Most women remained unaffected by revolutionary ideals

5. Slavery- the failure of the Revolution?
1774: Continental Congress put limits on slave trading
Quaker anti-slavery organization
Gradual abolition of slavery in the North
Continued discrimination
Slavery remained in the South
Potential falling-out over slavery issue.

6. Conclusion
1) In your opinion, did the Revolution have a positive or negative on women or African-Americans? Explain.
2) Why do you think the creation state constitutions were so important in the post Revolution period?