The Importance Of The American Revolution

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Throughout early American History there are some obvious turning points and pivotal moments that have contributed to building America as we know it. As America has grown from a British-ruled thirteen colony territory, to the great world power that it is today, it has experienced some incredibly successful, and completely detrimental happenings. Although America has seen more than its fair share of ups and downs, the trials and tribulations have led to growth and stability within the nation. In exploring the period surrounding the American Revolution beginning in 1776 and extending through reconstruction in 1877, many different ideas and philosophies involving politics, socio-economics, and technologies all helped to pave a path for the future …show more content…

In January of 1776, Thomas Paine published his “Common Sense” essay, in which he spoke of ties to England as being foolish, and stated plainly that it was time to part ways with the British. By June of 1776, Lee’s Resolution proposed independence for the colonies. The resolution consisted of three main parts including: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan for confederation. Though New York abstained from voting, twelve unanimous votes in favor of the Declaration of Independence set the revolution on its way. In lieu of imminent war and military desertion of English troops, America quickly formed their first militia offering land and money to all white men willing to …show more content…

Post-revolution America was marked as a period of integral transformation of American ways of life. Although westward expansion began even before the presidential terms of Washington and Adams, it wasn’t until Jefferson took office that big changes began to develop on the western front. Steadily-growing and unrelenting population influx made even further expansion necessary. The increased demands for land forced new policies for Indian relations, and land claims. In addition to land shortages for American settlers, Native American issues only worsened. There simply wasn’t enough land to sustain the rapid growth of the new nation. In light of trade issues with Britain and severe economic hardships, President Thomas Jefferson sought to create a western trade zone on the lower Mississippi river. In attempt to avoid war with France, Jefferson offered Napoleon two million dollars for the piece of land, which was agreed upon by congress. Napoleon, freshly engaged in conflict with England, feared the British would take Louisiana territory from him. In attempt to profit from the property in lieu of losing it completely, he proposed a sale to America of the entire Louisiana Territory for fifteen million dollars. This deal would open up vast amounts of land to American settlement west of the Mississippi River, almost doubling the size of

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