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American Revolution Dbq Essay

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The Revolutionary Revolution

In the year of 1776, the colonists of America declared themselves independent from Great Britain. Five years later, the Americans defeated their English tyrants in the Battle of Yorktown. This era in American history was named the American Revolution. But was this event revolutionary? In the 1700s, the only forms of government in Europe were absolute dictatorships or monarchies. Both systems did not give the power to choose their leader. And any power given to the people was reserved for white men of rich families only. Was this new country, the United States, really so unique? Yes, the United States of America was revolutionary for its time, because it changed is views on some social groups and politics. …show more content…

No more are there noblemen or powerful landowners born above the rest. “...all men are created equal;” (Doc. 2). No more unjust laws brought upon the citizens by a crooked government. “...governments [derive] their just powers from the consent of the governed…” (Doc. 2). If the words of the Declaration of Independence doesn’t convince you that a great political change has happened, then the fact that the Patriots destroyed the statue of their King in Central Park should (Doc. 1). Perhaps more important, the Americans’ success in claiming their freedom from the British threatened empires and kingdoms around the world. When the people in many countries heard of the Revolution and what could be won from the rulers, most kings and dictators were forced to hand over basic rights to the citizens in fear of a revolution of their own, but to no avail. France came first, but also the Caribbean, the South American countries, and West India revolted, and so did many other countries in Europe (Coleman. Why Do We Study American History?). To be short, The United States’ Revolution influenced most if not all European countries’ political system for the better. How’s that for

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