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Running Head: AMERICAN HISTORY 1

Important Historical Developments in the USA

Name

Institution

AMERICAN HISTORY 2

One of the major events that took place during the colonial era was the American

Revolution, which not only led to the independence of the USA from Great Britain, but also had a

long term effect on the political, economic, and social aspects of the country. Jay’s treaty of 1795

during the Early National Era was also very important in shaping the political structure of current

America. During the era of the Civil War, the then president Abraham Lincoln played a significant

role in maintaining the country as it is today.

The American Revolution had both temporary and permanent effects on America.

Beginning with the making of the state constitution after it ended, the Revolution brought about

many changes in the country politically, socially and economically. As a result of the Revolution,

people started becoming more actively involved in politics, religious tolerance was achieved, and

it became possible for the population to diffuse and grow (Guisinger, 2014). It would have a long-

term effect on the lives of women and the slaves in the country as it provided an avenue through

which they would start fighting for their rights and freedom later. The use of slaves in the war and

the promise of their freedom fuelled the demand to end slavery. Although the Revolution did not

immediately bring civil equality for women, the creation of republican responsibilities for women

initiated their ability to advocate for equality (Guisinger, 2014). It also had a significant effect on

the Native Americans as it opened up the western settlement and created a leadership that was

harsh to their territorial demands. The Native Americans were affected permanently because the

defeat of the British basically ended their push for Native Americans independence. By ending

mercantilism, the Revolution created new opportunities in business and industry.

The creation of new states after the Revolution led to the creation of written constitutions,

which replaced the traditional unwritten constitution. Generally, the Revolution brought a

complete change in the legal and political system as it led to the introduction of a bill of rights and

AMERICAN HISTORY 3

strengthened democracy. There was a growth in political participation as more citizens were

granted the right to vote. Free men who did not own property had no right to participate in elections

before the revolution (Broussard, 2017). This formed the basis for other groups to start the demand

to be given similar rights. To a large extent, the American Revolution was a turning point where

the democracy we enjoy today found its base.

The 1795 Jay’s Treaty between the U.S and Great Britain resolved the major issues that

had remained after the Treaty of Paris and also created a good trading environment between the

two countries. However, the most significant long-term effect that Jay’s Treaty had on America is

the shaping of American politics. It strongly and emotionally divided Americans based on the

support and the opposition to the treaty. The Federalists supported the treaty while the Democratic-

Republicans bitterly resisted the treaty. Thomas Jefferson and his supporters in all states were

afraid that the treaty would advance aristocracy, weaken republicanism and popularize Hamilton’s

political ideas. Federalism became popular among the business community while planters and

farmers associated themselves with the Republicans. One year after the treaty, the two parties had

taken full control of politics in all the states.

The Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party became the first modern party

in the history of not just America but the whole world. Federalists promoted a strong executive

power, federal responsibility of state debts, taxation aimed at clearing those debts, creation of a

national bank to facilitate government funding, and establishment of other banks and

manufacturing industries. The Republicans were based in the agricultural south and were against

the Hamilton financial program, opposed a standing army and navy, and demanded a weaker

executive power (Miller et al., 2000). The Republicans also sympathized with the French and

admired the French Revolution. Jay’s Treaty was characterized by a divisive mobilization of the

AMERICAN HISTORY 4

Americans in every state to buy the ideas of each side. President Washington had officially claimed

that he was non-partisan but practically supported the ideas by the federalists. The politics of the

two parties formed following Jay’s treaty have dictated the landscape of America’s politics and

leadership up to now.

Abraham Lincoln is arguably the greatest American president of all time (Miller et al.,

2000). He will always be remembered for his role in the abolition of slavery and preservation of

the Union. He is also responsible for the strengthening of the federal government and

modernization of the American economy. However, the main thing I learn about his presidency in

this class is the fact that he helped in maintaining the country as it is today. His firmness against

the secession of the slave states is a knowledge that is new to me. His victory against the then

newly-formed Confederate States of America was a major event that defined the structure of the

USA today (Miller et al., 2000). Abraham made bold use of his presidential powers not only to

free the enslaved but also to protect the sovereignty of the U.S as a country.

In conclusion, the study of America’s history in this class has helped me to understand

better how the current political, social and economic structure of the country came to be. From the

study, I have realized that the current democracy in the country was significantly influenced by

the American Revolution as it led to more participation of citizens in the forming and running of

the government. I have also been able to understand how the current political divisions emerged

through Jay’s Treaty. I am now able to know the meaning of being an American, or a Democrat,

or a Republican. The study of the Civil War has helped me to know more about the role of Abraham

Lincoln in maintaining a unified America and creating the freedom that the former slaves enjoy

today. If it were not for President Abraham’s boldness, the political and geographical structure of

the country would be different.

AMERICAN HISTORY 5

References

Broussard, J. (2017, September 26). Colonial America before the Revolution. Retrieved from

https://www.c-span.org/video/?433798-2/colonial-america- revolution%20https://www.c-

%20span.org/video/?417591-2/colonial-america-british-empire

Guisinger, J. (2014, January 15). The Revolution. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QParA8h9UY4&feature=youtu.be&list=P

LMZhrNNj_z5tnKucoERFbWHB1zPoCHvYG

Miller, D. & Brinkley, D. & Masur, L. (DVD Video 2000). Reconstruction. Retrieved from

https://www.learner.org/series/biographyofamerica/prog12/transcript/index.html

Miller, D. & Brinkley, D. & Masur, L. (DVD Video 2000). The Civil War. Retrieved from

https://www.learner.org/series/biographyofamerica/prog11/transcript/index.html

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