In a way, it could be argued that money was one of the main forces behind the Revolutionary War. Although a lot of people think the Boston Tea Party stated the American Revolution, the story actually began in 1763 with the conclusion of the French and Indian War. That was when the British started taxing the Americans to recoup their losses. The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) lasted over 8 years because the number of combatants kept increasing and ultimately, both the Americans and the British paid economically, socially, and politically for it.
Why Did the War Take So Long?
Even after the Revolutionary War was officially underway, it began initially as a case of the British Empire dealing with some rebellious colonies. Eager to get payback for the humiliating turn the French and Indian War had taken, however, the French gave the Americans supplies before outright joining the war in 1778. In addition, the Dutch Republic and Spain also sided against the British.
As Savas (2010) explained, “The British were now fighting four countries (Spain, France, Holland, and America) and their military capabilities were stretched thin. Her enemies exploited the Crown’s attenuated position by grabbing territory and resources around the world wherever and whenever they could” (page 74)
Although this was fantastic news for the Americans, the war dragged on as more countries got involved.
The Cost of the War
Financially, most of the countries involved in the Revolutionary War ended up incurring significant debts. In particular, America and Great Britain both learned the hard way that war costs money. At the end of the war, Great Britain had a debt of £250 million while the United States had spent a total of $151 million for their cause. Back then, these national debts would’ve been considered massive.
The Political and Social Aftermath: Great Britain
The most obvious effect of the American Revolutionary War on Great Britain was the loss of a significant chunk of its empire. At the same time, the success of the Americans forced Parliament to negotiate and bend for Ireland while Parliament was raked over the coals in the court of public opinion after the loss.
The Political and Social Aftermath: United States
For the Americans, the immediate impact of the war was felt in its political and economic independence as a newly minted nation. While there were some positive developments, there were also problems as two main groups known as the Federalists and the Republican disagreed on how the fledgling government was going to be run. In his 1801 inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson said, "But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have been called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists” (Bartleby, n.d., para. 3)
The Republicans and the Federalists were eventually able to work out their differences, but the compromises made weren’t always a sure thing.
Whatever it began as, the Revolutionary War was one of the most important wars of the 18th century. It changed the political landscape in the immediate aftermath and looking back, it shaped history. The United States and the world as we know it wouldn’t be the same without the Revolutionary War.
Bibliography
Chambers, W., & Chambers, R. (1891). Unclaimed Stocks, Dividends, and Bank Deposits. Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Arts, 68, 21-24.
MILESTONES: 1784-1800. (n.d.). Office of the Historian. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/Loans.
Savas, T.P. (2010). Select Battles & Campaigns: British Isles. New American Revolution Handbook: Facts and Artwork for Readers of All Ages (p.74). Philadelphia: Casemate Publishers.
Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989. (n.d.). Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres16.html
