The Terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1783
Part A:
DIRECTIONS: Read each term of the Treaty of Paris. For each term, explain if it reflects an economic, social or political change for the United States.
Terms of the Treaty / Does the Term of the Treaty reflect an Economic, Social or Political Change? Explain.The United States is recognized as an independent nation.
The northern, southern, and western boundaries of the United States are defined.
British and American merchants could collect their debts.
Britain would withdraw troops from American territories.
Britain gave America the right to fish off of Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Britain would return captured slaves.
The Unites States would return any seized Loyalist property.
PART B DIRECTIONS:Read “The Impact of the American Revolution.” As you read, identify and list the political and social impact of the Revolution.
The Impact of the American Revolution
Richard Price, a British minister, called the American Revolution the most important event in the history of the world. Although, this may be an overstatement, the American Revolution was a major world event.
The Revolution had many political consequences. It created the United States. It turned our country into a republic where people were involved in the political process. The Revolution gave the middle class more political power. As a result of the American Revolution, more people began to participate in politics. More people began to vote and there were more competitive elections. Political advertising also became more common. By the time the American Revolution was over, ordinary people had become much more involved in the political process. The Revolution led to demands that the vote be given to a larger percentage of the population and that public offices be elected by the people. Leaders in the new state governments were less wealthy, and less likely to be connected by marriage and family ties than those before the Revolution. For the first time, state assemblies built galleries to allow the public to watch political debates.
The Revolution popularized a commitment to liberty, equality, government of the people, and rule of law. The discrimination of women, and religious intolerance were less accepted than they had been before. The Revolution motivated Americans to try to build a society that matched their republican principles. The Revolution encouraged many Americans to question slavery. By the early 19th century, the northern states had either outlawed slavery or adopted plans to slowly free slaves.
Excerpted and adapted from: 2004 Digital History
Political ImpactSocial Impact
2006-07U3-1