Radicalism of the American Revolution

"Give me liberty, or give me death!" was stated by Patrick Henry during the time of the American Revolution. During the time of the American Revolution (1776-1783), the revolution appeared to be more radical than it really was. Being compared to American history, the American was one of the most radical and most important wars for the country. Once it is compared to other revolutions such as the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution, the American Revolution then appears to be much less radical and more conservative. The American Revolution was an overall conservative war because the social status of most Americans stayed the same, there wasn't a complete change in the form of government, and the war was as civil as it could be.

In 1776, when the American Revolution broke out, the main goal that was hoped to be achieved was the separation of the colonies from Britain. Social change wasn't expected nor was it a goal. Throughout the war, high ranking generals were highly respected men on the social ladder. The men involved with creating the Constitution were also wealthy men, who were mainly Protestant. However, during the French Revolution, a social change was necessary. Since the peasants of France made up 98% of the population, the social order was tampered with once they all began to revolt. The peasants demanded social equality from the nobles and the clergy. By the end of the French Revolution, the social hierarchy was dramatically altered with those who used to be on the bottom, now equal with everyone else in France. Before the Russian Revolution, there was a distinct social gap between the classes. After the Russian Revolution, when Communism became the new Russian government, the social ladder no longer existed. All Russian citizens were the same and only government leaders were higher-ranking. After the American Revolution, those who were on top of the social ladder remained as they were and those who were lower-ranking didn't change. However, after the American Revolution, it was easier for citizens to rise up in social ranking because Americans had equal opportunities in jobs and the economy.

Although the Americans were fighting for a break in political ties with Britain, the main government structure stayed the same. The Americans came up with their own Constitution and Bill of Rights, similar to that of Britain. The Americans formed a Congress, similar to Britain's Parliament and separated it into two houses, like Parliament's House of Commons and House of Lords. Many of Britain's government policies were copied by the Americans, and if anything, some policies were only slightly modified. Before the Russian Revolution, Russia maintained