Revolution

4 Pages 1115 Words

American society during the Revolutionary War could not help but be infused by the ideals that the revolution itself was based upon. The primary philosophical development of the revolution was the development of egalitarianism as an important societal ideal.

During the period from 1700 to 1760, the separate economic classes in America had become more distinct. Those with great wealth flaunted it, drawing a great distinction between themselves and the average citizens. However, during the revolutionary era, distinctions became less obvious, with the wealthy adopted a simpler style of dress as a result of boycotting of British imports. As the need for unity became paramount, wealthier members of militias declined to wear fancy uniforms so as not to estrange the poorer among the militiamen. Military service in general acted as a great leveling of the playing field. Because the Continental Army followed meritocratic guidelines, wealthy gentry often served beneath the command of men far their economic inferior. All soldiers demanded respect in the meritocracy of the military. Each expected to be recognized for his value to the regiment, and thus promoted or demoted, based upon no predetermined factors.
Out of these ideas about meritocracy rose the concept of natural aristocracy, which referred to those leaders who had, through their accomplishments, proven themselves fit for government. The wealthy still made up the vast majority of politicians during and after the revolution, but they increasingly downplayed their wealth and interacted more with the common citizens, feeling the need to be approved by their electors and constituents.
Even so, the fruit of egalitarian ideals were not extended to everyone. African Americans, making up almost twenty percent of the colonial population in 1776 (95 percent of African Americans in the colonies were slaves), did not gain access to the same opening of opportunity as did the poor. The five p...