The American Revolutionary War began largely over economic pressures, with colonists in the Thirteen Colonies upset over taxation without representation. Unfortunately, America’s economic situation did not improve with the war or its immediate aftermath. The fledgling United States government suffered from a lack of revenue, the ability to impose taxes, and the enforcement of existing taxes (Baack). Under the nation’s first governing document, the Articles of Confederation, the federal government could only use tariff revenue as a source of funds. In 1786, however, America’s weak economy and lack of government enforcement almost tore the nation apart with Shays’ Rebellion. A last-minute defeat of the rebellion finally brought Americans around …show more content…
George Washington was one of the most influential figures in the American Revolution. He was a leader in the colonial militia and later the Continental Army during the war, and was instrumental in leading the colonies to victory. After the war, he became the first President of the United States and is now remembered as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States (“George Washington”). He was a strong advocate of the American Revolution and believed in the value of liberty and freedom for all. He also understood the importance of having a strong, unified government that could protect the rights of its citizens. His leadership and commitment to the cause of freedom helped the Americans achieve victory against the British in the American Revolution. Thomas Jefferson was a vocal proponent of the American Revolution, believing that the British government had become tyrannical and oppressive. Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which outlined the grievances of the colonists, and his words helped to rally the American people to the cause (Shays). Jefferson also understood the importance of having a strong, unified government, and he was a major contributor to the writing of the United States Constitution. He believed that the Constitution should guarantee the rights of the citizens, and he fought to ensure that it did. Jefferson's commitment to freedom and …show more content…
He was a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1776–1777 and was involved in the decision to declare independence from Great Britain (“Continental Congress”). He was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence and was part of the committee that was responsible for drafting the document. He was also another negotiator of the Treaty of Paris, contributing to the colonies independence. Adams was a strong advocate of the cause and believed that independence was necessary for the survival of the nation. He was heavily involved in the negotiations for the Treaty of Paris and was instrumental in ensuring that the United States received fair terms in the agreement.
Benjamin Franklin was also another key figure in the American Revolution. As a member of the Second Continental Congress, Franklin helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation (“Benjamin Franklin”). He also traveled to Paris to negotiate with the French and secure the alliance that was vital to the American victory. Franklin served as a diplomat to France, helping to secure French support for the cause. He was also a signer of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the war and granted the United States its