Before the American Revolution, the colonists still considered themselves to be English and followed British rule. However, the American revolution allowed them to separate themselves from British rule and form their own separate power. This separate power unified the colonists who now shared the same political, religious, cultural, racial, historical, linguistic, and ideological views which were different from their views under British rule. They were beginning to pave the way to becoming "Americans" rather than English.

During the American Revolution, slaves were recruited by both the British and the colonists to fight for each side 's cause. During this recruitment, thousands of slaves obtained their freedom by running away. Thomas Jefferson