Short And Long-Term Effects Of The Revolutionary War

The French and Indian War that began in 1754, eventually spread to Europe in what was know as the the Seven Years’ War. Back in America, several notable events happened. Britain attempted to institute several policies which, in the colonists view, had adverse effects. In an effort to replenish a diminishing army, Britain began forcefully enlisted colonists. This practice was known as impressment. Britain also instituted several other practices such as seizing supplies and equipment and demanding shelter for troops without compensation. These acts were of significant note because it led to the colonists not only resenting the actions of Britain but also strongly resisting them. The turmoil by the colonists had a powerful ramification - it almost caused the war effort in America to cease. (American History, p107)

Several years later, further resistance on British policies and actions had another significant effect.. the independence of the colonies. There were several areas of contentions that began following the Seven Years’ War and lasted up until the united States of America’s independence. First was how to pay for the war the left Britain with an enormous amount of debt. Several Acts were introduced in an effort to raise money from America such as the Sugar, Currency, and most notably the
With landowners and merchants facing an already high tax burden, the government turned to the colonies. They enacted several acts beginning in 1764 with the Sugar Act in an attempt to raise funds. This act attempted to eliminate illegal trade therefore strengthening the duty on sugar. The Currency Act eliminated paper money and required any in circulation to be destroyed. Most notably was the Stamp Act of 1765. This required a tax on any printed document such as newspapers, deeds, wills and licenses. (American History,