Global impacts of the American War of Independence:
1. Revolution in France:
After succeeding in gaining freedom and independence from Britain, the American experience set an example for other supressed nations seeking freedom from monarchies or empires.
During the American war, France was a strong ally of America, and the two countries signed a treaty pledging to fight until American independence was won, and that neither country would sign any treaty with Britain without the consent of the other. In 1778, France declared war against Great Britain in support of American colonies.
The immediate effect of the American Revolution in France was economic. France already had a very big debt after their Seven Years War. Aiding America doubled the debt. This situation brought on a huge financial crisis in France which was a key factor in the onset of the French Revolution.
The other effect was the excitement and interest generated by the American experience. Pamphlets and books about the struggle were published in France, and also copies of the new constitutions of the states were reproduced and studied. For example, a key statement of the ideals of the French Revolution – “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights”, is very similar to Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happines”.
The French revolution was inspired by many of the ideals of the American Revolution, as well as the later revolutions in Central and South America by Spanish colonies. Even the 20th century the ideals of the Declaration and the Bill of Rights inspired the colonial revolts in Africa.
2. Birth of democratic ideals:
Aside from the impact in France, the American Revolution had much influence beyond the political boundary of the newly formed nation. Many liberal...