The Revolutionary War

War can serve as a catalyst for change. The American Revolutionary war and the pre- revolution buildup contributed to many social changes. Amongst these changes are themes of localism, egalitarianism, women, and blacks. Before the revolutionary war, separate colonies wished to remain separate. In 1754 Benjamin Franklin published a drawing of a snake with different sections of the snake representing the different colonies. The snake was cut into eight pieces, and the slogan "Join or Die" …

…a strong nation it was necessary to become a whole nation as opposed to separate states. The governors of the various states had virtually all power removed from them. A bicameral legislative body was formed as well as two other branches of federal government, the judicial branch and the executive branch. In 1787, the second continental congress met to add the constitution the Declaration of Independence. This outlined all of the specifications for this new government.