Question

Discuss the role of new Immigrants (at least three) in the American Revolution in detail.

Answer 1

Immigrants have always been influential in the creation of the nation's form and character, but immigrants have also been important in the formation of the United States. From promoting revolution against a tyrannical monarchy to fighting British soldiers in combat, the American Revolution was predominantly won through immigrant sweat and labor.

Thomas Paine is probably the most famous of these founding immigrants. Paine was an English refugee who fell in love with American independence and liberty. Through "Common Sense," Paine made a brilliant, straightforward and graceful case for secession from Britain. Paine called for American freedom from Britain on both rational and emotional grounds in the 40-page pamphlet which was published in January 1776. It doesn't make sense for Great Britain's island nation to rule over the American continent. In "Common Sense" Paine also points out that London-based politicians would promote the interests of England-based populations over the interests of those living in America.

Yet immigrants' influence on the Civil War extends even to the battlefields of the time. While Irish immigration would not peak for several more decades after the revolution, nearly half of the Continental Army of General Washington accounted for soldiers who identified as Irish immigrants or of Irish heritage.