Question

How is the American Revolution, or simply American Independence in general, the most important event in World History? You may not agree, but I just need some reasons to support my side.

Answer 1

I definitely don't agree at all. That would be a hard position to defend. I'll try to help though.

The American Revolution helped popularize the ideas of self-rule and republican government that the enlightenment thinkers preached. This republican ideal has taken hold across the world and has proved to be one of the less intrusive and authoritarian government systems, albeit major exceptions everywhere.

The Revolution showed smaller countries that they could fight against the harmful imperialist and mercantilist policies of the European nations.

The American Revolution led to the creation of one of the most intrusive government in world affairs (though against the founders' wishes). The US government devastated the Native American population, toppled countless foreign governments in places such as South America and the Middle East, and has partaken in two world wars. Today, America's domineering hand is omnipresent in world affairs.

Really, American independence has had about as many negative influences as positive, but whatever.

Answer 2

Have you considered revising your thesis to make it more credible? Although the American Revolution and its resulting independence were certainly momentous events in history, it is an overstatement, as well as insulting to the world and the ages, to categorize either as "the most important event in World History". As an American who has traveled to other continents, I am afraid this view will reinforce the overrriding world view of us Americans as insular and egocentric, with little or no knowledge of world history.