Revolutionary War Veterans

Definition

These are individuals who served in the American Revolutionary War, fighting for independence from British rule. After the war, many faced economic hardships and political marginalization.

Analogy

Think of Revolutionary War Veterans as seniors who've just graduated high school. They've fought hard (studied) for their freedom (diploma), but now they're facing real-world challenges like finding jobs and paying bills.

Related terms

Pension Act of 1818: This act provided pensions to Revolutionary War veterans who were in financial need, similar to modern-day social security benefits.

Continental Army: The army established by the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution which consisted largely of regular folks turned soldiers - these were your Revolutionary War veterans.

Post-war depression (1780s): A period after the American Revolution marked by economic hardship. Many war veterans returned home to find their farms in disarray and debts mounting, leading to events like Shays' Rebellion.