The American colonial break from Great Britain was political rather than social. American leaders were not eager to overthrow the social order that had placed them at the head of government. Despite this, the revolutionary ideals they espoused — and the war they waged — created the conditions for change. The lives of many disadvantaged and disenfranchised Americans were not dramatically different at the conclusion of the revolutionary period. Nevertheless, in an increasingly dynamic society, new questions were being asked and calls for reform were being made.