- The Revolutionary War disrupted trade and commerce, leading to a decline in the demand for luxury goods, including furniture and other items often produced by cabinetmakers and settlers.
- The Continental Congress imposed economic sanctions on British imports, affecting the availability of materials and increasing the cost of imported goods needed by settlers.
Loss of Skilled Craftspeople:
- Many skilled craftsmen, including cabinetmakers and other artisans, left the colonies to fight in the war or were otherwise involved in the war effort, reducing the availability of skilled labor.
Increased Demand for Domestic Goods:
- The war limited access to imported goods, creating an opportunity for local craftsmen and settlers to produce domestic goods, including furniture, to meet the demand.
Shift in Furniture Styles:
- The war encouraged a shift away from elaborate, imported furniture toward simpler, locally-made furniture. This transition was partly due to the limited availability of imported goods and partly due to a growing sense of American identity and pride in domestic products.
Rise of Regional Furniture Styles:
- With the disruption of trade between colonies, regional furniture styles became more distinct. Cabinetmakers in different regions used locally available materials and techniques, leading to the development of unique furniture styles associated with specific areas.
Patriotic Motifs:
- Some furniture produced during and after the Revolutionary War featured patriotic motifs, symbols, and imagery, reflecting the spirit of the Revolution and the desire for a new nation.