Final answer:
The American Revolution is the event from the colonial period that has had the greatest effect on life in America today, and it helped shape the founding ideals of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Revolution is the event from the colonial period that has had the greatest effect on life in America today. It helped shape the founding ideals of the United States, including concepts such as independence, democracy, and individual rights. The American Revolution led to the formation of a new nation and the adoption of the Constitution, which established the principles of limited government, separation of powers, and protection of individual liberties.