Final answer:
The imperial struggles had negative effects on ordinary citizens and the economy during the revolution, with challenges including refugee flights, epidemic disease, property plundering, and physical assault. However, American battlefield victories helped secure independence, leading to questions about the meaning of independence. The economy faced disruption as men went off to fight and women tended farms, but there was a middle class that enjoyed a relatively high standard of living.
Step-by-step explanation:
The imperial struggles during this time had significant effects on both ordinary citizens and the economy. The movement of troops during the revolution led to the flight of refugees, epidemic disease, confiscation of supplies, plundering of property, and the possibility of physical assault, all of which impacted ordinary citizens negatively.
In terms of the economy, the revolution disrupted normal patterns of life as men went off to fight, women stayed home to tend farms and businesses, and slaves attempted to pursue their freedom. This faltered the economy as it faced challenges. However, the American battlefield victories helped secure independence, which eventually led to questioning the meaning of that independence.
The imperial struggles created a substantial "middle class," which enjoyed a relatively high standard of living. Although the wealthier parts of society tended to become even richer at the expense of the common people in the long run, specialized craftsmen created high-quality goods to be sold on an empire-wide market, benefiting citizens with access to quality products.