How was the revolutionary war much more than just a war for independence

It was the first real world example that put the theory of classical liberalism( nothing like to 2000s liberalism) in practice.

Classical liberalism is s the ideology of the Enlightenment. Free press, democracy, abolish slavery(attempted and was capped ) , and free religion.

It was not just a war fighting for sovereignty. It was a middle finger to all of the european monarchies saying " hey liberalism is growing" and it is not going any where. These people were not just under military oppression, they were put under divine right oppression.

Arguably you can say that if the American Revolution did not happen, the French Revolution would have never happen which in the end set off beautiful things happening all across of Europe and South America( Napoleonic wars spread liberal ideas and a sh1t ton south american colonies) Since the American Revolution was a victory  it did inspire the french people to take arms against their own king and showed french people that liberalism is actually possible and you don't need a king to eat, sleep, and work.

Hdah.