The American Revolution was a pivotal period for American Methodism. If Asbury had not remained in the country, Methodism might have failed in America. Although he was confined to Delaware and parts of Maryland, and persecuted by those who opposed the Methodists, Asbury nevertheless increased his influence. By unifying Methodists throughout the American colonies and leading itinerant preachers during the war conflict, Asbury successfully expanded Methodism. By the end of the American Revolution, there were 14,988 American members, as well as forty-six constituencies and eighty-four itinerant preachers. In 1784, with America's independence from Great Britain, the American Methodist Church was established with Asbury at its headquarters. head. Once again, Asbury was able to make Methodism flourish in America. For the first time since the movement began, Methodism was now independent of the Anglican Church. With this new independence and a much larger population of Methodists, the newly established Church continued to grow under Asbury's leadership in America. Asbury's new position did not hold ...