American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that occurred between 1765 and 1783, leading to the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. This pivotal conflict established a new nation, the United States of America, and was driven by Enlightenment ideas about liberty, governance, and individual rights, significantly shaping modern democracy and legal principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution was fueled by discontent over British taxation without representation, leading to events like the Boston Tea Party.
2. Key battles included those at Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown, each marking turning points in the struggle for independence.
3. The revolution was not only a military conflict but also involved political ideologies that emphasized natural rights and the social contract.
4. International support played a crucial role in the revolution, particularly France's military assistance after the American victory at Saratoga.
5. The outcome of the revolution led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized American independence and established borders for the new nation.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the motivations behind the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment thinkers emphasized concepts such as liberty, equality, and the social contract, which inspired colonists to challenge British authority. These ideas suggested that government should be based on consent from the governed and that individuals possess inherent rights. As a result, colonists felt justified in their desire for independence and sought to create a government that reflected these principles.
• Discuss the impact of international alliances during the American Revolution on its outcome.
  • International alliances were vital to the success of the American Revolution, particularly France's support after the American victory at Saratoga. This alliance provided crucial military assistance, resources, and morale-boosting support. The involvement of other nations also pressured Britain on multiple fronts, which weakened their ability to maintain control over the colonies and ultimately contributed to American independence.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the American Revolution influenced subsequent legal frameworks in the United States.
  • The outcomes of the American Revolution fundamentally shaped legal frameworks in the United States by establishing principles such as individual rights and representative government. The Declaration of Independence laid out these core values, while later documents like the Constitution incorporated them into law. This evolution set a precedent for future legal developments, ensuring that democracy and civil liberties remained central tenets in American governance.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence: A document adopted on July 4, 1776, that proclaimed the thirteen colonies' separation from Britain and outlined the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Constitution: The supreme law of the United States, established in 1787, which outlines the framework of government and guarantees individual liberties.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, significant in the formation of the United States' governmental structure.