American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, resulting in the Thirteen Colonies gaining independence from British rule. This period was marked by significant ideological shifts regarding freedom, governance, and individual rights, which were echoed in the writings and lives of prominent figures like Wheatley, Hammon, and Equiano. The revolution spurred conversations about liberty, equality, and the role of slavery in a newly forming nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution was driven by various grievances against British taxation and governance, notably articulated in pamphlets like Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense.'
2. Phillis Wheatley became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry during this era, using her work to highlight themes of freedom and liberty.
3. Jupiter Hammon was one of the first published African American writers and his work reflected on the complexities of slavery during a time when independence was sought.
4. Olaudah Equiano’s autobiography detailed his life as an enslaved person and his subsequent freedom, highlighting the contradictions between revolutionary ideals and the reality of slavery.
5. The ideas from the American Revolution laid a foundation for future civil rights movements as they questioned the principles of freedom and equality for all individuals.

Review Questions

• How did the ideals expressed during the American Revolution influence the writings of Phillis Wheatley and Jupiter Hammon?
  • The ideals of freedom and liberty that emerged during the American Revolution had a profound impact on both Wheatley and Hammon. Wheatley used her poetry to explore concepts of liberty while highlighting her status as an enslaved person, advocating for equality. Similarly, Hammon's writings reflected on his own experience as a slave within the context of revolutionary thought, challenging readers to reconcile their fight for freedom with the institution of slavery that persisted in society.
• Analyze how Equiano's 'The Interesting Narrative' connects to the themes of freedom and slavery highlighted by the American Revolution.
  • 'The Interesting Narrative' serves as a powerful testament to the contradictions within revolutionary ideology. Equiano’s firsthand account as an enslaved person illustrates how calls for freedom were often exclusive. His narrative critiques the hypocrisy of a nation striving for independence while maintaining slavery, prompting readers to question who truly benefits from liberty and challenging them to consider a more inclusive understanding of freedom.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the American Revolution on African American literature and the abolitionist movement that followed.
  • The American Revolution set in motion critical discussions about liberty, justice, and human rights that would resonate in African American literature and fuel the abolitionist movement. Writers like Wheatley and Equiano began articulating a vision of freedom that included enslaved individuals, laying groundwork for future generations. Their works not only challenged societal norms but also provided literary frameworks that inspired abolitionists. The legacy of revolutionary thought continued to empower advocates for civil rights well into the 19th century and beyond.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence: The document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' independence from Great Britain and outlining the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Abolitionism: The movement aimed at ending slavery and the slave trade, gaining momentum during and after the American Revolution as ideas of freedom and equality began to spread.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing revolutionary thought.