American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, leading to the Thirteen Colonies gaining independence from British rule. It was fueled by growing discontent with British authority and policies, which inspired various forms of literature, political discourse, and social change in the newly formed nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' was pivotal in rallying support for independence, arguing against monarchy and promoting republicanism.
2. Phillis Wheatley's poetry reflected revolutionary themes, celebrating freedom and challenging societal norms regarding race and gender.
3. William Hill Brown's 'The Power of Sympathy' explored the emotional and moral dilemmas during the revolution, highlighting the impact of personal relationships amid political turmoil.
4. Hannah Webster Foster's 'The Coquette' revealed the societal tensions between individual desires and social expectations during a time of upheaval.
5. Charles Brockden Brown's works addressed themes of psychological conflict and the complexities of revolution, capturing the anxieties of a nation in transition.

Review Questions

• How did Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' influence public opinion during the American Revolution?
  • 'Common Sense' was crucial in shifting public opinion towards favoring independence from Britain. Paine presented clear arguments against monarchy and advocated for a republican form of government, making revolutionary ideas accessible to the common man. His passionate rhetoric inspired many colonists to view independence as not just necessary but inevitable, energizing revolutionary sentiments across the colonies.
• Discuss how Phillis Wheatley's poetry contributed to discussions about race and freedom during the American Revolution.
  • Phillis Wheatley’s poetry emerged as a significant voice in the dialogue around race and freedom during the American Revolution. As an enslaved African American woman who became a published poet, her works often celebrated liberty and questioned racial prejudices of her time. By articulating revolutionary ideals through her verses, she challenged contemporary views on race and advocated for both personal and national freedom, thereby enriching the revolutionary narrative.
• Evaluate how the literary works of authors like William Hill Brown and Hannah Webster Foster reflect the complexities of personal relationships amid revolutionary ideals.
  • The literary contributions of William Hill Brown and Hannah Webster Foster effectively highlight how personal relationships were influenced by the ideals of the American Revolution. In 'The Power of Sympathy,' Brown delves into emotional conflicts arising from societal changes, while Foster’s 'The Coquette' addresses women's autonomy against traditional expectations. Both authors reveal that as colonists grappled with political upheaval, their personal lives also reflected tensions between emerging democratic ideals and existing social structures, demonstrating how deeply intertwined personal experiences were with revolutionary thought.

Related terms

Patriotism: A sense of pride and devotion to one's country, which played a crucial role in motivating colonists to seek independence during the American Revolution.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, which greatly influenced revolutionary thought and writings during the period.

Declaration of Independence: A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' separation from Britain, articulating the principles of freedom and government by consent.