American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt against British rule that lasted from 1775 to 1783, resulting in the independence of the thirteen American colonies and the formation of the United States. This revolution was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas, leading to the establishment of democratic principles and the questioning of traditional authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with conflicts like the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, which marked the first military engagements between British troops and colonial militias.
2. Key Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke influenced revolutionary leaders by advocating ideas about natural rights and government by consent.
3. The revolution led to the formation of a new government based on democratic principles, including a written constitution that created a federal system.
4. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally ended the war, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.
5. The American Revolution inspired other revolutionary movements around the world, contributing to a wave of nationalism and revolutions in places like France and Latin America.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the motivations and actions of American revolutionaries?
  • Enlightenment ideas played a crucial role in shaping the motivations of American revolutionaries by promoting concepts such as individual rights, liberty, and government accountability. Thinkers like John Locke argued that all men have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, which inspired colonists to challenge British authority and seek independence. This philosophical foundation provided a moral justification for rebellion and guided the creation of foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the American Revolution reflected changes in governance and social structures within the newly formed United States.
  • The outcomes of the American Revolution led to significant changes in governance and social structures, as the new nation adopted a federal system outlined in the U.S. Constitution. This shift established a separation of powers among branches of government and emphasized democratic principles such as popular sovereignty. Socially, while the revolution did not immediately grant equal rights to all individuals, it set a precedent for future movements aimed at expanding civil liberties and addressing inequalities in society.
• Analyze the broader implications of the American Revolution on global nationalism and subsequent revolutions during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
  • The American Revolution had far-reaching implications for global nationalism by serving as an inspirational model for subsequent revolutionary movements. Its success demonstrated that it was possible to overthrow colonial rule and establish a nation based on democratic principles. This influence can be seen in events such as the French Revolution, where Enlightenment ideals were also embraced. The ripple effect continued into Latin America, where various independence movements emerged, fueled by similar desires for self-governance and national identity that had been ignited by the American struggle.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence:

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, proclaiming the thirteen colonies' separation from British rule and outlining the philosophical justification for independence.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, as established in the U.S. Constitution after the revolution.

Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution, often facing persecution and property loss post-war.