American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, where the Thirteen Colonies fought against British rule to achieve independence and establish a new nation. This struggle was driven by various factors including taxation, political representation, and Enlightenment ideals, ultimately leading to significant changes in government and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution was fueled by resistance to British taxation without representation, particularly seen in events like the Boston Tea Party.
2. Key battles such as Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Saratoga marked turning points in the conflict, influencing international support for the American cause.
3. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.
4. The revolution inspired other global movements for independence and democratic governance, influencing countries like France and Latin American nations.
5. The ideological foundations of the revolution were influenced heavily by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, advocating for individual rights and government by consent.

Review Questions

• How did the philosophical ideas from the Enlightenment shape the motivations behind the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke proposed ideas about natural rights, social contracts, and government accountability. These concepts significantly influenced revolutionary leaders who sought to justify their fight against British oppression. The emphasis on individual rights and government derived from the consent of the governed became central themes in revolutionary rhetoric and were articulated in key documents like the Declaration of Independence.
• In what ways did taxation without representation serve as a catalyst for colonial unrest leading to the American Revolution?
  • Taxation without representation highlighted the frustrations of colonists who felt they were unfairly burdened by taxes imposed by a Parliament in which they had no voice. Events like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts ignited widespread protests and boycotts among colonists. This growing discontent culminated in organized resistance movements such as the Sons of Liberty, which mobilized public sentiment against British authority and contributed to a unified push for independence.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the American Revolution influenced subsequent developments in both American society and global politics.
  • The American Revolution not only resulted in the establishment of an independent nation but also set a precedent for democratic governance and individual rights that resonated globally. The ideals enshrined in documents like the Declaration of Independence influenced future revolutions, particularly in France and Latin America. Domestically, the revolution fostered discussions about equality and rights that would later challenge practices such as slavery and gender inequality, shaping ongoing debates about civil rights in America.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence:

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the Thirteen Colonies independent from British rule, outlining grievances against King George III and emphasizing the rights of individuals.

Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, opposing the revolutionaries and often facing persecution.

Continental Congress: A series of assemblies of delegates from the colonies that became the governing body during the American Revolution, organizing resistance against British policies and ultimately declaring independence.