American Revolutionary War

Definition

The American Revolutionary War was a conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, where the colonies sought independence from British rule. This war was fueled by rising tensions over taxation, representation, and governance, leading to a revolutionary movement that fundamentally reshaped political ideologies in the emerging nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, which marked the first military engagements between British troops and colonial militia.
2. Key figures in the American Revolution included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, who played critical roles in military leadership and political advocacy.
3. The war saw significant alliances formed, particularly with France in 1778, which provided essential military support and resources to the American forces.
4. The conflict led to the creation of a new form of government that emphasized democratic ideals, individual rights, and republicanism, influencing future political movements globally.
5. The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized American independence and established borders that extended west to the Mississippi River.

Review Questions

• How did the tensions between American colonists and British authorities contribute to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War?
  • Tensions escalated due to British policies such as taxation without representation, which angered colonists who felt their rights as Englishmen were being violated. Events like the Boston Tea Party exemplified colonial resistance against British control. The imposition of acts like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts further fueled discontent, leading to organized opposition and ultimately sparking open conflict in April 1775.
• Discuss the significance of foreign alliances during the American Revolutionary War and how they affected the outcome of the conflict.
  • Foreign alliances played a crucial role in the success of the American Revolution. The most significant alliance was with France, formalized in 1778, which provided military support, supplies, and naval power. French assistance proved vital at key battles such as Yorktown in 1781, where combined American and French forces secured a decisive victory over British troops. These alliances not only bolstered morale but also altered the strategic landscape of the war.
• Evaluate how the outcome of the American Revolutionary War influenced democratic principles both in America and around the world.
  • The successful outcome of the American Revolutionary War laid the groundwork for democratic governance based on Enlightenment principles such as liberty, equality, and self-determination. The establishment of a republic inspired other revolutionary movements globally, such as in France and Latin America. The ideas articulated in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence influenced subsequent constitutional frameworks and human rights discussions worldwide, demonstrating a shift toward valuing individual freedoms and representative government.

Related terms

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

Treaty of Paris 1783:

The agreement that formally ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing the independence of the United States and establishing its borders.

Declaration of Independence:

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen colonies' independence from Great Britain and outlining the philosophical justification for revolution.