American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place from 1775 to 1783, in which the Thirteen American Colonies successfully gained independence from British rule. This significant event was influenced by the economic policies of the British government, such as mercantilism, which sought to control colonial trade and maintain a favorable balance of trade for Britain. Additionally, the interconnected trade routes of the time, exemplified by the triangular trade, played a crucial role in shaping colonial economies and ultimately fueled revolutionary sentiments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with events like the Boston Tea Party in 1773, which was a protest against British taxation without representation.
2. Key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played essential roles in leading the revolution and shaping the new nation.
3. The conflict was not just about independence; it also involved ideas about governance, liberty, and individual rights that would influence future democratic movements.
4. The French played a significant role in aiding the American colonies during the revolution, providing military assistance and resources that were crucial for victory.
5. The revolution had widespread effects, inspiring other countries around the world to pursue their own independence movements and challenge colonial rule.

Review Questions

• How did mercantilist policies contribute to the growing discontent among the American colonists prior to the revolution?
  • Mercantilist policies implemented by Britain aimed to control colonial trade and ensure that wealth flowed back to the mother country. These laws restricted trade with other nations and placed heavy taxes on goods, leading to widespread frustration among colonists who felt their economic freedoms were being curtailed. This economic oppression fueled revolutionary sentiments as colonists organized protests and sought greater autonomy over their economic activities.
• Discuss how triangular trade influenced the economic landscape of the American colonies leading up to the revolution.
  • Triangular trade created a complex system of commerce that linked Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The exchange of goods such as rum, sugar, and enslaved people not only enriched colonial economies but also fostered dependencies on these trading networks. As colonists became more economically invested in this trade system, disruptions caused by British restrictions heightened their resolve for independence. The intertwining of local economies with global trade networks illustrated how colonial prosperity was at odds with British control.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the American Revolution shaped international relations and inspired subsequent revolutionary movements worldwide.
  • The success of the American Revolution established a precedent for challenging imperial rule and inspired various revolutionary movements across Europe and Latin America. The principles of liberty and self-governance promoted by American leaders resonated with populations seeking autonomy from oppressive regimes. Furthermore, the emergence of a new nation encouraged discussions about democracy and individual rights on a global scale, influencing movements such as the French Revolution and later struggles for independence in regions like Latin America and Asia.

Related terms

Stamp Act: A direct tax imposed by Britain on the colonies in 1765, requiring colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents and newspapers, which angered colonists and fueled protests.

Continental Congress: A series of meetings held by delegates from the Thirteen Colonies to coordinate resistance against British policies and later to govern the colonies during the war for independence.

Treaty of Paris 1783: The agreement that officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.