American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that occurred between 1765 and 1783, resulting in the thirteen American colonies gaining independence from British rule. This revolution was fueled by Enlightenment ideas emphasizing liberty, equality, and individual rights, which challenged traditional authority and inspired many to seek a government based on consent of the governed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with growing dissatisfaction with British taxation without representation, leading to protests such as the Boston Tea Party.
2. Key figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played crucial roles in both military leadership and political thought during the revolution.
3. The conflict led to significant battles, including the Battle of Saratoga and the Siege of Yorktown, which were pivotal in gaining support for the colonial cause.
4. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.
5. The revolution inspired other movements around the world, influencing both the French Revolution and later democratic movements in various countries.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the motivations behind the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment ideas greatly influenced the motivations behind the American Revolution by promoting concepts such as liberty, equality, and individual rights. Thinkers like John Locke argued for natural rights and government accountability to the people, which resonated with colonists frustrated by British rule. This philosophical background provided a framework for justifying their revolt and seeking a government based on consent rather than monarchy.
• Analyze how the Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment principles and its significance in American history.
  • The Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment principles by articulating a vision of government grounded in individual rights and popular sovereignty. It asserts that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This document not only justified the colonies' break from Britain but also set a precedent for future democratic ideals both within the United States and globally.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the American Revolution on global democratic movements and how it reshaped ideas about governance.
  • The long-term effects of the American Revolution on global democratic movements were profound, as it served as a powerful example of successful resistance against colonial rule. The revolution inspired similar uprisings in France and Latin America, pushing forward ideas about democracy and human rights. It reshaped governance concepts by demonstrating that people could overthrow oppressive regimes and establish governments rooted in Enlightenment principles, paving the way for modern democracy.

Related terms

Enlightenment: A philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, greatly influencing revolutionary thought.

Declaration of Independence: A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen colonies' independence from Britain, heavily influenced by Enlightenment principles.

Constitution: The supreme law of the United States, created in 1787, establishing the framework for the federal government and embodying Enlightenment ideals of governance and rights.