American Independence

Definition

American Independence refers to the formal separation of the thirteen American colonies from British rule, marked by the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This movement was fueled by a growing sense of nationalism among the colonists, who sought to establish their own identity and governance free from British control, leading to the American Revolutionary War. The quest for independence was also driven by Enlightenment ideals that emphasized liberty, equality, and self-governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolutionary War lasted from 1775 to 1783 and involved significant battles like Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Yorktown.
2. The Declaration of Independence was drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson and expressed core principles about individual rights and government by consent.
3. Key figures in the independence movement included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Paine, each contributing to both military and political efforts.
4. The victory at Saratoga in 1777 is often considered a turning point in the war, as it convinced France to formally ally with the Americans against Britain.
5. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, officially recognizing American independence and establishing boundaries for the new nation.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the push for American independence?
  • Enlightenment ideas were central to the justification for American independence as they emphasized reason, individual rights, and democratic governance. Thinkers like John Locke argued that governments are formed to protect individual rights and that citizens have the right to revolt against oppressive rulers. These concepts resonated deeply with colonists frustrated by British rule, fueling their desire for self-governance and shaping documents like the Declaration of Independence.
• Evaluate the role of the Continental Congress in achieving American independence.
  • The Continental Congress played a pivotal role in uniting the colonies against British rule by providing a platform for discussion and coordination of resistance efforts. It served as a governing body during the Revolutionary War, facilitating military strategy and diplomatic relations, particularly with France. By issuing the Declaration of Independence and rallying support for the war effort, the Continental Congress helped lay the groundwork for America’s emergence as an independent nation.
• Analyze how the outcome of the Revolutionary War reshaped political thought and national identity in post-independence America.
  • The outcome of the Revolutionary War led to significant shifts in political thought and national identity by establishing principles of democracy and individual rights as foundational to the new nation. The victory reinforced ideas about self-governance and citizenship while challenging traditional notions of monarchy and aristocracy. As a result, a sense of American nationalism emerged that emphasized unity among diverse groups, ultimately influencing future democratic movements both domestically and globally.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence: The document adopted on July 4, 1776, which proclaimed the thirteen colonies as independent states and outlined the philosophical justification for breaking away from British rule.

Continental Congress: A convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies that governed during the American Revolution, organizing resistance against British authority and facilitating the declaration of independence.

Revolutionary War: The conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783 that resulted in American independence and the establishment of the United States.