American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, where the Thirteen American Colonies broke away from British rule to form the United States of America. This conflict was driven by issues like taxation without representation, and it marked a significant turning point in world history as it inspired movements for independence and democratic governance globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with events like the Boston Tea Party in 1773, which protested against British taxation policies.
2. Key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played crucial roles in leading the revolution and shaping the new nation.
3. The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized the sovereignty of the United States and defined its borders.
4. The revolution not only led to American independence but also inspired other countries around the world, encouraging movements for freedom and democracy.
5. The principles of individual rights and governance by consent, emphasized during the revolution, later influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the American Revolution and its leaders?
  • Enlightenment ideas emphasized reason, individual rights, and the social contract, which deeply influenced American revolutionary leaders. Figures like Thomas Jefferson drew on these concepts to argue against British tyranny and advocate for self-governance. The belief that governments should derive their power from the consent of the governed became a rallying cry for revolutionaries and shaped their vision for a new nation grounded in liberty and equality.
• Discuss the economic factors that contributed to colonial discontent leading up to the American Revolution.
  • Economic factors such as British taxation without representation fueled discontent among colonists. Policies like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts imposed taxes on everyday items without colonial input, leading to widespread protests. The colonists' desire for economic autonomy and frustration over mercantilist policies pushed them closer to revolution as they sought to establish a system that respected their economic rights.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the American Revolution on global movements for democracy in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
  • The American Revolution had profound long-term consequences on global movements for democracy, serving as a model for uprisings in France and Latin America. It demonstrated that a successful revolt against colonial rule was possible, inspiring people worldwide to challenge oppressive governments. The revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and self-determination became cornerstones for future democratic movements, fundamentally altering political landscapes across continents.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence:

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, that declared the colonies' independence from Britain and outlined their reasons for doing so, emphasizing Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units; this concept was central to the establishment of the U.S. government following the revolution.

Patriot: Colonists who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution, advocating for independence and often participating in military actions against British forces.