American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a conflict from 1775 to 1783 in which the Thirteen Colonies broke away from British rule and established the United States of America. This pivotal event was deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideals, leading to the promotion of individual rights, democratic governance, and the questioning of traditional authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with escalating tensions over British taxation without representation, leading to protests such as the Boston Tea Party.
2. Key battles such as Lexington and Concord marked the start of armed conflict, while pivotal events like the Siege of Yorktown secured American victory.
3. The revolution was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, whose ideas about natural rights inspired revolutionary leaders.
4. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.
5. The revolution not only reshaped America but also inspired other countries, sparking movements for democracy and independence worldwide.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas contribute to the motivations behind the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment ideas played a crucial role in shaping the motivations for the American Revolution by promoting concepts such as natural rights, liberty, and government by consent. Thinkers like John Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights that must be protected from tyranny. These principles inspired colonists to challenge British authority, viewing their struggle for independence as a fight for fundamental rights and democratic governance.
• Analyze the impact of the Declaration of Independence on both the American Revolution and subsequent global movements for freedom.
  • The Declaration of Independence served as a powerful symbol of the colonies' break from British rule and articulated core Enlightenment values. By asserting the right to self-governance and listing grievances against King George III, it galvanized support for the revolutionary cause. Its influence extended beyond America, inspiring other nations seeking freedom from oppressive regimes and becoming a foundational document for future democratic movements worldwide.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the American Revolution influenced the development of federalism in the United States.
  • The outcomes of the American Revolution significantly influenced the establishment of federalism in the United States as leaders sought to create a balanced government that would prevent tyranny. The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation highlighted the need for a stronger central authority while still preserving states' rights. As a result, the U.S. Constitution was crafted with a federal structure that divided powers between national and state governments, aiming to protect individual liberties while promoting effective governance.

Related terms

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, significantly influencing revolutionary thought.

Declaration of Independence: A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' independence from Britain, articulating Enlightenment principles of liberty and government by consent.

Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, which was a key concept in the formation of the U.S. Constitution post-revolution.