Revolutionary War

Definition

The Revolutionary War was a conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, resulting in the independence of the colonies and the formation of the United States. This war was fueled by colonial dissatisfaction with British rule, particularly over taxation without representation, leading to the colonies seeking self-governance. The war ultimately highlighted weaknesses in the early American government, setting the stage for the creation of a more robust national framework through the Articles of Confederation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Revolutionary War began with skirmishes at Lexington and Concord in April 1775 and ended with the British surrender at Yorktown in October 1781.
2. Key figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played significant roles in both military and diplomatic efforts during the war.
3. The war was influenced by Enlightenment ideas about democracy and individual rights, which were reflected in foundational American documents.
4. The lack of a strong central government under the Articles of Confederation was a direct outcome of wartime experiences, as states retained significant power and independence.
5. The conflict fostered a sense of unity among the colonies, which was crucial for creating a shared identity as Americans rather than subjects of the British Crown.

Review Questions

• How did the Revolutionary War expose the weaknesses of colonial governance under British rule?
  • The Revolutionary War revealed significant weaknesses in colonial governance primarily through the colonists' frustrations with taxation without representation and restrictive laws imposed by Britain. As colonies united to resist British rule, they recognized their lack of a cohesive political structure to effectively address grievances and organize resistance. This experience underscored the need for a more structured government that could manage collective interests and defense against external threats.
• In what ways did the outcomes of the Revolutionary War influence the drafting of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The outcomes of the Revolutionary War led to a deep distrust of centralized authority, prompting the framers of the Articles of Confederation to create a weak national government. They aimed to ensure that states retained considerable power, reflecting their wartime experiences where local governance was prioritized over distant control from Britain. However, this resulted in significant challenges in coordination and funding for defense, showcasing that while independence was achieved, effective governance remained an unresolved issue.
• Evaluate how Enlightenment principles were reflected in both the actions taken during the Revolutionary War and in subsequent governmental frameworks like the Articles of Confederation.
  • Enlightenment principles such as individual rights, liberty, and democratic governance significantly shaped both the actions taken during the Revolutionary War and influenced subsequent frameworks like the Articles of Confederation. The Declaration of Independence articulated these ideas, justifying rebellion against tyranny and advocating for self-governance. However, while these ideals inspired unity and action during the war, their practical application in the Articles resulted in an overly decentralized government that struggled to function effectively, illustrating a gap between revolutionary ideals and political realities.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence:

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, that proclaimed the thirteen colonies' separation from Great Britain and outlined the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Continental Congress: A convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies that became the governing body during the Revolutionary War, facilitating coordination among the colonies and asserting their rights against British rule.

Treaty of Paris (1783): The agreement that officially ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and setting territorial boundaries for the new nation.