American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, resulting in the thirteen American colonies gaining independence from British rule. This significant event was driven by Enlightenment ideas about governance, natural rights, and individual liberty, which influenced political thought and cultural expressions of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution was inspired by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued for natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
2. The conflict began with resistance to British taxation without representation, exemplified by events such as the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
3. The Revolution resulted in the creation of a new government based on democratic principles, influencing future political systems around the world.
4. Women and enslaved people played significant roles during the Revolution, challenging traditional views on gender and race in politics.
5. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war and recognized American independence while establishing boundaries for the new nation.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas shape the motivations behind the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment ideas were fundamental to the motivations behind the American Revolution. Thinkers like John Locke argued for natural rights and the social contract, which inspired colonists to challenge British authority. They believed that government should protect individual freedoms and that they had the right to revolt against oppressive rule. This philosophical foundation justified their quest for independence and laid the groundwork for a new political system.
• Evaluate how the American Revolution influenced political thought in both America and Europe following its conclusion.
  • The American Revolution significantly influenced political thought in both America and Europe. In America, it led to the development of democratic principles enshrined in foundational documents such as the Constitution. In Europe, revolutionary ideas spurred movements for reform and independence, particularly during events like the French Revolution. The concepts of liberty, equality, and self-governance became central themes in global discussions about democracy and human rights.
• Assess the broader implications of the American Revolution on concepts of national self-determination throughout history.
  • The American Revolution had profound implications for concepts of national self-determination that resonated globally. By successfully overthrowing colonial rule, it set a precedent for other nations to seek independence from empires. The principles articulated in documents like the Declaration of Independence inspired revolutions across Latin America, Europe, and even Asia throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. As nations pursued self-determination, they often drew upon Enlightenment ideals to justify their struggles for autonomy and governance based on popular consent.

Related terms

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

Social Contract: A theory proposed by Enlightenment thinkers that suggests individuals consent to form a government to protect their rights and that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Declaration of Independence: The document adopted on July 4, 1776, which announced the colonies' separation from Britain and articulated the principles of natural rights and government by consent.