American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt against British rule that occurred from 1775 to 1783, leading to the establishment of the United States of America as an independent nation. This significant event was influenced by Enlightenment ideas, including those found in social contract theory, which argued for the rights of individuals and the legitimacy of government based on the consent of the governed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with conflicts like the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, marking the start of armed resistance against British forces.
2. Key figures in the revolution included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, who played crucial roles in leadership and diplomacy.
3. The philosophical underpinnings of the revolution were heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who emphasized government based on the consent of the governed.
4. The revolution led to significant documents such as the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which articulated the colonies' desire for freedom and justified their break from Britain.
5. The conclusion of the revolution was formalized with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.

Review Questions

• How did social contract theory influence the motivations behind the American Revolution?
  • Social contract theory greatly influenced the motivations for the American Revolution by providing a philosophical foundation for the colonists' claims to independence. Enlightenment thinkers argued that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that citizens have the right to revolt when their rights are violated. This perspective helped rally support among colonists who felt oppressed by British rule, emphasizing their right to establish a government that reflected their values and protected their rights.
• Evaluate how Rousseau's ideas about democracy impacted revolutionary thought during the American Revolution.
  • Rousseau's ideas about democracy significantly impacted revolutionary thought by promoting the concept that legitimate political authority arises from the general will of the people. His belief that citizens should actively participate in governance resonated with revolutionaries seeking to break free from monarchical rule. The emphasis on popular sovereignty encouraged Americans to envision a government formed by collective decision-making rather than imposed authority, shaping the democratic ideals central to their new nation.
• Analyze the consequences of the American Revolution on global perceptions of democratic legitimacy and social contracts.
  • The American Revolution had profound consequences on global perceptions of democratic legitimacy and social contracts by demonstrating that a successful rebellion against oppressive governance could lead to a new form of political order based on democratic principles. It inspired revolutionary movements across Europe and Latin America, as people began to question traditional monarchical systems and seek governments that represented their interests. The ideals articulated during this period reinforced notions that governments must be accountable to their citizens, contributing to an evolving understanding of legitimacy rooted in popular consent.

Related terms

Social Contract Theory:

A political theory that posits individuals consent to form governments to protect their rights and maintain social order, creating a moral and political obligation between the state and its citizens.

Natural Rights:

Philosophical concepts asserting that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which government should protect.

Declaration of Independence:

A historic document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies free from British rule, outlining grievances against King George III and affirming the principles of equality and rights.