American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a political upheaval that took place between 1765 and 1783, leading to the thirteen American colonies gaining independence from British rule. This period was marked by the emergence of revolutionary ideas, civil disobedience against oppressive governance, and the establishment of a new nation founded on principles of liberty and democracy. The Revolution had far-reaching implications not only for the United States but also for global movements advocating for freedom and self-determination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with growing tensions over British taxation without representation, leading to events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party.
2. Key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played significant roles in rallying support for independence and organizing military efforts.
3. The Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideas that emphasized reason, individualism, and democratic governance, contributing to a broader global context of revolutionary thought.
4. The conflict officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized American independence and established borders for the new nation.
5. The American Revolution inspired subsequent movements for independence and democratic reforms in other countries, including France and Latin America.

Review Questions

• How did civil disobedience manifest during the American Revolution, and what were its impacts on colonial resistance?
  • Civil disobedience during the American Revolution was exemplified by actions like the Boston Tea Party, where colonists protested British taxation by destroying tea shipments. These acts of defiance galvanized public sentiment against British rule and united colonists in their quest for independence. The widespread use of such tactics not only heightened tensions but also laid the groundwork for organized resistance, ultimately leading to armed conflict.
• Discuss how transatlantic literary circles influenced revolutionary thought in America during the period leading up to independence.
  • Transatlantic literary circles played a crucial role in shaping revolutionary thought by facilitating the exchange of ideas between American and European intellectuals. Influential writings by philosophers like John Locke circulated widely, promoting concepts such as natural rights and government accountability. These exchanges helped to inspire revolutionary leaders in America to articulate their grievances against British authority and advocate for independence, thereby intertwining literature with political activism.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the American Revolution on both the United States and international movements for democracy.
  • The American Revolution had profound long-term effects on the United States, establishing a foundation for democratic governance through documents like the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It also served as an inspiration for other nations seeking to overthrow oppressive regimes, particularly in Europe and Latin America. By demonstrating that a successful revolt against colonial rule was possible, the Revolution encouraged subsequent uprisings and fueled ideas about liberty and self-determination worldwide, reshaping global political landscapes well into the 19th century.

Related terms

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

Boston Tea Party:

A political protest by the American colonists against British taxation policies in December 1773, where they dumped tea into Boston Harbor as a form of civil disobedience.

Continental Congress: A series of meetings of delegates from the thirteen colonies that became the governing body during the American Revolution, coordinating resistance against British rule.