American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a conflict that took place between 1775 and 1783, resulting in the thirteen American colonies gaining independence from British rule. This transformative event was influenced by Enlightenment ideas about governance and rights, the Great Awakening's emphasis on individualism and questioning authority, key figures advocating for independence, and culminated in the Declaration of Independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with events like the Boston Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where colonial resistance to British policies escalated into armed conflict.
2. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke influenced revolutionary leaders by promoting concepts like natural rights and government accountability.
3. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, asserted the colonies' right to break free from British rule and outlined grievances against King George III.
4. Key figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams played significant roles in shaping revolutionary strategies and articulating the vision for a new nation.
5. The victory at Yorktown in 1781 marked a decisive turning point in the war, leading to negotiations that resulted in the Treaty of Paris in 1783, officially recognizing American independence.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the motivations behind the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment ideas were foundational in motivating the American Revolution as they introduced concepts such as natural rights and social contracts. Thinkers like John Locke argued that government should protect individual freedoms and that citizens had the right to revolt against oppressive rule. These ideas inspired colonists to challenge British authority, believing they were entitled to self-governance and fundamental rights.
• Evaluate the impact of key figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson on the American Revolution and its outcome.
  • Key figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had a profound impact on the American Revolution through their leadership and vision. Washington served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, providing military strategy and unifying support among the colonies. Jefferson, as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, articulated the revolutionary ideals that motivated colonists to fight for their freedom. Together, their contributions were pivotal in rallying support for independence and ultimately achieving victory.
• Analyze how the Great Awakening contributed to revolutionary sentiment among colonists during the American Revolution.
  • The Great Awakening played a crucial role in fostering revolutionary sentiment by encouraging individual thought and challenging established authority. Preachers emphasized personal connections to faith over traditional hierarchies, which mirrored growing discontent with British governance. This movement promoted values of equality and self-determination among colonists, leading them to question not only religious authority but also political control. The sense of shared experience fostered by religious revivals helped unify diverse colonial groups around common goals during the struggle for independence.

Related terms

Social Contract: A philosophical concept where individuals consent to form a society and government, surrendering some freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Natural Rights: The idea that all individuals are inherently entitled to certain rights, such as life, liberty, and property, which governments must respect and protect.

Patriots: Colonists who rebelled against British authority during the American Revolution, advocating for independence and the establishment of a new nation.