3.5 The American Revolution

The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a transformative conflict that resulted in the birth of a new nation—the United States of America. What began as colonial resistance to British taxation and policy evolved into a full-scale war for independence. Despite facing the world's strongest military power, American colonists managed to secure their freedom through perseverance, strategic leadership, and crucial foreign alliances. This guide examines how the revolution unfolded and the various factors that contributed to the unlikely American victory.

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Causes of the American Revolution

In previous study guides, we've examined several factors that led to the American Revolution, including:

✅ Taxation without representation in the British government

✅ Unfair treatment in trade and commerce that favored British merchants over colonists

✅ Resentment over the presence of British troops in the colonies

✅ The Quartering Acts, which required colonists to house and supply British soldiers

✅ The Intolerable Acts of 1774, seen as a direct attack on colonial rights

✅ Enlightenment ideas about natural rights, limited government, and consent of the governed

✅ A growing American identity distinct from being British subjects

The Boston Massacre

The Boston Massacre was a pivotal event in the lead-up to the American Revolution. On March 5, 1770, tensions between colonists and British soldiers stationed in Boston erupted into violence.

A group of colonists began taunting and throwing snowballs at British soldiers guarding the Customs House. As the confrontation escalated, the soldiers opened fire on the crowd, killing five colonists and wounding several others.

The soldiers were put on trial for murder, with John Adams serving as their defense attorney. Though most were acquitted of murder, two were convicted of manslaughter. The incident became a powerful symbol of British oppression and was widely publicized throughout the colonies through pamphlets and engravings.

The Beginning of the War

The Battle of Lexington and Concord

The American Revolution officially began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. British troops were sent to Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, to seize gunpowder stored by colonial militia. Paul Revere and other riders warned the colonists of the approaching British forces.

At Lexington, a brief skirmish left eight American colonists dead. The British continued to nearby Concord, where they found few weapons. As they retreated to Boston, colonial Minutemen launched attacks from behind trees, stone walls, and buildings, inflicting heavy casualties on the British troops. The British suffered around 300 casualties during this retreat.

This engagement, especially the first shots fired at Lexington, became known as "the shot heard round the world" – marking the beginning of armed conflict in the American Revolution.

George Washington's Leadership

In June 1775, the Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Washington was chosen for his:

• Military experience from the French and Indian War
• Reputation for courage and leadership
• Standing and respect among colonial leaders

Washington's appointment was crucial for unifying the colonies and providing organization to the revolutionary cause. Despite having no formal military training, Washington proved to be an effective leader who maintained the army's morale through difficult times.

Early Battles and Challenges

The Battle of Long Island

In July 1776, shortly after the Declaration of Independence, the British sent 35,000 troops to New York City. They launched a three-pronged assault on American positions in what became known as the Battle of Long Island.

Despite determined resistance, the Patriots were overwhelmed by the superior numbers and training of the British forces. Washington was forced to retreat with his army to New Jersey, suffering a severe defeat that threatened the revolutionary cause.

The Battle of Trenton

By December 1776, the Continental Army had suffered heavy losses and desertions. Morale was at a dangerous low. Washington devised a bold plan to boost morale and disrupt British operations.

On Christmas night, Washington led his army across the ice-filled Delaware River during a snowstorm. They launched a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries (German soldiers hired by the British) stationed at Trenton, New Jersey. The Americans achieved a complete victory, capturing nearly 1,000 Hessians while suffering minimal casualties.

This victory was crucial for several reasons:

• It restored morale among American troops and civilians
• It encouraged new enlistments in the Continental Army
• It demonstrated that the Continental Army could defeat professional European soldiers
• It showcased Washington's tactical abilities and leadership

Middle Stage of the War (1777-1779)

The Battle of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 marked the turning point of the Revolutionary War. It was actually a series of two battles fought in Saratoga, New York, along the Hudson River.

The British strategy involved three generals coordinating to meet near Albany, which would divide America geographically by controlling the Hudson River corridor. General John Burgoyne moved south from Canada toward Albany, expecting to meet up with forces coming from New York City.

However, American forces under General Horatio Gates intercepted and surrounded Burgoyne's army. After two significant battles, Burgoyne was forced to surrender his entire army of 5,700 men.

This American victory was decisive for several reasons:

• It convinced France to formally ally with the American colonies
• It brought desperately needed supplies, troops, and naval support to the American cause
• It led other European countries (including Spain and the Netherlands) to join France against Britain
• It forced Britain to divert military resources to other parts of the world
• It demonstrated that American forces could defeat a major British army in the field

French assistance became crucial to the American war effort, providing money, supplies, troops, and naval forces that would ultimately help secure victory.

Image Courtesy of British Battles

Final Stage of the War (1780-1783)

The Battle of Yorktown

The decisive engagement of the Revolutionary War occurred at Yorktown, Virginia, in autumn 1781. British General Lord Charles Cornwallis had established a base at Yorktown, expecting naval reinforcements.

In a brilliant strategic move, General Washington coordinated with French General Rochambeau and French Admiral de Grasse to trap Cornwallis:

• Washington and Rochambeau marched their combined forces south from New York
• The French navy blockaded the Chesapeake Bay, preventing British naval reinforcement
• American and French forces surrounded Yorktown and began a siege

After three weeks of bombardment and failed counterattacks, Cornwallis realized his position was hopeless. On October 19, 1781, he surrendered his entire army of over 8,000 men.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)

Although some fighting continued after Yorktown, the British government recognized that the war was essentially lost. Peace negotiations began in Paris in 1782, leading to the Treaty of Paris signed on September 3, 1783.

The treaty's key provisions included:

• Recognition of the United States as a free, sovereign, and independent nation
• Establishment of the Mississippi River as the western boundary of the United States
• British withdrawal from all posts in American territory
• Restoration of property and rights for loyalists (though this was often ignored)
• American access to fishing grounds off Newfoundland

The treaty marked not just the end of the Revolutionary War, but a pivotal moment in world history—the first successful colonial rebellion against a European power. This achievement would later inspire independence movements throughout the Americas and around the world.

Factors Contributing to American Victory

Despite facing the world's most powerful military, the American revolutionaries achieved independence through a combination of factors:

Together, these factors enabled the United States to overcome significant obstacles and establish its independence, creating a new nation founded on revolutionary principles of liberty and self-government.