key term - Revolutionary War

Definition

The Revolutionary War was a conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, resulting in the independence of the thirteen American colonies and the establishment of the United States. This war emerged from growing tensions over British control and colonial dissatisfaction with governance, leading to significant political, social, and ideological changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Revolutionary War began with the battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, marking the start of armed conflict between British troops and colonial militias.
2. The war was officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized American independence and established boundaries for the new nation.
3. Key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played significant roles in both military and diplomatic efforts during the war.
4. The conflict led to widespread participation among various social groups, including African Americans, women, and Native Americans, each with their own motivations and experiences.
5. The war not only resulted in independence but also sparked debates about governance, rights, and liberty that influenced future democratic ideals in America.

Review Questions

• How did taxation without representation contribute to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War?
  • Taxation without representation was a major grievance among the American colonists that fueled resentment against British rule. Colonists believed they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives. This issue was central to protests like the Boston Tea Party and became a rallying cry for those seeking independence. The growing frustration over unfair taxation eventually escalated into armed conflict as colonists sought to assert their rights.
• Discuss the philosophical foundations that influenced leaders during the Revolutionary War and how these ideas shaped the movement for independence.
  • Leaders during the Revolutionary War were significantly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu. Ideas about natural rights, government by consent, and separation of powers formed a philosophical basis for advocating independence. These concepts were echoed in documents like the Declaration of Independence, where colonists articulated their desire for self-governance and individual liberties. The embrace of these Enlightenment ideals mobilized support for revolution among various segments of colonial society.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Revolutionary War contributed to continuity and change in American identity and governance.
  • The outcomes of the Revolutionary War marked a significant change in American identity as it shifted from a collection of British colonies to an independent nation. This transformation fostered a sense of unity among diverse populations and encouraged discussions about democracy and rights. However, many challenges persisted post-war, including debates over state versus federal power and issues surrounding slavery. The war's aftermath laid the groundwork for future political structures while still retaining elements of continuity from colonial governance.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence:

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, that declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule and outlined the philosophical justification for revolution.

Continental Congress: A series of meetings of delegates from the thirteen colonies that became the governing body during the Revolutionary War, coordinating efforts against British rule.

Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to Great Britain during the Revolutionary War, opposing the rebellion and seeking to maintain their ties with the British crown.