American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, leading to the establishment of the United States of America as an independent nation. This revolutionary movement challenged the prevailing mercantilist policies enforced by Britain, which aimed to control colonial trade and maintain economic dominance over the colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution was sparked by growing resentment towards British taxation without representation, including acts like the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts.
2. Key events leading up to the revolution included the Boston Tea Party and the Intolerable Acts, which unified the colonies against British rule.
3. The revolution began in April 1775 with battles at Lexington and Concord, marking the start of armed conflict between colonists and British troops.
4. The Continental Congress played a crucial role in organizing resistance efforts and ultimately in declaring independence from Britain in 1776.
5. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of mercantilism contribute to the American Revolution?
  • Mercantilism played a significant role in fueling discontent among the American colonists as they resented Britain's strict control over trade and resources. The mercantilist policies imposed taxes and regulations that favored British economic interests while stifling colonial growth. This created a sense of economic injustice that helped to rally support for revolution among colonists who sought greater autonomy and economic freedom.
• Evaluate the impact of key events like the Boston Tea Party on colonial unity and resistance against British rule during the American Revolution.
  • The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal event that galvanized colonial unity and resistance against British rule. By protesting against the Tea Act through direct action, colonists demonstrated their collective opposition to unjust taxation. This event not only heightened tensions with Britain but also inspired other colonies to take similar stands against oppressive measures, leading to a more cohesive revolutionary movement across all thirteen colonies.
• Analyze how the Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment ideas and its significance in shaping modern democratic principles.
  • The Declaration of Independence embodies Enlightenment ideas by asserting that all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Its emphasis on government being derived from the consent of the governed laid foundational principles for modern democracy. The document's radical assertion of individual rights challenged traditional authority and inspired future movements for liberty and equality worldwide, making it a cornerstone of democratic ideology.

Related terms

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of stockpiling precious metals and maintaining a favorable balance of trade, often at the expense of colonial interests.

Sons of Liberty: A secret organization formed in the American colonies to oppose British taxation and control, known for using protests and other forms of resistance.

Declaration of Independence: A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen colonies independent from British rule, emphasizing individual rights and government by consent.