American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1775 and 1783, where the Thirteen American Colonies fought against British rule, ultimately leading to the establishment of the United States of America. This conflict was fueled by growing discontent over British taxation and governance, and it played a crucial role in shaping national identity and principles of democracy, which contribute to the idea of American exceptionalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Revolution began with events like the Boston Tea Party and Lexington and Concord in 1775, marking the start of armed conflict between the colonies and Britain.
2. The revolution was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, whose ideas about natural rights and social contracts inspired revolutionary leaders.
3. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally ended the war, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.
4. The revolution not only resulted in political change but also inspired movements for liberty and equality worldwide, influencing future revolutions in France and Latin America.
5. The idea of American exceptionalism emerged from the revolution, suggesting that the U.S. had a unique mission to promote democracy and freedom globally.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the goals and outcomes of the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment ideas significantly influenced the American Revolution by providing a philosophical foundation for the colonists' desire for independence. Thinkers like John Locke argued for natural rights such as life, liberty, and property, which were pivotal in justifying rebellion against British tyranny. These concepts were clearly articulated in the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that governments must derive their power from the consent of the governed. This intellectual framework not only fueled revolutionary fervor but also laid the groundwork for democratic principles that continue to shape American identity.
• Discuss how the outcomes of the American Revolution contributed to the development of federalism in the United States.
  • The outcomes of the American Revolution were critical in shaping federalism as a governing principle in the United States. After gaining independence, there was a need to establish a strong central government while still preserving state powers. The Articles of Confederation initially attempted to balance these needs but proved ineffective due to its weak central authority. This led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where federalism was adopted as a compromise that allocated powers between national and state governments, thereby ensuring both unity and local autonomy within the new nation.
• Evaluate how the concept of American exceptionalism has evolved since the American Revolution and its impact on U.S. foreign policy.
  • Since its origins during the American Revolution, the concept of American exceptionalism has evolved to reflect changing social values and global contexts. Initially rooted in ideals of freedom and democratic governance, it has come to encompass a belief that America has a unique role in promoting democracy and human rights worldwide. This ideology has significantly impacted U.S. foreign policy, often justifying interventionist strategies under the premise of spreading democracy or responding to humanitarian crises. The interpretation of what it means to be 'exceptional' continues to shape both domestic discourse and international relations as America navigates its role on the global stage.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence: A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' independence from Britain, articulating Enlightenment principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states, established in the U.S. Constitution following the revolution.

Patriot: Colonists who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution, supporting independence and often engaging in military action against British forces.