Overview of the American Revolution
The American Revolution was a war of independence fought between Great Britain and its thirteen North American colonies from 1775 to 1783. It began as a rebellion against British policies and culminated in the colonies' victory, leading to the formation of the United States of America. The revolution was driven by colonists' demands for self-governance, economic freedom, and protection of individual rights.
Key Causes and Principles
The revolution stemmed from escalating tensions, including taxation without representation (e.g., the Stamp Act and Tea Act), restrictions on colonial expansion after the French and Indian War, and Enlightenment ideals of liberty and republicanism promoted by thinkers like John Locke. Core principles included no taxation without consent, trial by jury, and the right to assemble, which colonists felt were violated by British rule.
Major Events and Examples
Key events include the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, marking the war's start; the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson; and the decisive Battle of Yorktown in 1781, where American and French forces trapped British General Cornwallis. These milestones illustrate the shift from localized protests to a full-scale war for sovereignty.
Significance and Lasting Impact
The American Revolution established the United States as the world's first modern republic and inspired global movements for independence and democracy, influencing the French Revolution and anti-colonial struggles worldwide. It resulted in the Treaty of Paris (1783), which recognized U.S. independence, and laid the foundation for the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing federalism and individual liberties.