American Revolution

Definition

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, leading to the thirteen American colonies gaining independence from British rule. It marked a significant turning point in history, establishing the principles of liberty, democracy, and individual rights, which would later influence human rights movements worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The revolution began with growing tensions over British taxation without representation, leading to events like the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
2. Key figures of the revolution included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, who played crucial roles in both military and political aspects.
3. The conflict officially started with the battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 and culminated in the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.
4. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, officially recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.
5. The revolution not only influenced subsequent democratic movements worldwide but also laid the foundation for discussions about rights, liberty, and governance that would emerge during the Enlightenment.

Review Questions

• How did the American Revolution challenge existing notions of governance and individual rights during its time?
  • The American Revolution fundamentally challenged existing notions of governance by rejecting monarchy and establishing a republic based on the consent of the governed. It emphasized individual rights, as articulated in documents like the Declaration of Independence, which stated that all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This shift not only inspired future democratic movements but also laid down a framework for human rights discussions globally.
• Discuss the impact of Enlightenment ideas on the principles that emerged from the American Revolution.
  • Enlightenment ideas heavily influenced the principles emerging from the American Revolution, particularly concepts of natural rights and social contracts advocated by philosophers like John Locke. These ideas prompted revolutionaries to argue that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and must protect individual rights. This intellectual foundation helped shape key documents like the Declaration of Independence and later influenced global human rights frameworks.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the American Revolution shaped subsequent human rights movements both in America and globally.
  • The outcomes of the American Revolution had a profound impact on subsequent human rights movements by establishing foundational concepts of democracy and individual liberties. The creation of documents such as the Bill of Rights solidified protections for civil liberties in America. Globally, these revolutionary ideals inspired various uprisings and movements for independence and equality, influencing events like the French Revolution and later human rights declarations throughout history. The American model served as a benchmark for aspirations toward freedom and justice worldwide.

Related terms

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

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units; this structure was key in shaping the new U.S. Constitution after the revolution.

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, which guarantee essential rights and civil liberties to individuals.