Omar Bennett
The American Revolution was an insurrection carried out by 13 of Great Britain's North American colonies that began in 1775 and ended with a peace treaty in 1783. The conflict was caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and make them repay the crown for its defence during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). The American victory at Yorktown in 1781 led to the collapse of British Prime Minister North's ministry and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which granted the colonies nearly all the territory east of the Mississippi River and south of the Great Lakes. The period between the end of the war and the ratification of the US Constitution in 1789 has been referred to as a critical period in American history, as the country faced a crisis of leadership and challenges stemming from the lack of an effective central government. The US Constitution established a new, more effective federal government and ended the Confederation period, marking the transition from an age of monarchy to a new age of freedom.
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What You'll Learn
The American Revolution's causes
The American Revolution (1775–1783) was an insurrection carried out by 13 of Great Britain's North American colonies, which won political independence and went on to form the United States of America. The war followed more than a decade of growing estrangement between the British crown and many North American colonists.
There was no single cause of the American Revolution. Instead, the causes can be found in years of political intrigue, protest, and unrest. In simple terms, the American Revolution was the result of a long-standing disagreement over how Great Britain should govern the American Colonies. Over the years, this tension grew from a disagreement to an all-out war.
The American Revolution took place during a time referred to as the "Age of Enlightenment", when statesmen, thinkers, and artists began to think more critically about fundamental parts of society and discussed ways of seeking systemic change. The Kingdom of Great Britain ruled a sprawling empire, often leaving its subjects at a vast distance from its centre. With an ocean between them, the distance between North America and Great Britain would initially lead to the idea of "salutary neglect".
The British attempted to impose greater control over the colonies and make them repay the crown for its defence during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). Britain did this primarily by imposing a series of deeply unpopular laws and taxes, including the Sugar Act (1764), the Stamp Act (1765), and the so-called Intolerable Acts (1774). The Stamp Act was the first direct tax levied upon the colonies, requiring stamps to be placed on paper goods such as newspapers, legal documents, bills of sale, and diplomas. This "taxation without representation" led to widespread unrest in the American colonies and became one of the main causes of the American Revolution.
In addition to the above, the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown in September 1781 led to the collapse of British Prime Minister North's ministry in March 1782, after which both sides sought a peace agreement. The American Revolutionary War ended with the signing of the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which granted the former colonies nearly all the territory east of the Mississippi River and south of the Great Lakes.
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The war's internationalisation
The American Revolutionary War was initially a civil war within the British Empire, but it soon became an international conflict. This internationalisation of the war was driven by several factors, including the involvement of foreign powers and the expansion of the war beyond North America.
The involvement of foreign powers was a significant factor in the internationalisation of the war. France, led by King Louis XVI, officially entered the war in 1778, providing much-needed economic, military, and naval support to the American colonies. The French Navy played a crucial role in the British surrender at Yorktown, which effectively ended the war. Spain also joined the war in 1779, allying with the colonies against Britain. The Netherlands, engaged in its conflict with Britain, provided financial support to the Americans and officially recognised their independence.
The expansion of the war beyond North America also contributed to its internationalisation. The British, seeking to secure their interests and maintain control over their colonies, engaged in military campaigns across multiple continents. The war extended to the Caribbean, India, and other parts of the world where British and French forces clashed. The global nature of the conflict heightened its international significance and further entangled foreign powers.
The internationalisation of the war had far-reaching consequences. The support provided by France, Spain, and the Netherlands proved pivotal in the American victory and subsequent independence. It demonstrated the global impact of the war and the emergence of new alliances and rivalries. The involvement of these foreign powers also influenced the peace negotiations and the terms of the eventual Treaty of Paris signed in 1783, which recognised American independence and granted them significant territorial concessions.
The internationalisation of the American Revolutionary War transformed it from a civil conflict within the British Empire to a global war with far-reaching geopolitical implications. The involvement of foreign powers and the expansion of the war beyond North America shaped the course of the war, influenced its outcome, and contributed to the formation of a new nation, the United States of America.
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The US Constitution's ratification
The ratification of the US Constitution was not without opposition. The Anti-Federalists, wary of centralized power, fought against it because it created a strong central government that reminded them of the one they had overthrown during the revolution. On the other hand, the Federalists believed that a robust national authority was necessary to address the nation's challenges. The ratification required approval from nine of the thirteen states, and by January 1788, five states had approved it: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. The pivotal states of Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia were still uncertain, but eventually, Massachusetts ratified it, followed by the other two.
The US Constitution included several amendments that reflected lingering resentment toward the British during the Revolutionary War. The Fourth Amendment (1791) protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, while the Second Amendment (1791) protects the right to bear arms, addressing British attempts to confiscate firearms during the war. The Third Amendment (1791) prohibits forcing individuals to house soldiers without consent during peacetime. The Constitution also established an elected executive in each state and expanded the franchise, with most states allowing only male property owners to vote.
The ratification of the US Constitution ended the Confederation period and marked the beginning of a new federal government, addressing the challenges of a weak central authority and paving the way for the United States' future as a constitutional republic founded on the rule of law and the consent of the governed.
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The US Constitution's impact
The US Constitution was the country's second attempt at establishing a working government, as the Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, had failed to provide an effective central government. The Articles of Confederation created a loose confederation of states with a weak government that lacked enforcement powers and the ability to regulate commerce or print money. This led to disputes among the states over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade, threatening to tear the country apart.
The US Constitution addressed these issues by creating a powerful central government with the authority to regulate commerce, print money, and enforce laws. The Constitution also established a system of checks and balances, separating powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.
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The American Revolution's legacy
The American Revolution (1765–1783) was an ideological and political movement in the Thirteen Colonies in what was then British America. The revolution culminated in the American Revolutionary War, which was fought to obtain independence from Britain. The Revolution's legacy is multifaceted and has had a significant impact on the course of American history.
Firstly, the American Revolution secured independence for the United States from British rule. This marked a significant shift from an age of monarchy to a new era of freedom, as the United States became the first constitutional republic in world history, founded on the consent of the governed and the rule of law. The victory established the United States as a modern constitutional republic, inspiring similar movements worldwide.
Secondly, the Revolution contributed to the development of a national identity. The creation of Committees of Correspondence across the colonies in 1772 fostered cooperation and mutual action, uniting Americans under a common cause. The Revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and natural and civil rights also played a crucial role in shaping the nation's identity.
Thirdly, the Revolution had a lasting impact on slavery. In the decades following the Revolution, several states, particularly in the North, took steps towards abolishing slavery, either immediately or gradually. This was influenced by revolutionary ideals, and by 1804, all northern states had passed laws outlawing slavery.
Additionally, the Revolution's legacy is preserved through the protection and maintenance of historic sites. Over 100 battlefields and historic locations are maintained by the government, with the National Park Service managing more than 50 battlefield parks, such as Independence Hall. These sites serve as reminders of the Revolution's significance and provide educational opportunities for the public.
Furthermore, the Revolution's legacy continued to influence political discourse and debates in the 19th century, particularly during the American Civil War. Both the North and the South claimed to be the true custodians of the legacy of 1776, reflecting the enduring impact of the Revolution on American political thought.
Finally, the Revolution's promise of liberty, equality, and self-government remains an enduring yet unfulfilled aspiration. Citizens and leaders alike are tasked with the responsibility of improving the system of government, ensuring the protection of the rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The legacy of the Revolution challenges Americans to strive for a more perfect union, reflecting the ideals that inspired the nation's founding.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Revolution was an insurrection carried out by 13 of Great Britain’s North American colonies that began in 1775 and ended with a peace treaty in 1783. The colonies won political independence and went on to form the United States of America.
The American Revolution was caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense during the French and Indian War (1754–63). Britain imposed a series of deeply unpopular laws and taxes, including the Sugar Act (1764) and the Stamp Act (1765).
The American Revolution displaced the social divisions that had determined the way people viewed one another. It gave ordinary people a sense of pride and power, and generated an egalitarian view of human society. The victory in the war also established the United States as the first modern constitutional republic, marking the transition from an age of monarchy to an age of freedom.
The American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775 and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. The period between the end of the war and the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1789 is known as the "critical period" or the Confederation period. The Constitution established a new, more effective federal government, ending the crisis of leadership and strengthening the central government.
The US Constitution was signed by 38 delegates in 1787 and came into effect in 1789. It created a powerful central government with the ability to make rules and request funds from the states. It also addressed issues related to territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade, which were threatening to tear the young country apart.
