Crash Course World History: The American Revolution
Introduction
Host: John Green
Focus: Why the American Revolution happened and its revolutionary nature
Lecture will not include detailed chronology or biographical details of key figures
Mention of George Washington's potential use of slave teeth
Background
Seven Years' War (Ends 1763):
British victory, including benefits for American colonies
Led to British debt
Key Events Leading to Revolution
1765 Stamp Act:
British imposed taxes on various documents
Colonists protested due to lack of representation in Parliament
Repealed due to colonial opposition
Townshend Act:
More taxes led to further protests and boycotts
Formation of colonial organizations
Major Incidents
Boston Massacre (1770):
Only five casualties
Boston Tea Party (1773):
Million dollars worth of tea dumped into harbor
Protest against British decisions
Colonial Response
Boycotting British products
Formation of Committees of Correspondence
Spread boycott information
Acted like a government
Led to the first Continental Congress in 1775
Declaration of Independence
Drafted by the Continental Congress
Jefferson's original version significantly altered
Colonists self-governing before war started
Revolutionary Aspects
No king in the new government
Ideas from the Enlightenment and thinkers like Thomas Paine
Limitations of the Revolution
Property Rights:
Articles of Confederation limited government's power to tax
Property owners maintained control
Equality Issues:
Slavery continued, women and non-property owners excluded from voting
Enlightenment Influence
Celebration of human reason
Radical thinkers like Immanuel Kant challenged traditional beliefs
Influence of moderate thinkers like John Locke
Changes Post-Revolution
No formal nobility
Equal rights for daughters and widows
Americans viewed as equal to each other
Conclusion
Revolutionary ideas about property, equality, and representation remain influential
Challenges in living up to revolutionary ideals
Future discussion on the French Revolution
Credits
Produced by Stan Muller
Written by Raoul Meyer and John Green
Graphics by Thought Bubble
Interned by Meredith Danko
Note: Lecture highlights the complexity and limitations of the American Revolution, including its influence, shortcomings, and the continued impact of its ideas on modern political discourse.