American Revolution Summary

Overview

This lecture covers the major causes, events, and outcomes of the American Revolution, emphasizing its political, social, and military turning points.

Causes of Colonial Unrest

• Britain imposed taxes on the colonies after the expensive French and Indian War.
• The Sugar Act (1764) and Stamp Act (1765) placed taxes on sugar and paper to raise revenue for Britain.
• Colonists protested "no taxation without representation," rejecting British claims of "virtual representation."
• Groups like the Sons of Liberty formed to resist British policies.
• The Stamp Act was repealed, but new taxes like the Townshend Acts increased tensions.
• Other colonies, like North Carolina, also protested local abuses and high taxes.

Escalation and Early Resistance

• The Boston Massacre (1770) and Boston Tea Party (1773) intensified conflict between colonists and Britain.
• Britain responded with the Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts) to punish Massachusetts, uniting the colonies.
• The First Continental Congress met in 1774 to coordinate colonial resistance.
• Militias prepared for armed conflict as tensions grew.

Outbreak of War

• The first shots of the American Revolution were fired at Lexington and Concord in April 1775.
• Colonial militias (Minutemen) faced British troops, marking the war's official start.
• The Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775 was a costly British victory but boosted American morale.

Declaration of Independence and Early Fighting

• The Second Continental Congress met in May 1775, pushing toward independence.
• Richard Henry Lee proposed independence; Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration using John Locke’s ideas.
• Independence was declared on July 4, 1776, with the document widely circulated.
• George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army, facing early defeats but key victories at Trenton and Princeton.

Turning Points and End of War

• The Battle of Saratoga (1777) convinced France to officially support the American cause.
• French assistance with troops, supplies, and a navy was crucial for American success.
• The British focus shifted to the South, but key American victories led to the surrender at Yorktown in 1781.
• The Treaty of Paris (1783) formally ended the war, recognized U.S. independence, and set new boundaries.

Lasting Impact and Unanswered Questions

• The revolution introduced new ideas of liberty, equality, and self-government.
• The outcomes left unresolved questions about the rights of Native Americans and Africans, which would persist into the future.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Sons of Liberty — Colonial group opposing British policies and organizing protests.
• Stamp Act — 1765 British tax on paper goods in the colonies.
• Townshend Acts — Series of taxes on common imports like tea and glass.
• Intolerable Acts — British laws punishing Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party.
• First/Second Continental Congress — Meetings of colonial delegates to coordinate resistance and declare independence.
• Minutemen — Colonial militia ready to fight at a minute's notice.
• Declaration of Independence — 1776 document declaring American colonies independent from Britain.
• Treaty of Paris (1783) — Agreement ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing U.S. independence.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the Treaty of Paris and its significance.
• Understand the impact of the American Revolution on future ideas of freedom and equality.
• Reflect on unresolved issues regarding rights for Native Americans and Africans.