Crash Course World History: The American Revolution

Introduction

• Speaker: John Green
• Focus: Causes and revolutionary impact of the American Revolution
• Not Covered: Detailed chronology, biographies of Jefferson and Washington

Pre-Revolution Context

• Starting Point: End of the 7 Years War in 1763
  • War was expensive and a British victory
  • American colonists gained more land and wealth

British Taxation and Colonial Response

• Stamp Act 1765: Tax on documents, newspapers, playing cards

  • Colonists protested due to lack of representation in Parliament
  • British kept troops in colonies post-war
  • Stamp Act repealed after protests

• Townshend Acts: New taxes leading to more protests and colonial organization

Key Events Leading to War

• Boston Massacre 1770: 5 dead, escalated tensions
• Boston Tea Party 1773: Protest against British tea taxes, led to crackdown and further mobilization

Colonial Protest Strategies

• Committees of Correspondence: Spread boycott info, enforced policy
  • Instrumental in setting up the Continental Congress
  • Drafting of the Declaration of Independence, editing out significant portions

Revolutionary Actions and Perspectives

• Mobilization: Formation of colonial militias, seeking foreign assistance
• Support for Britain: 20% of colonists, many slaves supported Britain for promised freedom

Revolutionary Impact

• Political Change: Overthrow of imperial monarchy, creation of non-monarchical government

Continued Social Inequality

• Property Rights: Maintained control by wealthy landowners
• Equality: Limited to a small segment of the population (white male property owners)

Ideological Foundations

• Enlightenment Influence: Emphasis on reason, liberty, equality
  • Radical vs. moderate (French vs. British) Enlightenment thinkers
  • US founders influenced by moderate Enlightenment (John Locke, Adam Smith)

Long-Term Effects

• Political Discourse: Ideas of property, equality, representation continue to shape politics today
• Self-View: Post-revolution, Americans viewed themselves as equal

Conclusion

• Inclusivity: Important to base new societies on inclusive, humanistic ideals
• Execution of Ideals: Challenges in living up to revolutionary values
• Credits: Production team, suggestion for future phrases of the week

Important Quotes

• “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
• Jonathan Israel’s “revolution of mind” concept
• Reflection on revolutionary values and equality post-Revolution