American Revolution Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the origins of the American Revolution, distinguishing it from the War for Independence, and examines the key events, acts, and ideological shifts that led to the colonies' break with Britain.

Differences Between Revolution and War for Independence

• The American Revolution refers to a broad societal and political shift, distinct from the military conflict of the War for Independence.
• The Revolution began before fighting, and simply declaring independence did not create a new nation.

Causes of Colonial Discontent

• The Seven Years' War left Britain with massive debt and led to new taxes on the colonies.
• Colonists were upset about "taxation without representation," not just the taxes themselves.
• Colonies had long set their own taxes and governed themselves.

Key Acts and Colonial Responses

• The Sugar Act (1764) lowered molasses taxes but enforced anti-smuggling measures through British courts.
• The Stamp Act (1765) taxed printed materials, leading to the Stamp Act Congress and a successful boycott.
• Sons of Liberty and Committees of Correspondence coordinated protests and spread revolutionary ideas.
• The Declaratory Act (1766) asserted Britain's right to tax the colonies after the Stamp Act's repeal.
• The Townshend Acts (1767) imposed new duties, leading to further boycotts and the Boston Massacre (1770).
• The Tea Act (1773) made British East India Company tea cheaper, but colonists protested the tax principle with the Boston Tea Party.

"Intolerable Acts" and Colonial Unity

• The Intolerable Acts punished Massachusetts by restricting self-government and requiring colonists to house soldiers.
• The First Continental Congress (1774) united colonies to coordinate resistance and enforce boycotts, acting as an early colonial government.
• The Congress called for disobedience, tax refusal, and preparation for war.

Shifting Ideologies and Move Toward Independence

• Colonists moved from defending English rights to claiming natural rights and freedom.
• Not all colonists supported independence; some elites and loyalists remained cautious or opposed.

Early Fighting and Influential Ideas

• The first battles occurred at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, before the Declaration of Independence.
• The Olive Branch Petition (1775) sought reconciliation with Britain, but was rejected.
• Thomas Paine's Common Sense (1776) argued powerfully for independence and American exceptionalism, influencing public opinion.

Key Terms & Definitions

• American Revolution — The broader movement for political and social change in the colonies.
• War for Independence — The military conflict between Britain and the colonies (1775–1783).
• Stamp Act — 1765 law taxing printed materials in the colonies.
• Intolerable Acts — Series of punitive laws passed by Britain in 1774 after the Boston Tea Party.
• First Continental Congress — 1774 meeting of delegates from 12 colonies to coordinate resistance.
• Common Sense — Influential pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating independence.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the Declaration of Independence and key arguments for and against independence.
• Prepare for discussion on the events and ideas leading up to July 1776.