Lecture Notes: American Revolution

Introduction

• The 13 American colonies revolted against Britain in 1775.
• War began with the British firing on minutemen in Lexington, Massachusetts.
• Fighting ended with British surrender at Yorktown in 1781; independence recognized in 1783.
• Settlers revolted due to trade interference, unjust taxes, and British troop presence.

Development of Americans

• Colonies elected assemblies; House of Burgesses established in Virginia.
• Mayflower Compact: early self-governance by Pilgrims.
• Religious freedom was a key motive; Rhode Island and Maryland were notable for freedom.
• Education valued; Harvard College founded in 1636.
• Land was cheap; economic activities included shipbuilding, trade, and small industries.
• Albany Congress (1754): failed attempt at colonial unity.

Results of the French and Indian War

• Treaty of 1763 transferred territory control from France to Britain.
• Indigenous resistance led by Pontiac in 1763.
• Proclamation of 1763 restricted settlement west of Appalachians to placate Indigenous groups.
• British imposed taxes to support defense expenses.

Sugar, Stamp, and Quartering Acts

• Sugar Act (1764) imposed duties on foreign goods.
• Stamp Act (1765) taxed printed materials, met with strong opposition.
• Quartering Act required colonists to house British troops.

Outcry Against the Stamp Act

• Stamp Act Congress (1765) opposed taxation without representation; led to repeal in 1766.

The Issue of Taxation

• External vs. internal tax debate initiated by Daniel Dulany.
• Townshend Acts (1767) taxed imports to support British officials.

Tea and the Tea Party

• Tea Act (1773) allowed British East India Company to sell tea cheaply, leading to Boston Tea Party.

The Five Intolerable Acts

• Punitive acts in response to Boston Tea Party.
• Included Boston Port Act and Massachusetts Government Act.

Old England and the New Englands

• Differing societal structures; England was aristocratic, America democratic.
• Colonial belief in self-government led to conflict with British Parliament.

Taxation Without Representation

• Colonists argued they had no representation in Parliament, hence no consent for taxes.

Misgovernment and Exploitation

• British corruption and inefficiency weakened their rule over the colonies.
• Economic exploitation through Acts of Trade.

The Colonies as a Source of English Profits

• Mercantile policies restricted colonial economic activities.
• Colonists sought to develop local industries and free trade.

Organization for Revolution

• Revolutionary organizations like committees of correspondence fostered unity.
• Continental Congress served as a de facto government.

Conciliation or Force

• Various attempts at compromise failed; force became the ultimate decider.

Fights in and Around Boston

• Boston Massacre (1770) escalated tensions.
• Battles of Lexington and Concord initiated full-scale war.

War: Handicaps of the Americans

• Lack of unified army and resources; divided loyalties.

Mistakes and Jealousies

• Internal strife and leadership challenges within colonies.
• Benedict Arnold's betrayal and other command issues.

The Problem of Finances

• Congress lacked power to tax; resorted to issuing paper money, leading to financial instability.

Advantages of the Americans

• Familiarity with the land and defensive strategy.
• Self-sufficient communities difficult for British to conquer.

Foreign Aid

• French alliance critical; provided military and financial support.
• Other European nations formed League of Armed Neutrality.

Naval Activities

• American privateers disrupted British trade.

The American Leaders

• Prominent leaders included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and others.

The Whigs in England

• Political division in England over war and monarchy's power.

The Story of the War on Land

• Key battles and campaigns, including Bunker Hill and Saratoga.
• British failed to isolate New England.

American Offensives in the North

• Early successes in capturing British forts and territories.

New York and the Hudson

• British control of New York as a strategic invasion port.

American Victories at Trenton and Princeton

• Surprise attacks led to American victories and boosted morale.

American Victory in the North

• Saratoga marked turning point; British failed at strategic isolation.

The Americans Lose Philadelphia

• British took Philadelphia, but failed to deliver a decisive blow.

The Bitter Winter at Valley Forge

• Harsh conditions; Baron von Steuben's training improved the army.

The French Become Allies

• French alliance turned the tide; provided vital support.

Battles in the South

• Series of battles culminated in American victory at Yorktown.

The Negotiations for Peace

• Treaty of Paris (1783) recognized American independence.

Disposition of the Western Lands

• Land claims negotiated; Americans expanded west.

The Peace Treaty and Impacts of the War

• Treaty of Paris secured independence and expanded territory.
• Influenced global movements for democracy and equality.
• Set precedent for constitutional and democratic governance.

Additional Reading

• Suggested books for further reading on the American Revolution.