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Essays on American Revolution

Welcome to our collection of essay samples on the topic of the American Revolution. This pivotal period in history not only shaped the United States but also influenced democratic movements around the world. Here, you'll find a range of essays that explore different aspects of the American Revolution, from its causes and key figures to its lasting impacts on society.

Understanding the American Revolution

The American Revolution was more than just a conflict; it was a fight for independence from British rule. It involved various elements including political, social, and economic factors that fueled colonists' desire for freedom. Key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played crucial roles in this struggle. By reading through our essay samples, you can gain insights into these important topics while also learning how to craft your own essay.

Selecting an Essay Sample

When choosing an essay sample on the American Revolution from our collection, consider what specific aspect interests you most. Are you drawn to discussions about colonial resistance? Or perhaps you're more interested in exploring significant battles like Yorktown or Saratoga? Each sample offers unique perspectives and arguments that can inspire your writing.

Take your time browsing through the titles and abstracts provided for each essay sample. Look for themes that resonate with you personally or ideas you'd like to delve deeper into. Remember, picking a topic you are passionate about will make writing your own essay much easier and more enjoyable!

How to Write Your Own Essay

Once you've selected an appropriate essay sample as inspiration, it's time to start writing your own piece on the American Revolution! Here’s a simple approach:

• Outline Your Ideas: Before diving into writing, outline what points you'd like to cover based on insights from your chosen sample.
• Create a Strong Thesis Statement: A clear thesis will guide your entire essay. Make sure it reflects your main argument or perspective regarding the revolution.
• Use Evidence: Draw upon historical facts and examples mentioned in our samples to support your arguments. This adds credibility to your work!
• Edit and Revise: Once you've drafted your essay, take some time away before revising it. Fresh eyes often catch mistakes or areas for improvement that were previously overlooked.

A Final Thought

Your journey into understanding the American Revolution is just beginning! With our collection of essays as guides, you're equipped with valuable resources to help shape your thoughts and arguments effectively. Don't hesitate—dive into this fascinating period of history today by using our samples as stepping stones towards crafting an insightful essay!

If you have any questions or need further assistance while working on this topic, feel free to reach out! Happy writing!

One Important Similarity Between The American Revolution and The French Revolution: The Pursuit of Liberty and Equality

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The History of American Revolution - Timeline, Facts & Causes

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22 March 1765 – 14 January 1784

Thirteen Colonies (United States)

Dutch Republic, France, Loyalist, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, American colonies

The Boston Tea Party (1773), The Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775), The Declaration of Independence (1776), The Battle of Saratoga (1777), The Siege of Yorktown (1781)

George Washington: As the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, George Washington emerged as a central figure in the revolution. His strategic brilliance, perseverance, and moral character helped inspire and lead the troops through challenging times, ultimately leading to victory. Thomas Jefferson: Known for his eloquence and intellect, Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. His ideas and ideals, including the belief in natural rights and self-governance, greatly influenced the revolutionary cause. Benjamin Franklin: A polymath and influential statesman, Benjamin Franklin played a vital role in rallying support for the revolution. He traveled to Europe as a diplomat, securing crucial aid from France and other countries, and his scientific discoveries further enhanced his reputation. John Adams: A passionate advocate for independence, John Adams was instrumental in driving the revolutionary movement forward. He served as a diplomat, including as a representative to France and as the second President of the United States, and his contributions to shaping the nation were significant. Abigail Adams: Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, was an influential figure in her own right. Her letters to her husband and other prominent figures provided valuable insights and perspectives on the revolution, and she became an early advocate for women's rights and equality.

In the 18th century, the thirteen American colonies were under British rule. Over time, tensions began to rise as the colonists developed a distinct identity and desired greater autonomy. Several key factors contributed to the buildup of resentment and ultimately led to the revolution. One crucial prerequisite was the concept of colonial self-government. The colonists enjoyed a degree of self-rule, which allowed them to develop their own institutions and local governments. However, as British policies, such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, imposed new taxes and regulations on the colonies, the sense of self-government and individual liberties were threatened. Another significant factor was the Enlightenment era, which spread ideas of natural rights, individual freedoms, and representative government. Influential thinkers like John Locke and Thomas Paine advocated for the rights of the people and challenged the legitimacy of monarchy. The causes of the American Revolution were diverse and multifaceted. The colonists' grievances included taxation without representation, restrictions on trade, and the presence of British troops in the colonies. The Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773 further heightened tensions and solidified the resolve for independence. Ultimately, the outbreak of armed conflict in 1775 at Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, served as a powerful statement of the colonists' grievances and their determination to establish a free and sovereign nation. The historical context of the American Revolution reflects the culmination of colonial aspirations for self-government, Enlightenment ideas of individual rights, and a series of grievances against British rule.

Establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation; the creation of a new form of government based on democratic principles; adoption of the United States Constitution; redefinition of citizenship; abolition of feudalism; expansion of territorial boundaries, etc.

One of the major effects of the American Revolution was the establishment of a new form of government based on the principles of democracy and individual rights. The United States Constitution, born out of the revolution, served as a model for constitutional governments around the world. The idea of a government by the people and for the people spread, inspiring future revolutions and movements for independence. The revolution also challenged the existing colonial powers, particularly the British Empire, and set in motion a wave of decolonization throughout the world. The success of the American colonies in breaking free from British rule demonstrated that colonies could successfully achieve independence, fueling nationalist movements in other parts of the world and ultimately leading to the dissolution of empires. The American Revolution also had significant economic effects. It established the United States as a new economic power and opened up opportunities for trade and commerce. The revolution encouraged the development of industry and innovation, setting the stage for the industrial revolution that would follow. Furthermore, the American Revolution had a profound impact on the institution of slavery. While the revolution did not immediately abolish slavery, it planted the seeds of abolitionism and sparked debates on the issue of human rights and equality. Lastly, the American Revolution inspired and influenced subsequent revolutions and movements for independence, such as the French Revolution, which drew inspiration from the ideals of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty championed by the American colonists.

Public opinion on the American Revolution varied greatly during the time period and continues to be interpreted differently today. In the 18th century, support for the revolution was not unanimous. Some colonists were loyal to the British Crown and opposed the revolutionary movement, while others actively supported the cause of independence. Public opinion shifted over time as events unfolded and more people became aware of the grievances and aspirations of the revolutionaries. Many colonists, especially those who felt oppressed by British policies, embraced the ideals of liberty, self-determination, and representation. They saw the revolution as a necessary step towards achieving these principles and securing their rights as free individuals. Others were motivated by economic factors, such as trade restrictions and taxation without representation, which fueled their support for independence. However, there were also segments of the population that remained loyal to Britain. Some believed in the benefits of British rule, such as protection and stability, while others feared the potential chaos and uncertainty that could result from a revolution. In modern times, public opinion on the American Revolution tends to be positive, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in history that laid the foundation for democratic governance and individual freedoms. The ideals and principles that emerged from the revolution continue to shape American identity and influence public discourse on issues of liberty, equality, and self-governance.

1. The American Revolution lasted for eight years, from 1775 to 1783, making it one of the longest and most significant conflicts in American history. 2. The American Revolution had a profound impact on the world stage. It inspired other countries and movements seeking independence and democracy, such as the French Revolution that followed in 1789. 3. While often overlooked, women made significant contributions to the American Revolution. They served as spies, messengers, nurses, and even soldiers. Some notable examples include Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to join the Continental Army, and Abigail Adams, who advocated for women's rights.

The topic of the American Revolution holds immense importance for academic exploration and essay writing due to its profound impact on the world and the enduring legacy it left behind. Firstly, the American Revolution marked a pivotal moment in history where thirteen colonies fought for their independence from British rule, leading to the formation of the United States of America. It represents a significant event in the development of democracy and self-governance, serving as an inspiration for subsequent revolutions worldwide. Studying the American Revolution allows us to understand the principles and ideals that shaped the nation's foundation, such as liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. It sheds light on the struggles and sacrifices made by individuals who fought for their rights and paved the way for the establishment of a democratic government. Furthermore, exploring this topic provides insights into the complexities of colonial society, the causes of the revolution, the role of key figures, and the social, economic, and political consequences of the conflict.

1. Bailyn, B. (1992). The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Belknap Press. 2. Ellis, J. J. (2013). American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic. Vintage. 3. Ferling, J. E. (2015). Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War That Won It. Bloomsbury Publishing. 4. Fischer, D. H. (2006). Washington's Crossing. Oxford University Press. 5. Maier, P. (1997). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Vintage. 6. Middlekauff, R. (2005). The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Oxford University Press. 7. Middlekauff, R. (2007). The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Oxford University Press. 8. Nash, G. B. (2006). The Unknown American Revolution: The Unruly Birth of Democracy and the Struggle to Create America. Penguin Books. 9. Tuchman, B. W. (1989). The First Salute: A View of the American Revolution. Random House. 10. Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage.

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Causes of the American Revolution

This essay about the American Revolution explores the myriad factors that fueled colonial discontent and ultimately led to the rebellion against British rule. From economic exploitation and social inequalities to ideological fervor and political tensions, each element contributed to the tumultuous upheaval that reshaped the course of history. Through a nuanced examination of these diverse forces, the essay illuminates the complex tapestry of motivations and aspirations that propelled the colonies towards independence, underscoring the enduring legacy of liberty, equality, and self-determination forged in the crucible of revolution.

How it works

In the annals of human history, the American Revolution remains an indelible chapter, a saga of defiance and determination that reshaped the contours of nations and ideologies. Within the crucible of colonial America, a cauldron of discontent simmered, fed by a confluence of factors that ultimately ignited the flames of revolution. The causes of this epochal struggle, though often recounted, bear the stamp of uniqueness, reflecting the intricate interplay of forces that propelled a disparate collection of colonies towards a common destiny. Need a custom essay on the same topic? Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and we’ll deliver the highest-quality essay! Order now

Central to the genesis of the American Revolution was the specter of British overreach, as colonial subjects chafed under the weight of imperial imposition. Across the Atlantic, in the hallowed halls of Westminster, policymakers pursued policies designed to enrich the mother country at the expense of its distant progeny. The imposition of taxes without representation, epitomized by infamous measures such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, served as lightning rods for colonial resentment. Colonists, nurtured on the ideals of liberty and self-governance, recoiled at these affronts to their perceived rights as Englishmen.

Economic exigencies, too, played a pivotal role in stoking the embers of rebellion within colonial society. The tendrils of British mercantilism, extending into every facet of colonial commerce, constricted the economic potential of the colonies and sowed seeds of discontent. A labyrinth of trade restrictions and monopolistic practices favored British merchants at the expense of their colonial counterparts, stifling entrepreneurial ambition and thwarting economic growth. Moreover, the Proclamation of 1763, which sought to curb westward expansion, rankled against the spirit of manifest destiny that animated the colonial psyche.

Social fault lines, etched deep within the fabric of colonial society, further fueled the fires of discontent that engulfed the American colonies. A rigid hierarchy, anchored by wealthy landowners and entrenched elites, perpetuated inequalities of wealth and opportunity. Beneath this gilded veneer, however, simmered a cauldron of aspiration and ambition, as a burgeoning middle class clamored for greater economic and political agency. These social fissures, exacerbated by British policies that favored the landed gentry, provided fertile ground for the seeds of rebellion to take root.

Ideological currents, flowing from the fount of Enlightenment thought, imbued the revolutionary fervor with intellectual legitimacy and moral certitude. Influential thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu espoused the principles of natural rights and government by consent, providing a philosophical underpinning for the burgeoning revolution. Colonists, invoking these lofty ideals, framed their struggle as a defense of fundamental liberties against the encroachments of tyranny. The publication of incendiary tracts such as Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" served to galvanize public opinion and rally support for the cause of independence.

Political tensions, exacerbated by British attempts to assert control over local governance, further inflamed the tinderbox of colonial resentment. The refusal of colonial assemblies to acquiesce to British demands for submission bred a climate of defiance and resistance. The convening of bodies such as the First Continental Congress, where delegates from the colonies assembled to coordinate their response to British aggression, marked a crucial step towards the crystallization of colonial unity and self-governance.

Militant confrontations, such as the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, served as a violent denouement to years of festering grievances. The clash of arms between British regulars and colonial militias underscored the irreconcilable nature of the conflict, propelling the colonies inexorably towards open rebellion. The issuance of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, with its stirring denunciation of British tyranny and solemn assertion of American sovereignty, represented the culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice.

In conclusion, the causes of the American Revolution are as diverse and multifaceted as the nation it birthed, reflecting the kaleidoscopic complexity of human history. Economic exploitation, social divisions, ideological ferment, and political oppression all conspired to fuel the flames of rebellion that consumed the American colonies. The revolution was not merely a struggle for independence but a quest for liberty, equality, and self-determination—a quest that continues to resonate through the corridors of time, inspiring future generations to aspire to the loftiest ideals of human freedom and dignity.

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The Root Causes of the American Revolution

Causes of the american revolution.

• America's Independent Way of Thinking

The Freedoms and Restrictions of Location

The control of government, the economic troubles, the corruption and control, the criminal justice system, grievances that led to revolution and the constitution.

• M.A., History, University of Florida
• B.A., History, University of Florida

The American Revolution began in 1775 as an open conflict between the United Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain. Many causes of the American Revolution played a role in the colonists' desire to fight for their independence. Not only did these issues lead to war, but they also shaped the foundation of the United States of America.

There is no single cause of the American Revolution. It was, instead, a series of events that led to the war . Essentially, it began as a disagreement over the way Great Britain governed the colonies and the way the colonies thought they should be treated. Americans felt they deserved all the rights of Englishmen. The British, on the other hand, thought that the colonies were created to be used in ways that best suited the Crown and Parliament. This conflict is embodied in one of the rallying cries of the ​ American Revolution : "No Taxation Without Representation."

America's Independent Way of Thinking

To understand the causes of the American Revolution and what led to the rebellion, it's important to look at the mindset of the founding fathers . It should also be noted that this mindset was not that of the majority of colonists. There were no pollsters during the American Revolution, but it's safe to say its popularity rose and fell over the course of the war. Historian Robert M. Calhoon estimated that only about 40–45% of the free population supported the revolution, while about 15–20% of the free white males remained loyal.  

The 18th century is known historically as the Age of Enlightenment . It was a period when thinkers, philosophers, statesmen, and artists began to question the politics of government, the role of the church, and other fundamental and ethical questions of society as a whole. The period was also known as the Age of Reason, and many colonists followed this new way of thinking.

A number of the revolutionary leaders had studied major writings of the Enlightenment, including those of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and the Baron de Montesquieu. From these thinkers, the founders gleaned such new political concepts as the social contract , limited government, the consent of the governed, and the  separation of powers .

Locke's writings, in particular, struck a chord. His books helped to raise questions about the rights of the governed and the overreach of the British government. They spurred the "republican" ideology that stood up in opposition to those viewed as tyrants.

Men such as Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were also influenced by the teachings of the Puritans and Presbyterians. These teachings included such new radical ideas as the principle that all men are created equal and the belief that a king has no divine rights. Together, these innovative ways of thinking led many in this era to consider it their duty to rebel against laws they viewed as unjust.

The geography of the colonies was also a cause of the American Revolution. Their distance from Great Britain naturally created a sense of independence that was hard to overcome. Those willing to colonize the new world generally had a strong independent streak with a profound desire for new opportunities and more freedom.

The Proclamation of 1763 played its own role. After the French and Indian War , King George III issued the royal decree that prevented further colonization west of the Appalachian Mountains. The intent was to normalize relations with the Indigenous peoples, many of whom fought with the French.

Many settlers had purchased land in the now-forbidden area or had received land grants. The crown's proclamation was largely ignored as settlers moved anyway and the "Proclamation Line" eventually moved after much lobbying. Despite this concession, the affair left another stain on the relationship between the colonies and Britain.

The existence of colonial legislatures meant that the colonies were in many ways independent of the crown. The legislatures were allowed to levy taxes, muster troops, and pass laws. Over time, these powers became rights in the eyes of many colonists.

The British government had different ideas and attempted to curtail the powers of these newly elected bodies. There were numerous measures designed to ensure the colonial legislatures did not achieve autonomy, although many had nothing to do with the larger British Empire . In the minds of colonists, they were a matter of local concern.

From these small, rebellious legislative bodies that represented the colonists, the future leaders of the United States were born.

Even though the British believed in mercantilism , Prime Minister Robert Walpole espoused a view of " salutary neglect ." This system was in place from 1607 through 1763, during which the British were lax on enforcement of external trade relations. Walpole believed this enhanced freedom would stimulate commerce.

The French and Indian War led to considerable economic trouble for the British government. Its cost was significant, and the British were determined to make up for the lack of funds. They levied new taxes on the colonists and increased trade regulations. These actions were not well received by the colonists, which eventually became another cause of the American Revolution.

New taxes were enforced, including the Sugar Act and the Currency Act , both in 1764. The Sugar Act increased already considerable taxes on molasses and restricted certain export goods to Britain alone. The Currency Act prohibited the printing of money in the colonies, making businesses rely more on the crippled British economy. 

Feeling underrepresented, overtaxed, and unable to engage in free trade, the colonists rallied to the slogan, "No Taxation Without Representation." This discontent became very apparent in 1773 with the events that later became known as the Boston Tea Party .

The British government's presence became increasingly more visible in the years leading to the revolution. British officials and soldiers were given more control over the colonists and this led to widespread corruption.

Among the most glaring of these issues were the "Writs of Assistance." These were general search warrants that gave British soldiers the right to search and seize any property they deemed to be smuggled or illegal goods. Designed to assist the British in enforcing trade laws, these documents allowed British soldiers to enter, search, and seize warehouses, private homes, and ships whenever necessary. However, many abused this power.

In 1761, Boston lawyer James Otis fought for the constitutional rights of the colonists in this matter but lost. The defeat only inflamed the level of defiance and ultimately led to the Fourth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution .

The Third Amendment was also inspired by the overreach of the British government. Forcing colonists to house British soldiers in their homes infuriated the population. It was inconvenient and costly to the colonists, and many also found it a traumatic experience after events like the  Boston Massacre in 1770 .

Trade and commerce were overly controlled, the British Army made its presence known, and the local colonial government was limited by a power far across the Atlantic Ocean. If these affronts to the colonists' dignity were not enough to ignite the fires of rebellion and cause the American Revolution, American colonists also had to endure a corrupt justice system.

Political protests became a regular occurrence as these realities set in. In 1769, Alexander McDougall was imprisoned for libel when his work "To the Betrayed Inhabitants of the City and Colony of New York" was published. His imprisonment and the Boston Massacre were just two infamous examples of the measures the British took to crack down on protesters. 

After six British soldiers were acquitted and two dishonorably discharged for the Boston Massacre—ironically enough, they were defended by John Adams—the British government changed the rules. From then on, officers accused of any offense in the colonies would be sent to England for trial. This meant that fewer witnesses would be on hand to give their accounts of events and it led to even fewer convictions.

To make matters even worse, jury trials were replaced with verdicts and punishments handed down directly by colonial judges. Over time, the colonial authorities lost power over this as well because the judges were known to be chosen, paid, and supervised by the British government. The right to a fair trial by a jury of their peers was no longer possible for many colonists.

All of these grievances that colonists had with the British government caused the American Revolution. And many of these grievances directly affected what the founding fathers wrote into the U.S. Constitution . These constitutional rights and principles reflect the hopes of the framers that the new American government would not subject their citizens to the same loss of freedoms that the colonists had experienced under Britain's rule.

Schellhammer, Michael. " John Adams's Rule of Thirds ." Critical Thinking, Journal of the American Revolution . 11 Feb. 2013.

Calhoon, Robert M. " Loyalism and Neutrality ." A Companion to the American Revolution , edited by Jack P. Greene and J. R. Pole, Wiley, 2008, pp. 235-247, doi:10.1002/9780470756454.ch29 

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Everything you've ever wanted to know about the American Revolution

Causes of the American Revolution | Political, Economic, Social

About the author.

Edward A. St. Germain created AmericanRevolution.org in 1996. He was an avid historian with a keen interest in the Revolutionary War and American culture and society in the 18th century. On this website, he created and collated a huge collection of articles, images, and other media pertaining to the American Revolution. Edward was also a Vietnam veteran, and his investigative skills led to a career as a private detective in later life.

The American Revolution was primarily caused by an erosion in the relationship between the British government and the Thirteen Colonies of America.

There were a number of reasons why this relationship broke down to the extent that it did, leading to a full-scale war between the two sides.

Political causes

After the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, the British government began implementing new taxes in the Thirteen Colonies.

The war, fought by the British against the French for control of America, was very expensive.

Beginning with the Stamp Act of 1765 , the British government wanted to use taxation to pay off their war debt. They justified the Stamp Act by saying the revenue raised would be used to protect the Thirteen Colonies during future conflicts, funding the continued presence of the British Army on the continent.

In the 150 years prior to the American Revolution, in practice, the Thirteen Colonies had a significant amount of political autonomy. As a result, the implementation of the Stamp Act was a shock – and the colonists heavily resisted the new law. They felt that they did not need the continued protection of the British Army, and that they had already significantly contributed to the war effort.

By March 1766, the Stamp Act had been repealed. However, the British government wanted to make it clear that they had ultimate political authority in the colonies. At the time, in British Parliament, the common belief was that the primary purpose of His Majesty’s colonies was to raise revenue for the United Kingdom.

Therefore, the British continued passing new legislation, adjusting tax policy, and giving their officials on the ground more power to enforce the law and raise revenue – particularly in combatting smuggling, which had largely gone unregulated up to this point.

The Townshend Acts (1767) were met with popular resistance, as was the Tea Act of 1773 .

Patriot politicians and groups such as the Sons of Liberty argued that the British did not have the right to tax the colonies without their consent. At the time, colonists did not have elected representatives in British parliament, and as a result, colonists argued that the British did not have the right to collect tax revenue – coining the slogan “no taxation without representation”.

With the Tea Act, violent rebellion increased, leading to the Boston Tea Party in December 1773.

The British were outraged by the brazen destruction of their goods, leading them to implement punitive measures against the colonies in March 1774, such as closing Boston Harbor, under the Coercive Acts .

In response, colonial government bodies were set up to circumvent the British, such as the Committees of Correspondence , and the First Continental Congress convened in the fall of 1774.

From 1773 to 1775, the colonies forged their own political identity, incompatible with the monarchical, undemocratic structure put in place by the British, and pushing America to fight for independence.

Economic causes

In implementing new taxes on the Thirteen Colonies, the British were generally relatively careful.

The French and Indian War had been economically devastating in America. Therefore, the British knew that they could not implement significant tax increases under the Stamp Act.

However, although the new taxes were relatively small, they were wide-ranging, and were considered unfair by the colonists.

Everything from newspapers to books, and from diplomas to wills was taxed, for the sole reason of repaying the war debt.  The British later attempted to raise direct taxes on a range of different products, including glass, tea, and other goods.

Under the Townshend Acts, the British tightened their control on American trade. Customs officers were given more power to search merchant ships accused of smuggling, and taxes were cut specifically on British East India Company tea, in an attempt to cut off trade with other countries, such as the Netherlands.

From 1774 onwards, widespread boycotts of British imports were instituted throughout the Thirteen Colonies. As a result, the colonists had to produce more goods for themselves, and soon, they became more economically independent.

The Americans wanted to stop living under the policies of British mercantilism, and economic exploitation. They wanted an end to the economic controls imposed by the British, which as argued by politicians such as Thomas Paine , hindered the colonies’ economic growth.

Social causes

As late as 1774, many still held loyalties to the British Crown, despite the level of popular resistance against the Tea Act, and Intolerable Acts.

Written protests against the Intolerable Acts still appealed to the good graces of King George III, and people still held significant respect for the monarchy.

For example, in the Suffolk Resolves , a document published in September 1774 that called on the colonies to ignore British law, boycott British goods, and stop paying British taxes, the authors opened with “We… acknowledge George the third to be our rightful monarch – we feelingly Declare ourselves to be his true and loyal servants.”

However, despite the loyalties many held, conditions were right in American society for a significant proportion of the populace to gradually forgo their allegiance to the king, rebel against the monarchy, and eventually support complete independence.

• There was more fluid social mobility in the colonies compared to in Britain. Land ownership was more accessible in America, and there was a strong colonial merchant class. Meaning, power was less concentrated with higher-class social groups.
• The Thirteen Colonies had their own social identity. The geographic separation from Britain created cultural differences, and while the colonists hugely respected the king, the notion that all men are created equal began to gain popularity.
• Colonial leaders promoted Enlightenment Ideals using widely exchanged political pamphlets, often reaching hundreds of thousands of people. These pamphlets spread ideas of natural rights, and governance by consent, and challenged the monarchy’s absolute power over its citizens. Anti-British propaganda was also spread using pamphlets and posters by groups such as the Sons of Liberty, especially after the Boston Massacre , fueling anti-British sentiment.
• The British were unrelenting in their attempts to tax and control the Thirteen Colonies in a way that its citizens considered unfair. Over time, this caused people to lose respect for King George III, especially as he rejected petitions from the Thirteen Colonies to reconsider the Intolerable Acts.
• The British attempted to station their soldiers in the colonies, such as under the Quartering Acts of 1765 and 1774. The latter act in particular made the colonists uneasy, and sparked fears of military occupation in major cities.

While it was a gradual process, the American people eventually lost their trust in, and respect for, the British monarchy. This led to a greater sense of unique national identity, which the colonies decided they were willing to fight for.

The American Revolution was caused by three primary factors:

• The British government’s unrelenting attempts to assert economic and political control in the Thirteen Colonies, without offering political representation.
• The colonists’ desire to achieve political and economic independence: to become a self-sufficient, democratic society, and to achieve greater levels of economic growth.
• A growing cultural divide between the British and Americans, and the American public’s gradual loss of respect for the British monarchy.

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7 Events That Enraged Colonists and Led to the American Revolution

By: Patrick J. Kiger

Updated: August 6, 2024 | Original: August 20, 2019

The American colonists’ breakup with the British Empire in 1776 wasn’t a sudden, impetuous act. Instead, the banding together of the 13 colonies to fight and win a war of independence against the Crown was the culmination of a series of events, which had begun more than a decade earlier. Escalations began shortly after the end of the French and Indian War —known elsewhere as the Seven Years War in 1763. Here are a few of the pivotal moments that caused the American Revolution.

1. The Stamp Act (March 1765)

To recoup some of the massive debt left over from the war with France, Parliament passed laws such as the Stamp Act , which for the first time taxed a wide range of transactions in the colonies.

“Up until then, each colony had its own government which decided which taxes they would have, and collected them,” explains Willard Sterne Randall , a professor emeritus of history at Champlain College and author of numerous works on early American history, including Unshackling America: How the War of 1812 Truly Ended the American Revolution. “They felt that they’d spent a lot of blood and treasure to protect the colonists from the Indians, and so they should pay their share.”

The colonists didn’t see it that way. They resented not only having to buy goods from the British but pay tax on them as well. “The tax never got collected, because there were riots all over the place,” Randall says. Ultimately, Benjamin Franklin convinced the British to rescind it, but that only made things worse. “That made the Americans think they could push back against anything the British wanted,” Randall says.

2. The Townshend Acts (June-July 1767)

Parliament again tried to assert its authority by passing legislation to tax goods that the Americans imported from Great Britain. The Crown established a board of customs commissioners to stop smuggling and corruption among local officials in the colonies, who were often in on the illicit trade.

Americans struck back by organizing a boycott of the British goods that were subject to taxation and began harassing the British customs commissioners. In an effort to quell the resistance, the British sent troops to occupy Boston, which only deepened the ill feeling.

The Stamp Act Riots

The measure that imposed a tax on all printed materials inspired widespread outrage and even violence among the colonists.

Townshend Acts

Townshend Duties The Townshend Acts, named after Charles Townshend, British chancellor of the Exchequer, imposed duties on British china, glass, lead, paint, paper and tea imported to the colonies. Benjamin Franklin had informed the British Parliament that the colonies intended to start manufacturing their own goods rather than paying duties on imports. These particular items […]

7 Surprising Facts About the Boston Tea Party

For starters, the colonists weren't protesting higher taxes on tea.

3. The Boston Massacre (March 1770)

Simmering tensions between the British occupiers and Boston residents boiled over one late afternoon when a disagreement between an apprentice wigmaker and a British soldier led to a crowd of 200 colonists surrounding seven British troops. When the Americans began taunting the British and throwing things at them, the soldiers apparently lost their cool and began firing into the crowd .

As the smoke cleared, three men—including an African American sailor named Crispus Attucks —were dead, and two others were mortally wounded. The massacre became a useful propaganda tool for the colonists, especially after Paul Revere distributed an engraving that misleadingly depicted the British as the aggressors.

4. The Boston Tea Party (December 1773)

The British eventually withdrew their forces from Boston and repealed much of the onerous Townshend legislation. But they left in place the tax on tea, and in 1773 enacted a new law, the Tea Act , to prop up the financially struggling British East India Company. The act gave the company extended favorable treatment under tax regulations to sell tea at a price that undercut the American merchants who imported from Dutch traders.

That didn’t sit well with Americans. “They didn’t want the British telling them that they had to buy their tea, but it wasn’t just about that,” Randall explains. “The Americans wanted to be able to trade with any country they wanted.”

The Sons of Liberty , a radical group, decided to confront the British head-on. Thinly disguised as Mohawks, they boarded three ships in Boston harbor and destroyed more than 92,000 pounds of British tea by dumping it into the harbor . To make the point that they were rebels rather than vandals, they avoided harming any of the crew or damaging the ships themselves, and the next day even replaced a padlock that had been broken.

Nevertheless, the act of defiance “really ticked off the British government,” Randall explains. “Many of the East India Company’s shareholders were members of Parliament. They each had paid 1,000 pounds sterling—that would probably be about a million dollars now—for a share of the company, to get a piece of the action from all this tea that they were going to force down the colonists’ throats. So when these bottom-of-the-rung people in Boston destroyed their tea, that was a serious thing to them.”

5. The Coercive Acts (March-June 1774)

In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British government decided that it had to tame the rebellious colonists in Massachusetts . In the spring of 1774, Parliament passed a series of laws, the Coercive Acts , which closed Boston Harbor until restitution was paid for the destroyed tea, replaced the colony’s elected council with one appointed by the British, gave sweeping powers to the British military governor General Thomas Gage, and forbade town meetings without approval.

Yet another provision protected British colonial officials who were charged with capital offenses from being tried in Massachusetts, instead requiring that they be sent to another colony or back to Great Britain for trial.

But perhaps the most provocative provision was the Quartering Act , which allowed British military officials to demand accommodations for their troops in unoccupied houses and buildings in towns, rather than having to stay out in the countryside. While it didn’t force the colonists to board troops in their own homes , they had to pay for the expense of housing and feeding the soldiers. The quartering of troops eventually became one of the grievances cited in the Declaration of Independence .

6. Lexington and Concord (April 1775)

British General Thomas Gage led a force of British soldiers from Boston to Lexington, where he planned to capture colonial radical leaders Sam Adams and John Hancock , and then head to Concord and seize their gunpowder. But American spies got wind of the plan, and with the help of riders such as Paul Revere , word spread to be ready for the British.

On the Lexington Common, the British force was confronted by 77 American militiamen , and they began shooting at each other. Seven Americans died, but other militiamen managed to stop the British at Concord and continued to harass them on their retreat back to Boston.

The British lost 73 dead, with another 174 wounded and 26 missing in action. The bloody encounter proved to the British that the colonists were fearsome foes who had to be taken seriously. It was the start of America’s war of independence.

7. British attacks on coastal towns (October 1775-January 1776)

Though the Revolutionary War’s hostilities started with Lexington and Concord, Randall says that at the start, it was unclear whether the southern colonies, whose interests didn’t necessarily align with the northern colonies, would be all in for a war of independence.

“The southerners were totally dependent upon the English to buy their crops, and they didn’t trust the Yankees,” he explains. “And in New England, the Puritans thought the southerners were lazy.”

But that was before the brutal British naval bombardments and burning of the coastal towns of Falmouth, Massachusetts and Norfolk, Virginia helped to unify the colonies. In Falmouth, where townspeople had to grab their possessions and flee for their lives, northerners had to face up to “the fear that the British would do whatever they wanted to them,” Randall says.

As historian Holger Hoock has written , the burning of Falmouth shocked General George Washington , who denounced it as “exceeding in barbarity & cruelty every hostile act practiced among civilized nations.”

Similarly, in Norfolk, the horror of the town’s wooden buildings going up in flames after a seven-hour naval bombardment shocked the southerners, who also knew that the British were offering African Americans their freedom if they took up arms on the loyalist side. “Norfolk stirred up fears of a slave insurrection in the South,” Randall says.

Leaders of the rebellion seized the burnings of the two ports to make the argument that the colonists needed to band together for survival against a ruthless enemy and embrace the need for independence. This spirit ultimately would lead to their victory.

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6 Key Causes of the American Revolution

14 Jan 2021

@histluketomes.

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”jzewvh9s” upload-date=”2022-03-04T09:23:30.000Z” name=”6 Key Causes of the American Revolution” description=”” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

This educational video is a visual version of this article and presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Please see our AI ethics and diversity policy for more information on how we use AI and select presenters on our website.

The American War of Independence (1775-1783) served as a harsh lesson to the British Empire that the dominions they controlled, if treated improperly, would always be susceptible to revolution.

The British did not wish to see the thirteen colonies break away from their realm, yet their colonial policies in the late-18th century proved consistently disastrous, demonstrating a complete lack of empathy or common understanding with the American population.

One might argue that independence was always on the horizon in this period for North America, yet even in an era of enlightenment the British seemed, through sheer ignorance, negligence and pride, to seal their own fate.

As with any revolution in history, ideological differences may have provided the foundation and impetus for change, but it is so often the events in the run up to the internal struggle that enhance tensions and ultimately trigger the conflict. The American Revolution was no different. Here are 6 key causes of the American revolution.

1. Seven Years War (1756-1763)

Although the Seven Years War was a multinational conflict, the main belligerents were the British and French Empires. Each looking to expand their territory across numerous continents, both nations suffered mass casualties and racked up copious amounts of debt in order to fund the long and ardous struggle for territorial dominance.

Arguably the most important theatre of the war was in North America, which in 1756 had been geographically split between the empires of the British, French and Spanish. With key but costly victories at Quebec and Fort Niagara, the British were able to emerge victorious from the war and henceforth assimilated large swathes of previously held French territory in Canada and the Mid-West as a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

After a three-month siege of Quebec City, British forces captured the city at the Plains of Abraham. Image credit: Hervey Smyth (1734-1811), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While British victory had removed any French and Native Indian threat (to an extent) to the thirteen colonies, the war had led to greater economic hardship in the US and an acknowledgment of the cultural differences between colonists and Britons.

Clashes in ideologies became all the more apparent as the British looked to levy higher taxes on the thirteen colonies in order to heal the debt they incurred from military and naval spending.

2. Taxes and Duties

If the Seven Years War had not exacerbated the divide between the colonies and the British metropole, the implementation of colonial taxation certainly did. The British witnessed these tensions first-hand when the Stamp Act of 1765 was introduced. Colonists bitterly opposed the new direct taxation on printed materials and forced the British Government to eventually repeal the legislation a year later.

“No taxation without representation” became an iconic slogan, as it effectively summarised the colonial outrage at the fact they were being taxed against their will and with no form of representation in Parliament.

A key cause of the American revolution which followed the Stamp Act was the introduction of Townshend Duties in 1767 and 1768. This was a series of acts that imposed new forms of indirect taxation of goods such as glass, paint, paper, lead and tea .

These duties caused outrage in the colonies and became the main root of spontaneous and violent opposition. Encouraged and rallied by propaganda leaflets and posters, such as those created by Paul Revere, colonists rioted and organised merchant boycotts. Eventually, the colonial response was met with fierce repression.

3. Boston Massacre (1770)

Just a year after the imposition of the Townshend Duties, the governor of Massachusetts was already calling for the other twelve colonies to join his state in resisting the British and boycotting their goods, which coincided with a riot in Boston over the seizure of a boat aptly named Liberty  for smuggling.

The Boston Massacre, 1770. Image credit: Paul Revere, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite these tremors of discontent, nothing suggested that the colonies might seriously consider fighting their British masters until the infamous Boston massacre of March 1770. This was one of the most significant causes of the American revolution.

A detachment of redcoats were accosted by a large crowd in the city, and bombarded with snowballs and more dangerous missiles as the cold and frustrated townsfolk vented their anger on the soldiers. Suddenly, they opened fire after a soldier was knocked down, killing five and injuring six others.

The Boston Massacre is often represented as the inevitable start of a revolution, but in fact it initially prompted Lord North’s government to withdraw the Townshend Acts and for a time it seemed like the worst of the crisis was over. However, radicals such as Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson kept the resentment ticking over.

4. Boston Tea Party (1773)

A switch had been flicked. The British government had a chance to make important political concessions to these disgruntled voices, yet they chose not to, and with this decision, the opportunity to avert rebellion was lost.

In 1772, a British ship which had been enforcing unpopular trade regulations was burned by angry patriots, while Samuel Adams set about creating Committees of Correspondence – a network of rebels across all of the 13 colonies.

Boston Tea Party. Image credit: Cornischong at lb.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Yet it was in December 1773 that the most famous and overt display of anger and resistance took place. A group of colonists led by Adams hopped aboard the East India Company trade vessel Dartmouth and poured 342 chests of tea (worth close to $2,000,000 in today’s currency) of British tea into the sea at Boston Harbour. This act – now known as the ‘Boston Tea Party’, remains important in patriotic American folklore.

5. Intolerable Acts (1774)

Rather than attempting to appease the rebels, the Boston Tea Party was met with the passing of the Intolerable Acts in 1774 by the British Crown. These punitive measures included the forced closure of Boston port and an order of compensation to the East India Company for damaged property. Town meetings were now also banned, and the authority of the royal governor was increased.

The British lost further support and patriots formed the First Continental Congress in the same year, a body where men from all the colonies were formally represented. In Britain, opinion was divided as the Whigs favoured reform while North’s Tories wanted to demonstrate the power of the British Parliament. It would be the Tories who got their way.

In the meantime, the First Continental Congress raised a militia, and in April 1775 the first shots of the war were fired as British troops clashed with militia men at the twin battles of Lexington and Concord. British reinforcements landed in Massachusetts and defeated the rebels at Bunker Hill in June – the first major battle of the American War of Independence.

Shortly after, the British withdrew into Boston – where they were besieged by an army commanded by the newly appointed General, and future president, George Washington.

6. King George III’s Speech to Parliament (1775)

On 26 October 1775 George III , King of Great Britain, stood up in front of his Parliament and declared the American colonies to be in a state of rebellion. Here, for the first time, the use of force was authorised against the rebels. The King’s speech was long but certain phrases made it clear that a major war against his own subjects was about to commence:

“It is now become the part of wisdom, and (in its effects) of clemency, to put a speedy end to these disorders by the most decisive exertions. For this purpose, I have increased my naval establishment, and greatly augmented my land forces, but in such a manner as may be the least burthensome to my kingdoms.”

After such a speech, the Whig position was silenced and a full-scale war was inevitable. From it the United States of America would emerge, and the course of history radically changed.

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“Causes of American Revolution” Essay

Causes of the american revolution.

The Colonies

The colonies in America were founded by people who wanted to escape from slavery or from religious and social inequalities. With the increasing power and control of the British over these colonies, the people feared the loss of freedom and wanted to do everything to remain free and this was one of the major reasons for the revolution.

The French and the Indian War

The war was fought between 1754 and 1763 and led to a lot of money being spent. Additionally, the American colonies and France allied with native Americans for the war. This also meant stationing the British troops in the American colonies and providing for their essential needs. To do so, the British government started imposing taxes on the people of the colonies with brought about a lot of resentment.

Taxes and Laws

There were several unfair and unjust laws and taxes that were imposed by the colonial government on the people of the colonies. The Sugar Act that increased taxes on molasses, the Stamp Act that required duty to be paid on legal documents and paper were some of the acts that led to discontent of the people. In addition, the government collected a high amount of taxes from the people who were not happy with the tax laws.

Boston Protests

Many people from the colonies started to protest against the laws and taxes in Boston. During one of the protests, shots were fired and this led to a massacre in Boston. This added fuel to the fire and prepared a strong ground for the revolution. The colonial government at this time also imposed a new tax on tea and this was protested against in the form of the Boston Tea Party.

Attacks on Towns

The British also attacked several towns like New York, New Jersey as well as the coastal towns in America that made people run for their lives. This further led to increasing unity between the people of the colonies who wanted to revolt against the government to stop atrocities and gain their independence.

The First Continental Congress

In the year 1774, 12 out of the 13 colonies of the Americans sent representatives to the First Continental Congress to raise their voice against the unjust acts and laws. A petition was sent to King George to repeal the act, but Congress did not receive any response. As a result, the people of the colonies decided to boycott British goods and this became one of the main reasons for the revolution.

All these events eventually led to the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, at the end of which America was able to gain its independence.

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