american revolution

What global movement influenced the American Revolution?

The Enlightenment — emphasized reason, natural rights, liberty, and equality.

Who were the early American colonists?

Mostly English settlers, often white, educated, and property-owning.

How did colonial governments operate before 1760s?

Colonies had local assemblies and some self-rule, though ultimate authority was the British crown.

Why did colonies grow more independent by the mid-1700s?

Geographic distance from Britain + experience with self-governance strengthened colonial institutions.

John Locke (England)

Advocated natural rights (life, liberty, property) and government by consent; influenced U.S. Constitution.

Montesquieu (France)

Advocated separation of powers: legislative (make laws), executive (enforce laws), judicial (interpret laws).

Rousseau (France)

Advocated social contract; government should protect citizens’ rights, people can challenge unjust authority.

Voltaire (France)

Supported freedom of speech, religion, and thought.

How did Britain tighten control after mid-1700s?

Colonial governments weakened, Parliament imposed taxes, and Britain tried to dictate governance.

What was the Stamp Act (1765)?

Tax on legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards; led to colonial protest.

What was the Townshend Revenue Act (1767)?

Taxes on imported goods like paper, glass, and paint; colonists protested.

What were the Intolerable Acts (1774)?

Punitive laws after Boston Tea Party; restricted colonial self-rule and enforced British authority.

What happened at the Boston Tea Party (1773)?

Colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to protest Tea Act.

How did Thomas Paine influence independence?

Wrote Common Sense, urging colonists to declare independence.

How did the Declaration of Independence (1776) reflect Enlightenment ideas?

Emphasized natural rights, government by consent, and justification for rebellion.

Who were key revolutionary leaders?

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others.

When did the American Revolution begin?

1775 — Battles of Lexington and Concord (first armed conflicts).

What was the outcome of the American Revolution?

Independence from Britain → creation of the United States of America.

How did the U.S. Constitution reflect Enlightenment ideas?

Established government based on separation of powers, checks and balances, and protection of natural rights.

Broader influence of the American Revolution?

Inspired Atlantic revolutions (French, Latin American), showing Enlightenment ideas could reshape governments.

What was the Enlightenment?

An intellectual movement (late 1600s–1800s) that emphasized reason, science, and natural laws to understand society and governmen

When and where did the Enlightenment begin?

Late EMP in Europe, especially France and England; spread to the Americas.(enlightenment is applied in modern period not started)

What did Enlightenment thinkers believe about human nature?

humans are rational and capable of solving problems through reason.

How did science influence Enlightenment thinkers?

The Scientific Revolution introduced methods were applied to society and politics to discover natural laws, which is what thre enlightenment is based on (enlightenment is applied in modern period not started)

What are “natural laws”?

life, liberty, and property (pursuit of happiness based on thomas jef)

How did the Enlightenment challenge traditional government?

Questioned absolute monarchy and divine right; supported limited government.

How did Locke justify revolution?

If a government violates natural rights, the people have the right to overthrow it.

What are the three branches of government?

Legislative (make laws), Executive (enforce laws), Judicial (interpret laws).

What is the social contract?

An agreement where citizens give power to a government in exchange for protection of rights.

Voltaire supported which freedoms?

Freedom of speech, religion, and thought.

How did Enlightenment thinkers view religion?

Supported religious tolerance and criticized superstition and church authority.

What did Enlightenment thinkers say about equality?

All people are born equal with natural rights (though often limited in practice).

How did Enlightenment ideas spread?

Books, pamphlets, salons, and increased literacy.

Why did Enlightenment ideas appeal to American colonists?

Justified self-government and resistance to tyranny.

what is the bill of rights?

the first 10 admenments that gurantees basic rights