The American Revolution

American Revolution Key Facts

Date: 1775-1783

Foundational principles: inalienable rights and role of government

Difference between US and UK: absence of hierarchical class system

Migration patterns: mostly middle class migrated to US

New US values: individualism, equality, and opposition to tyranny

Economic state: resources like tobacco and agriculture, high land availability + low pop = increased value of labour

Key figures

Hector Saint Jean Crevecouer: recognised American was undergoing change before 1775

Ralph Waldo Emerson: wrote a poem celebrating the beginning of revolution, emphasising the struggle of “embattled farmers” who fired the “shots heard around the world.”

George Washington: not traditional leader as elite with much to lose

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin: vital roles in leadership and ideology

Thomas Paine: wrote Common Sense which framed the revolution as a fight for universal human rights and equality, urging the colonists to recognise potential. Necessary for expedient of the people

Before revolution

Catalyst: 1763, end of Seven Year’s War (UK v. France), increased taxation to cover war costs

Last straw: 1765, Stamp Act

• Response:

  • Economic boycott: merchants would not import UK goods

  • Political action: Stamp Act Congress to oppose taxes and articulate grievances through declarations of rights

  • Social mobilisation: Sons of Liberty who used non-compliance and force against tax collectors

  • Turned an elite-led movement into a mass one 

• Perspective on new acts: Coercive Acts v. Intolerable Acts

  • Generally perceived as an erosion of rights 

Growing consciousness among colonists about their rights and challenging authority in pursuit of liberty

“No taxation without representation.”

During revolution

First confrontation: April 9, 1775, Battles of Lexington and Concord

• British tactics: led by Thomas Gage, marched with drums and wore bright red uniforms

  • Effect: instill fear, reflect confidence, assert legitimacy

• Colonial motivations

  • Opposed British Parliamentary Acts as intolerable and willing to risk their lives for liberty

  • Rebellion also driven by desire for self-governance

Declaration of Independence 

• Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and defined their rights against the monarchy

• Emphasised governments exist to serve the people, legitimising rebellion against unjust rule

British strategy

• Isolate New England and capture key cities

  • Poor execution and underestimated colonial commitment

General Burgoyne’s surrender

• At Sarotoga

• Symbolised a turning point

• Attracted French support

End of revolution

Victory at Yorktown

• Cornwallis’ surrendered 1981, effectively ending major military actions

Post-Revolution

Number of deaths: over 55,000 colonial deaths during Revolutionary War (1775-1781)

Government

• Established government through constitutional conventions

  • Emphasised relationship between governance and citizens’ rights

• Founding Father’s aim: making a system that empowered a government to control the governed while preventing tyranny and maintaining its purpose of protecting inalienable rights

• Paradoxical: need for government, must prevent corruption

Post-war conflicts:

• Inability to unify states

• Struggle to manage debts

• Shay’s Rebellion (1786-1887)

Constitution

• Reaction to fear of tyranny

• 1787: feared disintegration, representatives of states met in Philadelphia to draft the Constitution

• Washington’s decision to participate led to greater representation from all states

• Built the Constitution on a mix of governance philosophies:

  • Aristotle:

    • Monarchy (executive)

    • Oligarchy (senate)

    • Democracy (house of representatives)

Separation of powers:

• Checks and balances

• Three main branches:

  • Legislative (congress)

  • Executive (president)

  • Judiciary (courts)

    • Purpose: prevent any single body from gaining too much power

  • Laws are made by Congress, excited by the President, and reviewed by the judiciary for constitutionality

• James Madison: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

  • Acknowledgement revolutions do not change human nature but reorganise power structures

Federalist Paper’s

• Written by John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton under the pseudonym Publius

Bill of Rights 

• Starts with “We the People”

  • Emphasising national unity 

• First ten amendments: addresses personal liberties and rights against government overreach

  • First Amendment: freedom of conscience, speech, and assembly

  • Second Amendment: right to bear arms related to militia service

  • Fourth Amendment: protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

  • Fifth Amendment: right to remain silent and due process

  • Eighth Amendment: protection against cruel and unusual punishment