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American Revolution

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The American Revolution was a period of political and military upheaval in the 13 American colonies that led to the formation of the United States of America. The Revolution began with the colonial resistance to British rule that followed the French and Indian War. The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marked the formal break between the colonies and Great Britain. The Revolution ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized the independence of the United States.

Causes of the Revolution

The American Revolution was caused by a number of factors, including:

  • British economic policies: The British government imposed a number of taxes on the colonies, including the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the Tea Act. These taxes were unpopular in the colonies, and they led to protests and demonstrations.
  • British political policies: The British government also imposed a number of political restrictions on the colonies, including the Declaratory Act, which asserted the British Parliament's right to pass laws for the colonies in all cases whatsoever.
  • Colonial desire for self-government: The colonists increasingly resented British rule and desired a greater say in their own affairs.

Course of the Revolution

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The American Revolution was a period of political and military upheaval in the 13 American colonies that led to the formation of the United States of America. The Revolution began with the colonial resistance to British rule that followed the French and Indian War. The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marked the formal break between the colonies and Great Britain. The Revolution ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized the independence of the United States.

Causes of the Revolution

The American Revolution was caused by a number of factors, including:

  • British economic policies: The British government imposed a number of taxes on the colonies, including the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the Tea Act. These taxes were unpopular in the colonies, and they led to protests and demonstrations.
  • British political policies: The British government also imposed a number of political restrictions on the colonies, including the Declaratory Act, which asserted the British Parliament's right to pass laws for the colonies in all cases whatsoever.
  • Colonial desire for self-government: The colonists increasingly resented British rule and desired a greater say in their own affairs.

Course of the Revolution

The American Revolution began with the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775. The Continental Congress raised an army and appointed George Washington as its commander-in-chief. The British won a number of early victories, but the colonists gradually gained the upper hand. The turning point of the war came in 1777, when the British surrendered at the Battle of Saratoga. This victory convinced the French to enter the war on the side of the colonists. With French help, the colonists won a number of decisive victories, and the British surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, recognizing the independence of the United States.

Legacy of the Revolution

The American Revolution had a profound impact on the United States and the world. The Revolution established the United States as a new nation and a beacon of democracy. It also inspired other revolutions around the world, including the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution. The American Revolution also had a significant impact on the development of democracy and human rights.

Why Study the American Revolution?

There are many reasons to study the American Revolution. The Revolution was a pivotal event in the history of the United States, and it shaped the nation's political, economic, and social institutions. Studying the Revolution can help us understand the origins of the United States and the principles upon which it was founded. The Revolution also provides lessons about leadership, strategy, and the importance of fighting for one's beliefs.

Online Courses on the American Revolution

There are many online courses available that can help you learn about the American Revolution. These courses can provide a comprehensive overview of the Revolution, or they can focus on specific aspects of the Revolution, such as the political, military, or social history of the period. Online courses can be a great way to learn about the American Revolution at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Careers Related to the American Revolution

There are a number of careers that are related to the American Revolution. These careers include:

  • Historian: Historians study the past, and many historians specialize in the American Revolution.
  • Museum curator: Museum curators oversee the collections of museums, and many museums have collections of artifacts from the American Revolution.
  • Archaeologist: Archaeologists study the past through the excavation and analysis of archaeological sites, and many archaeologists have worked on sites related to the American Revolution.
  • Teacher: Teachers teach about the American Revolution in schools and universities.
  • Writer: Writers write about the American Revolution, including historians, journalists, and novelists.

Conclusion

The American Revolution was a pivotal event in the history of the United States and the world. The Revolution established the United States as a new nation and a beacon of democracy. It also inspired other revolutions around the world, including the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution. The American Revolution also had a significant impact on the development of democracy and human rights. Studying the Revolution can help us understand the origins of the United States and the principles upon which it was founded. The Revolution also provides lessons about leadership, strategy, and the importance of fighting for one's beliefs.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in American Revolution.
This multi-volume work is the most comprehensive and authoritative history of the American Revolution available. It is written by a team of leading scholars and provides a detailed account of the political, military, and social aspects of the Revolution.
This four-volume work provides a comprehensive overview of the American Revolution from a variety of perspectives. It includes essays by leading scholars on the political, military, social, and economic aspects of the Revolution.
Argues that the American Revolution was not just a local conflict, but a global war that involved the major powers of Europe. It provides a fresh perspective on the Revolution and its impact on the world.
This classic work argues that the American Revolution was driven by the colonists' commitment to republicanism and individual liberty. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the intellectual foundations of the Revolution.
Examines the social and economic changes that occurred during the American Revolution. It argues that the Revolution was a transformative event that led to the creation of a more egalitarian and democratic society.
Provides a detailed account of the military campaigns of the American Revolution. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the military aspects of the conflict.
Provides a concise overview of the American Revolution. It is ideal for students who are new to the topic or who are looking for a quick refresher.
Contains a collection of primary source documents from the American Revolution. It valuable resource for students who want to read the original sources for themselves.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the scholarly literature on the American Revolution. It is an essential resource for students and researchers who are interested in the topic.
Provides a timeline of the major events of the American Revolution. It useful resource for students who want to get a quick overview of the conflict.
Examines the cultural aspects of the American Revolution. It explores how the Revolution affected the arts, literature, and music of the time.
Contains biographical sketches of over 500 people who played a role in the American Revolution. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the people involved in the conflict.
Examines the historiography of the American Revolution. It explores how historians have interpreted the Revolution over time.
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