The American Revolution: Causes, Course, and Consequences

The American Revolution (1775-1783)

2.1. Causes of the War

• Ideological factors:
  • Colonists were influenced by Enlightenment ideas about liberty and equality.
  • These ideas became the basis for the independence movement.
• Political factors:
  • British Parliament made decisions about taxes and other issues related to the colonies.
  • Great Britain refused to allow the colonies to be represented in Parliament.
• Economic and social factors:
  • Wealthy colonial bourgeoisie wanted freedom to trade without British interference.
  • They also wanted to occupy territories to the west.
  • The high cost of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) led to increased taxes on products like tea, sugar, and lead.
  • Colonies refused to pay these taxes, leading to protests like the Boston Tea Party.

2.2. The War of Independence

• Colonies decided to fight for independence and created their own army led by George Washington.
• Great Britain had some initial military successes, but colonists took politically significant actions.
• On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress proclaimed the Declaration of Independence.
• Colonists' military victory at the Battle of Saratoga led France and Spain to offer support.
• This led to a ceasefire and eventually the Treaty of Versailles (1783), which recognized the independence of the United States of America.

Consequences of the American Revolution

• United States became a symbol for the struggle for liberty and equality.
• Showed that Enlightenment ideas could be put into practice.