Wars are indelible parts of the history of mankind. But the American revolution is one of the most popular. It signaled the end of British control, the birth of America, and the alliance between unlikely states. The battle was a military and political struggle between 1765 and 1783. It started as a simple protest but spiraled into a full-fledged war that resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 patriots. But despite its popularity, not many people know the circumstances that led to the conflict apart from history students. College professors assign American revolution essays to educate them on the topic. This article will explore the origin of the revolutionary movement and its effects.
The Root Causes of The Revolution
Before the conflict, Great Britain controlled North American territories that went on to form the USA. The battle lasted for over a decade and was due to growing estrangement between these states and the Crown. The colonial master has always adhered to the salutary neglect policy.
Under this policy, imperial supervision of internal colonial affairs was loose. Not only this, but trade regulations were laxly enforced as long as the colonies remained loyal to the crown and contributed to England’s profitability.
This historical event is a popular topic at schools and universities. As a result, lots of students write an American revolution research paper as part of the term paper or project. If you need some inspiration, check out the American revolution essay examples on StudyDriver where you can get essay topic and content ideas. For example, The French and Indian conflict, difference between the American and French Revolutions, etc. is discussed there. Besides coursework, it provides an archive for widening your understanding.
In early 1778, the conflict remained within the realm. But France and Spain joined in 1778 and 1779, respectively, and their support turned it into an international conflict. An essay on the American revolution gives an in-depth understanding of the issue. For something interesting, explore the story from different angles. In your American revolution thesis statement, talk about the land campaigns, the battle at sea, the aftermath, or key facts.
We can trace the events of the battle to six elements that are discussed below.
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The Seven Years of War (1756-1763)
The British and French empires participated in seven years of conflict to expand their territories. In the process, the nations racked up huge amounts in debt. England emerged victorious and assimilated previously held French territories. But it led to great economic hardship in the US as the administration levied higher duties to cover its military expenditures.
Taxes and Duties
The King of England made colonists bear the expenses of maintaining the territories. They introduced the Stamp Act of 1765, but the opposition forced them to repeal the legislation after one year. Citizens protested the “No taxation without representation,” and various other duties like the Townshend Duties led to spontaneous and violent oppositions. But England responded with fierce repression.
Boston Massacre (1770)
A year after imposing the Townshend Duties, the Massachusetts governor started calling on the 12 other territories to join him in resisting the British government. It coincided with a riot in Boston over the seizure of a smuggling boat and led to a massacre that killed five and injured six.
Boston Tea Party (1773)
The Boston massacre flicked a switch. But instead of satiating the people’s anger, the Crown chose to ignore the disgruntled voices. In 1772, angry patriots burned a British ship. In December, Samuel Adams led a group of colonists abroad on the East India Company trade vessel. They emptied 342 chests of tea (worth about $2,000,000 today) into the sea.
Intolerable Acts (1774)
Instead of quashing the growing dissent, the Crown ordered the compensation of the East India Company and forced the closure of the port. They also increased the governor’s authority and banned town meetings. In April 1775, militiamen clashed with British troops and fired the first shot of the war at the twin battles in Concord and Lexington.
King George III’s Parliament Speech (1775)
In 1775, King George declared the U.S. colonies to be in a state of rebellion before the parliament. As a result, he authorized the use of force. After his speech, the countries launched into a full-scale battle.
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The Effect of The Revolution on America
The battle sparked various economic and cultural shifts in the US. For example, it ended the mercantilist system. The principles promulgated liberty for all men. As a result, egalitarian values emerged in place of the aristocracy and class system. Citizens could now vote, including men that did not own lands.
The Economic Consequence
The state battle did not immediately affect the country’s GDP until several decades later. Banks could no longer lend to people, and England threatened to nullify treaties if they were not paid. In response, 55 delegates convened for the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. This led to the creation of the country’s first bank and the Secretary of the Treasury. It also established the electoral college, and new treaties facilitated western expansion.
The Social Effect
After severing ties with England, the new nation gave more authority to landowning white men. On the other hand, it disrupted the lifestyle of Native Americans. Citizens ignored African Americans, including those who fought in the battle. Not only this but states in the south continued slave practices. Women also started seeking equality.
The Revolution: How the Ideals of Freedom and Democracy Shaped America
The revolution set the stage for political independence from England and separation from the empire. The US was the first nation in modern times to achieve this feat. Apart from this, it established a republic with a regime to oversee the interests of the people. The revolution influenced other Atlantic revolutions and led to the creation of republican governments.
One of the effects of the conflict is the creation of the United States’ national identity. It forged a sense of community based on shared mutual experience, culture, and belief in a common destiny. It also fostered the commitment to ideas of liberty and equality. Not just this, but also natural and civil rights and responsible citizenship were enabled.
Conclusion
The revolution had various long-term and short-term consequences. It led to the declaration of independence, growth, and diffusion of the population, and politics. But it also affected the lives of women, slaves, and Native Americans. It ended mercantilism, people gained more authority to vote, and it opened new markets and trade relationships. Ultimately, the state battle marked the beginning of the prosperous nation we know today.