American Revolution

Question 1

What were the causes of the American Revolution?

Answer 1

The enlightenment: this movement valued signs and reason over faith and authority challenging the divine rights of kings
Restriction on trade : Britain wanted America to be a source of raw materials and a market for British goods. The navigation act forced colonies to sell products like cotton sugar and tobacco only to Britain.
The seven years war 1576 to 1563: Britain wanted the colonies to help pay for the army station there
No taxation without representation: the stamp act 1765 imposed a fee on legal documents, newspapers and more. The quartering act 1765 tax colonist cover soldiers cost. Colonist protested with the slogan, no taxation without representation.

Question 2

What was the first continental Congress?

Answer 2

It happened in 1775 and representatives from each colony met in Philadelphia to oppose British taxes boycott British goods, and prepare for war by training soldiers and stockpiling weapons.

Question 3

Tell me about the main event/course of the American Revolution

Answer 3

• George Washington led the Continental Army, which was smaller and less equipped than the British Army.
• Despite losing at Bunker Hill, the Americans captured cannons and rifles at the Battle of Boston.
• British General Howe captured Philadelphia in 1777, but the Americans won at Saratoga.
• During the winter at Valley Forge (1777-1778), the army suffered but Washington’s decision to stick by them and his undying loyalty led to a strong connection in the army and emerged stronger than before
• France, Spain, and the Netherlands joined the war against Britain in 1778.
• The decisive victory came at the Battle of Yorktown (1781), where British troops surrendered to American and French forces.
• The Treaty of Paris (1783) recognized the colonies’ independence from the British Empire.

Question 4

Tell me about the results of the American Revolution

Answer 4

1. Foundation of the United States of America : Over 200 years, it grew to 50 states. This expansion came at the cost of indigenous American peoples and their cultures.
2. By 1900, millions of immigrants| from around the world had settled in the US.
3. Impact on France and Ireland : The revolution inspired the French Revolution (1789) and the 1798
   United Irishmen Rebellion.
4. Influence of Ideas: The Declaration of Independence stated ‘all men are created equal’, but this
   initially applied only to white Christian men. Women, black slaves, and indigenous Americans continued to fight for equal rights.

Question 5

What were the consequences of the American Revolution?

Answer 5

1. Formation of a New Nation
   • One of the most significant consequences of the American Revolution was the establishment of the United States as a new, independent nation.
2. Change in Global Power Dynamics
   • The success of the American Revolution signalled a shift in global power.
   • It marked the beginning of the decline of the British Empire and the rise of the United States as an influential power.
3. The Navigation Acts were Lifted
   • Similarly, the Navigation Acts that previously inhibited the US from trading with other countries were lifted, meaning that they could not control their imports and exports.
4. George Washington
   • George Washington became the first US President.
   • The US capital city Washington is named after him.