causes of american revolution essay

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center

Causes and Effects of the American Revolution

The Root Causes of the American Revolution

The cause of the american revolution.

• America's Independent Way of Thinking

The Freedoms and Restrictions of Location

The control of government, the economic troubles, the corruption and control, the criminal justice system, grievances that led to revolution and the constitution.

• M.A., History, University of Florida
• B.A., History, University of Florida

The American Revolution began in 1775 as an open conflict between the United Thirteen Colonies  and Great Britain. Many factors played a role in the colonists' desires to fight for their independence. Not only did these issues lead to war , but they also shaped the foundation of the United States of America.

No single event caused the revolution. It was, instead, a series of events that led to the war . Essentially, it began as a disagreement over the way Great Britain governed the colonies and the way the colonies thought they should be treated. Americans felt they deserved all the rights of Englishmen. The British, on the other hand, thought that the colonies were created to be used in ways that best suited the Crown and Parliament. This conflict is embodied in one of the rallying cries of the ​ American Revolution : "No Taxation Without Representation."

America's Independent Way of Thinking

In order to understand what led to the rebellion, it's important to look at the mindset of the founding fathers . It should also be noted that this mindset was not that of the majority of colonists. There were no pollsters during the American revolution, but it's safe to say its popularity rose and fell over the course of the war. Historian Robert M. Calhoon estimated that only about 40–45% of the free population supported the revolution, while about 15–20% of the free white males remained loyal.     

The 18th century is known historically as the age of Enlightenment . It was a period when thinkers, philosophers, statesman, and artists began to question the politics of government, the role of the church, and other fundamental and ethical questions of society as a whole. The period was also known as the Age of Reason, and many colonists followed this new way of thinking.

A number of the revolutionary leaders had studied major writings of the Enlightenment, including those of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and the Baron de Montesquieu. From these thinkers, the founders gleaned such new political concepts as the social contract , limited government, the consent of the governed, and the  separation of powers .

Locke's writings, in particular, struck a chord. His books helped to raise questions about the rights of the governed and the overreach of the British government. They spurred the "republican" ideology that stood up in opposition to those viewed as tyrants.

Men such as Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were also influenced by the teachings of the Puritans and Presbyterians. These teachings included such new radical ideas as the principle that all men are created equal and the belief that a king has no divine rights. Together, these innovative ways of thinking led many in this era to consider it their duty to rebel against laws they viewed as unjust.

The geography of the colonies also contributed to the revolution. Their distance from Great Britain naturally created a sense of independence that was hard to overcome. Those willing to colonize the new world generally had a strong independent streak with a profound desire for new opportunities and more freedom.

The Proclamation of 1763 played its own role. After the French and Indian War , King George III issued the royal decree that prevented further colonization west of the Appalachian Mountains. The intent was to normalize relations with the Indigenous peoples, many of whom fought with the French.

A number of settlers had purchased land in the now forbidden area or had received land grants. The crown's proclamation was largely ignored as settlers moved anyway and the "Proclamation Line" eventually moved after much lobbying. Despite this concession, the affair left another stain on the relationship between the colonies and Britain.

The existence of colonial legislatures meant that the colonies were in many ways independent of the crown. The legislatures were allowed to levy taxes, muster troops, and pass laws. Over time, these powers became rights in the eyes of many colonists.

The British government had different ideas and attempted to curtail the powers of these newly elected bodies. There were numerous measures designed to ensure the colonial legislatures did not achieve autonomy, although many had nothing to do with the larger British Empire . In the minds of colonists, they were a matter of local concern.

From these small, rebellious legislative bodies that represented the colonists, the future leaders of the United States were born.

Even though the British believed in mercantilism , Prime Minister Robert Walpole espoused a view of " salutary neglect ." This system was in place from 1607 through 1763, during which the British were lax on enforcement of external trade relations. Walpole believed this enhanced freedom would stimulate commerce.

The French and Indian War led to considerable economic trouble for the British government. Its cost was significant, and the British were determined to make up for the lack of funds. They levied new taxes on the colonists and increased trade regulations. These actions were not well received by the colonists.

New taxes were enforced, including the Sugar Act and the Currency Act , both in 1764. The Sugar Act increased already considerable taxes on molasses and restricted certain export goods to Britain alone. The Currency Act prohibited the printing of money in the colonies, making businesses rely more on the crippled British economy. 

Feeling underrepresented, overtaxed, and unable to engage in free trade, the colonists rallied to the slogan, "No Taxation Without Representation." This discontent became very apparent in 1773 with the events that later became known as the Boston Tea Party .

The British government's presence became increasingly more visible in the years leading to the revolution. British officials and soldiers were given more control over the colonists and this led to widespread corruption.

Among the most glaring of these issues were the "Writs of Assistance." These were general search warrants that gave British soldiers the right to search and seize any property they deemed to be smuggled or illegal goods. Designed to assist the British in enforcing trade laws, these documents allowed British soldiers to enter, search, and seize warehouses, private homes, and ships whenever necessary. However, many abused this power.

In 1761, Boston lawyer James Otis fought for the constitutional rights of the colonists in this matter but lost. The defeat only inflamed the level of defiance and ultimately led to the Fourth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution .

The Third Amendment was also inspired by the overreach of the British government. Forcing colonists to house British soldiers in their homes infuriated the population. It was inconvenient and costly to the colonists, and many also found it a traumatic experience after events like the  Boston Massacre in 1770 .

Trade and commerce were overly controlled, the British Army made its presence known, and the local colonial government was limited by a power far across the Atlantic Ocean. If these affronts to the colonists' dignity were not enough to ignite the fires of rebellion, American colonists also had to endure a corrupt justice system.

Political protests became a regular occurrence as these realities set in. In 1769, Alexander McDougall was imprisoned for libel when his work "To the Betrayed Inhabitants of the City and Colony of New York" was published. His imprisonment and the Boston Massacre were just two infamous examples of the measures the British took to crack down on protesters. 

After six British soldiers were acquitted and two dishonorably discharged for the Boston Massacre—ironically enough, they were defended by John Adams—the British government changed the rules. From then on, officers accused of any offense in the colonies would be sent to England for trial. This meant that fewer witnesses would be on hand to give their accounts of events and it led to even fewer convictions.

To make matters even worse, jury trials were replaced with verdicts and punishments handed down directly by colonial judges. Over time, the colonial authorities lost power over this as well because the judges were known to be chosen, paid, and supervised by the British government. The right to a fair trial by a jury of their peers was no longer possible for many colonists.

All of these grievances that colonists had with the British government led to the events of the American Revolution. And many of these grievances directly affected what the founding fathers wrote into the U.S. Constitution . These constitutional rights and principles reflect the hopes of the framers that the new American government would not subject their citizens to the same loss of freedoms that the colonists had experienced under Britain's rule.

Schellhammer, Michael. " John Adams's Rule of Thirds ." Critical Thinking, Journal of the American Revolution . 11 Feb. 2013.

Calhoon, Robert M. " Loyalism and Neutrality ." A Companion to the American Revolution , edited by Jack P. Greene and J. R. Pole, Wiley, 2008, pp. 235-247, doi:10.1002/9780470756454.ch29 

• All About the Sons of Liberty
• The Currency Act of 1764
• American Revolution: The Boston Massacre
• American Revolution: The Stamp Act of 1765
• American Revolution: Boston Tea Party
• American Revolution: The Intolerable Acts
• The Road to the American Revolution
• The Albany Plan of Union
• What Were the Navigation Acts?
• American Revolution: Battle of Yorktown
• America's Most Influential Founding Fathers
• American Revolution: Siege of Boston
• The Battles of Lexington and Concord
• Check Your Knowledge: Dissent Turns to Revolution
• An Introduction to the American Revolutionary War
• The Treaty of Paris 1783

Sign Up Today

Start your 14 day free trial today

History Hit Story of England: Making of a Nation

• America 1765 - 1865

6 Key Causes of the American Revolution

14 Jan 2021

@histluketomes.

This educational video is a visual version of this article and presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Please see our AI ethics and diversity policy for more information on how we use AI and select presenters on our website.

The American War of Independence (1775-1783) served as a harsh lesson to the British Empire that the dominions they controlled, if treated improperly, would always be susceptible to revolution.

The British did not wish to see the thirteen colonies break away from their realm, yet their colonial policies in the late-18th century proved consistently disastrous, demonstrating a complete lack of empathy or common understanding with the American population.

One might argue that independence was always on the horizon in this period for North America, yet even in an era of enlightenment the British seemed, through sheer ignorance, negligence and pride, to seal their own fate.

As with any revolution in history, ideological differences may have provided the foundation and impetus for change, but it is so often the events in the run up to the internal struggle that enhance tensions and ultimately trigger the conflict. The American Revolution was no different. Here are 6 key causes of the American revolution.

1. Seven Years War (1756-1763)

Although the Seven Years War was a multinational conflict, the main belligerents were the British and French Empires. Each looking to expand their territory across numerous continents, both nations suffered mass casualties and racked up copious amounts of debt in order to fund the long and ardous struggle for territorial dominance.

Arguably the most important theatre of the war was in North America, which in 1756 had been geographically split between the empires of the British, French and Spanish. With key but costly victories at Quebec and Fort Niagara, the British were able to emerge victorious from the war and henceforth assimilated large swathes of previously held French territory in Canada and the Mid-West as a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

After a three-month siege of Quebec City, British forces captured the city at the Plains of Abraham. Image credit: Hervey Smyth (1734-1811), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While British victory had removed any French and Native Indian threat (to an extent) to the thirteen colonies, the war had led to greater economic hardship in the US and an acknowledgment of the cultural differences between colonists and Britons.

Clashes in ideologies became all the more apparent as the British looked to levy higher taxes on the thirteen colonies in order to heal the debt they incurred from military and naval spending.

2. Taxes and Duties

If the Seven Years War had not exacerbated the divide between the colonies and the British metropole, the implementation of colonial taxation certainly did. The British witnessed these tensions first-hand when the Stamp Act of 1765 was introduced. Colonists bitterly opposed the new direct taxation on printed materials and forced the British Government to eventually repeal the legislation a year later.

“No taxation without representation” became an iconic slogan, as it effectively summarised the colonial outrage at the fact they were being taxed against their will and with no form of representation in Parliament.

A key cause of the American revolution which followed the Stamp Act was the introduction of Townshend Duties in 1767 and 1768. This was a series of acts that imposed new forms of indirect taxation of goods such as glass, paint, paper, lead and tea .

These duties caused outrage in the colonies and became the main root of spontaneous and violent opposition. Encouraged and rallied by propaganda leaflets and posters, such as those created by Paul Revere, colonists rioted and organised merchant boycotts. Eventually, the colonial response was met with fierce repression.

3. Boston Massacre (1770)

Just a year after the imposition of the Townshend Duties, the governor of Massachusetts was already calling for the other twelve colonies to join his state in resisting the British and boycotting their goods, which coincided with a riot in Boston over the seizure of a boat aptly named Liberty  for smuggling.

The Boston Massacre, 1770. Image credit: Paul Revere, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite these tremors of discontent, nothing suggested that the colonies might seriously consider fighting their British masters until the infamous Boston massacre of March 1770. This was one of the most significant causes of the American revolution.

A detachment of redcoats were accosted by a large crowd in the city, and bombarded with snowballs and more dangerous missiles as the cold and frustrated townsfolk vented their anger on the soldiers. Suddenly, they opened fire after a soldier was knocked down, killing five and injuring six others.

The Boston Massacre is often represented as the inevitable start of a revolution, but in fact it initially prompted Lord North’s government to withdraw the Townshend Acts and for a time it seemed like the worst of the crisis was over. However, radicals such as Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson kept the resentment ticking over.

4. Boston Tea Party (1773)

A switch had been flicked. The British government had a chance to make important political concessions to these disgruntled voices, yet they chose not to, and with this decision, the opportunity to avert rebellion was lost.

In 1772, a British ship which had been enforcing unpopular trade regulations was burned by angry patriots, while Samuel Adams set about creating Committees of Correspondence – a network of rebels across all of the 13 colonies.

Boston Tea Party. Image credit: Cornischong at lb.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Yet it was in December 1773 that the most famous and overt display of anger and resistance took place. A group of colonists led by Adams hopped aboard the East India Company trade vessel Dartmouth and poured 342 chests of tea (worth close to $2,000,000 in today’s currency) of British tea into the sea at Boston Harbour. This act – now known as the ‘Boston Tea Party’, remains important in patriotic American folklore.

5. Intolerable Acts (1774)

Rather than attempting to appease the rebels, the Boston Tea Party was met with the passing of the Intolerable Acts in 1774 by the British Crown. These punitive measures included the forced closure of Boston port and an order of compensation to the East India Company for damaged property. Town meetings were now also banned, and the authority of the royal governor was increased.

The British lost further support and patriots formed the First Continental Congress in the same year, a body where men from all the colonies were formally represented. In Britain, opinion was divided as the Whigs favoured reform while North’s Tories wanted to demonstrate the power of the British Parliament. It would be the Tories who got their way.

In the meantime, the First Continental Congress raised a militia, and in April 1775 the first shots of the war were fired as British troops clashed with militia men at the twin battles of Lexington and Concord. British reinforcements landed in Massachusetts and defeated the rebels at Bunker Hill in June – the first major battle of the American War of Independence.

Shortly after, the British withdrew into Boston – where they were besieged by an army commanded by the newly appointed General, and future president, George Washington.

6. King George III’s Speech to Parliament (1775)

On 26 October 1775 George III , King of Great Britain, stood up in front of his Parliament and declared the American colonies to be in a state of rebellion. Here, for the first time, the use of force was authorised against the rebels. The King’s speech was long but certain phrases made it clear that a major war against his own subjects was about to commence:

“It is now become the part of wisdom, and (in its effects) of clemency, to put a speedy end to these disorders by the most decisive exertions. For this purpose, I have increased my naval establishment, and greatly augmented my land forces, but in such a manner as may be the least burthensome to my kingdoms.”

After such a speech, the Whig position was silenced and a full-scale war was inevitable. From it the United States of America would emerge, and the course of history radically changed.

You May Also Like

The Dark History of Bearded Ladies

Did this Document Legitimise the Yorkists Claim to the Throne?

The Strange Sport of Pedestrianism Got Victorians Hooked on Coca

Puzzle Over These Ancient Greek Paradoxes

In Ancient Rome, Gladiators Rarely Fought to the Death

Archaeologists Uncover Two Roman Wells on a British Road

Young Stalin Made His Name as a Bank Robber

3 Things We Learned from Meet the Normans with Eleanor Janega

Reintroducing ‘Dan Snow’s History Hit’ Podcast with a Rebrand and Refresh

Don’t Try This Tudor Health Hack: Bathing in Distilled Puppy Juice

Coming to History Hit in August

Coming to History Hit in September

The Revolution

The foundations of the constitution: the american revolution begins, introduction.

Defining the American Revolution within its historical context is crucial to understanding its significance in the course of American history.

The American Revolution was a pivotal event that transformed the thirteen American colonies from subjects of the British Empire into an independent nation. This treatise aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of this revolution, from its causes and progression to its profound impact on American society and its enduring ideological legacy.

The thesis of this treatise is that the American Revolution was not merely a war for independence, but a complex and transformative movement driven by a combination of factors, including British colonial policies, Enlightenment ideas, socioeconomic tensions, and pivotal events that culminated in the Declaration of Independence . Its consequences reshaped the course of history, both domestically and internationally, leaving a lasting legacy of freedom and democracy.

Causes of the American Revolution

British colonial policy.

The American Revolution was shaped significantly by British colonial policies that engendered growing discontent among the colonists. Among these policies, taxation was a focal point of contention. The Stamp Act of 1765, which imposed taxes on various printed materials, and the Townshend Acts of 1767, which levied duties on imported goods, were met with vehement opposition.

In addition to taxation, the Navigation Acts imposed restrictions on colonial trade, compelling colonists to trade primarily with Britain and its territories. These policies not only stifled economic growth but also bred resentment among those who sought more economic autonomy.

Enlightenment Ideas and Philosophical Influences

The Enlightenment, a period marked by intellectual flourishing and the spread of rationalist ideas, played a pivotal role in fomenting revolutionary sentiments. Influential thinkers like John Locke, whose ideas on natural rights and government’s obligation to protect them, and Montesquieu, whose theories on the separation of powers, deeply influenced American colonists.

These Enlightenment ideals not only provided intellectual underpinnings for the American Revolution but also ignited the belief that self-governance and liberty were inalienable rights that the British government was infringing upon.

Socioeconomic Factors

The American colonies were characterized by economic disparities and class tensions. The elites of colonial society were discontented with British economic policies, which they saw as detrimental to their prosperity. At the same time, the colonial economy was intricately tied to trade and commerce, further fueling resentment when British regulations interfered with these economic activities.

The tensions between the colonial elite and the common people, many of whom were struggling economically, contributed to the revolutionary fervor. The quest for greater economic independence and opportunities played a significant role in the growing unrest.

Events Leading to Conflict

While tensions simmered over time, several events served as catalysts for the outbreak of open conflict. The Boston Massacre of 1770, in which British soldiers killed five colonists during a confrontation, intensified anti-British sentiment.

Further escalation occurred with the Boston Tea Party in 1773 when colonists, disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded British ships and dumped chests of tea into Boston Harbor in protest of the Tea Act. These events marked a turning point, as they demonstrated the readiness of some colonists to use force to resist British authority.

American Revolution: From Rebellion to Independence

Initial responses to british policies.

The initial responses to British policies were marked by protests and resistance. Colonists organized themselves, forming Committees of Correspondence to exchange information and coordinate actions against British authorities. The First Continental Congress convened in 1774, bringing together representatives from twelve of the thirteen colonies to discuss grievances and strategies for collective action.

Outbreak of Armed Conflict

The armed conflict that would become the American Revolution began in earnest with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. These skirmishes between colonial militia and British forces marked the first military engagements of the revolution. Paul Revere’s midnight ride and the contributions of figures like Sam Adams played crucial roles in alerting and rallying the colonial forces.

Declaration of Independence

The pivotal moment in the American Revolution arrived with the drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Crafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration proclaimed the colonies’ intent to sever ties with Britain and outlined the philosophical foundations for their decision. It asserted the self-evident truths of equality and unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Military Campaigns and Key Figures

The subsequent years of the revolution were marked by a series of battles and campaigns, with George Washington emerging as a central figure. Key conflicts, such as the Battle of Saratoga and the Siege of Yorktown, significantly influenced the course of the war. The support of international allies, particularly the French, played a crucial role in securing American victory.

Impact of the American Revolution

Domestic changes.

The American Revolution ushered in significant changes within the newly independent nation. The colonies transitioned into states, each drafting its own constitution and establishing governments. The Articles of Confederation served as the first attempt at a national government but proved ineffective, eventually leading to the drafting of the United States Constitution in 1787.

International Consequences

The American Revolution had far-reaching consequences on the international stage. It served as an inspiration for other independence movements, most notably the French Revolution. The successful American bid for independence also reshaped global politics, altering alliances and diplomatic relationships.

Ideological Legacy

The revolution’s ideological legacy left an indelible mark on American society. The principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, including the belief in individual rights and limited government, influenced the framing of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The American Revolution set a precedent for democratic governance and the protection of citizens’ rights that continues to shape American political and social life.

Challenges and Controversies

Loyalists and divided loyalties.

While the American Revolution garnered support from many colonists, it also created significant divisions and challenges. Loyalists, those who remained loyal to the British Crown, faced hostility and persecution from patriots. The experiences of Loyalists during and after the revolution shed light on the complex nature of divided loyalties within colonial society.

Native Americans and African Americans

The American Revolution had varying impacts on different groups, including Native Americans and African Americans. Native American tribes faced choices regarding alliances and territorial disputes. Some tribes sided with the British, while others aligned with the American colonists.

The question of slavery also loomed large during the revolution. Despite the rhetoric of liberty and equality, slavery persisted in many parts of the newly formed United States, revealing a stark contrast between the revolutionary ideals and the realities of racial inequality.

Women’s Contributions

Women played significant but often overlooked roles during the American Revolution. Figures like Abigail Adams, who corresponded with her husband John Adams about women’s rights and the need for legal protections, made important contributions to the revolutionary discourse. Women also supported the war effort as nurses, spies, and in various other roles, demonstrating their commitment to the cause of independence.

In conclusion, the American Revolution was a transformative and multifaceted movement that reshaped the course of history. It emerged as a response to a combination of factors, including oppressive British colonial policies, the influence of Enlightenment ideas, socioeconomic tensions, and pivotal events that culminated in the Declaration of Independence.

The consequences of the revolution were profound. Domestically, it led to the formation of a new nation with a unique system of government. The United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights reflected the revolutionary principles of individual rights and limited government, setting a precedent for democratic governance.

Internationally, the American Revolution inspired other independence movements and shifted the geopolitical landscape. It contributed to the emergence of the United States as a global player.

However, the revolution also brought forth challenges and controversies, such as the treatment of Loyalists, the complex relationships with Native Americans, the persistence of slavery, and the struggle for women’s rights.

Ultimately, the American Revolution’s legacy endures. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of ideas and the capacity of a determined people to shape their own destiny. The principles of liberty, equality, and self-determination continue to be central to the American identity and its role on the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions about the American Revolution?

The American Revolution was driven by a complex interplay of factors. One of the primary causes was British colonial policies that imposed heavy taxation, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, and restricted colonial trade through the Navigation Acts. These policies angered the colonists, who believed they were being unfairly taxed without representation in the British Parliament.

Enlightenment ideas also played a significant role. The works of thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu, which emphasized individual rights and the separation of powers, influenced American colonists and fueled their desire for self-determination.

Socioeconomic factors cannot be overlooked. Economic disparities and tensions between the colonial elite and common people contributed to revolutionary sentiments. Many colonists sought greater economic autonomy and opportunities for growth.

The outbreak of armed conflict, triggered by events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, further escalated tensions, pushing the colonists towards rebellion.

The American Revolution saw the emergence of several key figures who played pivotal roles in shaping its course.

George Washington: George Washington is often regarded as the father of the nation. He served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and played a crucial role in leading the colonists to victory.

Thomas Jefferson: Thomas Jefferson is best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence, which articulated the colonists’ desire for independence and their belief in fundamental human rights.

Benjamin Franklin: Franklin was a polymath who made significant diplomatic contributions to the revolutionary cause. He helped secure French support, which proved vital to the American victory.

John Adams: John Adams was a key advocate for independence and played a critical role in the Continental Congress. He later became the second President of the United States.

Abigail Adams: While not a political leader, Abigail Adams deserves mention for her letters to her husband John Adams. Her correspondence highlighted the importance of women’s rights and their contributions to the revolution.

These figures, among others, shaped the American Revolution and the subsequent founding of the United States.

The American Revolution had profound and lasting impacts on American society. One of the most significant changes was the transition from colonies to states. Each state drafted its own constitution and established its government. However, the initial attempt at a national government under the Articles of Confederation proved ineffective, leading to the adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787.

The revolution also brought about a heightened sense of national identity among Americans, as they now saw themselves as citizens of a single nation rather than subjects of a distant monarchy.

Ideologically, the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, such as individual rights and limited government, influenced the framing of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This set the stage for the development of American democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Economically, the revolution disrupted trade relationships with Britain but opened new possibilities for commerce and expansion within the United States.

While women’s roles in the American Revolution are often overlooked, they made significant contributions to the revolutionary cause. Women were actively involved in various capacities:

Spies: Some women acted as spies, gathering intelligence and passing on crucial information to the Continental Army. One notable spy was Lydia Darragh, who provided valuable information to George Washington.

Nurses and Medics: Women worked as nurses and medics, tending to wounded soldiers on the battlefield and in military hospitals.

Suppliers and Supporters: Women contributed by sewing uniforms, knitting socks, and preparing supplies for the troops. They also ran households and farms in the absence of male family members who were away fighting.

Ideological Contributions: Women like Abigail Adams wrote letters and engaged in intellectual discourse, advocating for women’s rights and highlighting the revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality.

Despite the limitations placed on their roles in society at the time, women played an integral part in supporting the American Revolution, and their contributions paved the way for discussions about gender equality in the years that followed.

Loyalists, those who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, faced significant challenges and hardships. They were often subjected to persecution, harassment, and even violence by Patriots who viewed them as traitors. Loyalists had their properties confiscated, and some were forced to flee to British-controlled territories. After the war, many Loyalists faced difficulties reintegrating into American society, and some chose to emigrate to other British colonies, such as Canada.

The American Revolution had varied effects on Native American tribes. Some tribes supported the British, hoping that a British victory would prevent American expansion into their lands. Others, like the Oneida and Tuscarora, allied with the American colonists. The revolution ultimately led to territorial disputes, loss of land, and disruptions to Native American communities. The Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the war, did not protect Native American interests, and many tribes faced significant challenges in the post-revolutionary period.

Yes, slavery played a complex role in the American Revolution. While the revolution was motivated by ideals of liberty and equality, slavery continued to exist in many parts of the newly formed United States. Some enslaved individuals sought freedom by joining the British or Continental Army, where they were promised emancipation in exchange for their service. However, the institution of slavery persisted in many states, and the issue of slavery remained a contentious and divisive one in the years following the revolution. The contradiction between the revolutionary ideals of freedom and the reality of slavery would eventually lead to the abolitionist movement and the Civil War.

The American Revolution served as a source of inspiration for other independence movements globally. The successful rebellion against a colonial power demonstrated that it was possible to achieve independence and self-determination. Perhaps the most notable example is the French Revolution, which was heavily influenced by American revolutionary ideals and the Enlightenment. The French Revolution, in turn, inspired independence movements in Latin America, Haiti, and other regions. The American Revolution’s impact on the world stage extended beyond its own borders, contributing to a wave of movements seeking freedom and self-governance in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

International allies played a significant role in the American Revolution. The most notable ally was France, which provided critical military and financial support to the American colonists. The French Navy and troops, under General Rochambeau, played pivotal roles in the Siege of Yorktown, a decisive battle in the American Revolution. Additionally, Spain and the Netherlands offered support at various stages of the conflict. These international alliances helped tip the balance in favor of the American colonists and contributed significantly to their victory.

The American Revolution fundamentally altered the relationship between the United States and Britain. Prior to the revolution, the American colonies were British subjects. However, after gaining independence, the United States became a sovereign nation. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally recognized the independence of the United States and established the boundaries of the new nation. While the two countries eventually developed diplomatic relations, the legacy of the revolution left a lasting impact on their relationship, shaping their interactions on political, economic, and cultural fronts for years to come.

The American Revolution had profound and long-term consequences for American democracy. The revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and self-determination were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and later reflected in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These documents laid the foundation for American democracy, emphasizing individual rights, the rule of law, and limited government. The revolution set a precedent for democratic governance and became a touchstone for discussions on citizenship, civil liberties, and political participation. It continues to influence American political and social life, shaping debates and policies to this day.

The enduring legacy of the American Revolution in contemporary America is vast and multifaceted. It includes the establishment of a democratic republic with a system of checks and balances, a commitment to individual rights and freedoms, and the protection of civil liberties through the Bill of Rights. The revolution’s ideals continue to inspire political discourse, activism, and advocacy for social justice. Additionally, the American Revolution’s impact on international politics is seen in its influence on global movements for independence and self-determination. The revolution remains a source of national pride and identity, celebrated through holidays like Independence Day. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of revolutionary ideas and the capacity of a determined people to shape their own destiny.

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

7 Events That Enraged Colonists and Led to the American Revolution

By: Patrick J. Kiger

Updated: August 6, 2024 | Original: August 20, 2019

The American colonists’ breakup with the British Empire in 1776 wasn’t a sudden, impetuous act. Instead, the banding together of the 13 colonies to fight and win a war of independence against the Crown was the culmination of a series of events, which had begun more than a decade earlier. Escalations began shortly after the end of the French and Indian War —known elsewhere as the Seven Years War in 1763. Here are a few of the pivotal moments that caused the American Revolution.

1. The Stamp Act (March 1765)

To recoup some of the massive debt left over from the war with France, Parliament passed laws such as the Stamp Act , which for the first time taxed a wide range of transactions in the colonies.

“Up until then, each colony had its own government which decided which taxes they would have, and collected them,” explains Willard Sterne Randall , a professor emeritus of history at Champlain College and author of numerous works on early American history, including Unshackling America: How the War of 1812 Truly Ended the American Revolution. “They felt that they’d spent a lot of blood and treasure to protect the colonists from the Indians, and so they should pay their share.”

The colonists didn’t see it that way. They resented not only having to buy goods from the British but pay tax on them as well. “The tax never got collected, because there were riots all over the place,” Randall says. Ultimately, Benjamin Franklin convinced the British to rescind it, but that only made things worse. “That made the Americans think they could push back against anything the British wanted,” Randall says.

2. The Townshend Acts (June-July 1767)

Parliament again tried to assert its authority by passing legislation to tax goods that the Americans imported from Great Britain. The Crown established a board of customs commissioners to stop smuggling and corruption among local officials in the colonies, who were often in on the illicit trade.

Americans struck back by organizing a boycott of the British goods that were subject to taxation and began harassing the British customs commissioners. In an effort to quell the resistance, the British sent troops to occupy Boston, which only deepened the ill feeling.

The Stamp Act Riots

The measure that imposed a tax on all printed materials inspired widespread outrage and even violence among the colonists.

Townshend Acts

Townshend Duties The Townshend Acts, named after Charles Townshend, British chancellor of the Exchequer, imposed duties on British china, glass, lead, paint, paper and tea imported to the colonies. Benjamin Franklin had informed the British Parliament that the colonies intended to start manufacturing their own goods rather than paying duties on imports. These particular items […]

7 Surprising Facts About the Boston Tea Party

For starters, the colonists weren't protesting higher taxes on tea.

3. The Boston Massacre (March 1770)

Simmering tensions between the British occupiers and Boston residents boiled over one late afternoon when a disagreement between an apprentice wigmaker and a British soldier led to a crowd of 200 colonists surrounding seven British troops. When the Americans began taunting the British and throwing things at them, the soldiers apparently lost their cool and began firing into the crowd .

As the smoke cleared, three men—including an African American sailor named Crispus Attucks —were dead, and two others were mortally wounded. The massacre became a useful propaganda tool for the colonists, especially after Paul Revere distributed an engraving that misleadingly depicted the British as the aggressors.

4. The Boston Tea Party (December 1773)

The British eventually withdrew their forces from Boston and repealed much of the onerous Townshend legislation. But they left in place the tax on tea, and in 1773 enacted a new law, the Tea Act , to prop up the financially struggling British East India Company. The act gave the company extended favorable treatment under tax regulations to sell tea at a price that undercut the American merchants who imported from Dutch traders.

That didn’t sit well with Americans. “They didn’t want the British telling them that they had to buy their tea, but it wasn’t just about that,” Randall explains. “The Americans wanted to be able to trade with any country they wanted.”

The Sons of Liberty , a radical group, decided to confront the British head-on. Thinly disguised as Mohawks, they boarded three ships in Boston harbor and destroyed more than 92,000 pounds of British tea by dumping it into the harbor . To make the point that they were rebels rather than vandals, they avoided harming any of the crew or damaging the ships themselves, and the next day even replaced a padlock that had been broken.

Nevertheless, the act of defiance “really ticked off the British government,” Randall explains. “Many of the East India Company’s shareholders were members of Parliament. They each had paid 1,000 pounds sterling—that would probably be about a million dollars now—for a share of the company, to get a piece of the action from all this tea that they were going to force down the colonists’ throats. So when these bottom-of-the-rung people in Boston destroyed their tea, that was a serious thing to them.”

5. The Coercive Acts (March-June 1774)

In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British government decided that it had to tame the rebellious colonists in Massachusetts . In the spring of 1774, Parliament passed a series of laws, the Coercive Acts , which closed Boston Harbor until restitution was paid for the destroyed tea, replaced the colony’s elected council with one appointed by the British, gave sweeping powers to the British military governor General Thomas Gage, and forbade town meetings without approval.

Yet another provision protected British colonial officials who were charged with capital offenses from being tried in Massachusetts, instead requiring that they be sent to another colony or back to Great Britain for trial.

But perhaps the most provocative provision was the Quartering Act , which allowed British military officials to demand accommodations for their troops in unoccupied houses and buildings in towns, rather than having to stay out in the countryside. While it didn’t force the colonists to board troops in their own homes , they had to pay for the expense of housing and feeding the soldiers. The quartering of troops eventually became one of the grievances cited in the Declaration of Independence .

6. Lexington and Concord (April 1775)

British General Thomas Gage led a force of British soldiers from Boston to Lexington, where he planned to capture colonial radical leaders Sam Adams and John Hancock , and then head to Concord and seize their gunpowder. But American spies got wind of the plan, and with the help of riders such as Paul Revere , word spread to be ready for the British.

On the Lexington Common, the British force was confronted by 77 American militiamen , and they began shooting at each other. Seven Americans died, but other militiamen managed to stop the British at Concord and continued to harass them on their retreat back to Boston.

The British lost 73 dead, with another 174 wounded and 26 missing in action. The bloody encounter proved to the British that the colonists were fearsome foes who had to be taken seriously. It was the start of America’s war of independence.

7. British attacks on coastal towns (October 1775-January 1776)

Though the Revolutionary War’s hostilities started with Lexington and Concord, Randall says that at the start, it was unclear whether the southern colonies, whose interests didn’t necessarily align with the northern colonies, would be all in for a war of independence.

“The southerners were totally dependent upon the English to buy their crops, and they didn’t trust the Yankees,” he explains. “And in New England, the Puritans thought the southerners were lazy.”

But that was before the brutal British naval bombardments and burning of the coastal towns of Falmouth, Massachusetts and Norfolk, Virginia helped to unify the colonies. In Falmouth, where townspeople had to grab their possessions and flee for their lives, northerners had to face up to “the fear that the British would do whatever they wanted to them,” Randall says.

As historian Holger Hoock has written , the burning of Falmouth shocked General George Washington , who denounced it as “exceeding in barbarity & cruelty every hostile act practiced among civilized nations.”

Similarly, in Norfolk, the horror of the town’s wooden buildings going up in flames after a seven-hour naval bombardment shocked the southerners, who also knew that the British were offering African Americans their freedom if they took up arms on the loyalist side. “Norfolk stirred up fears of a slave insurrection in the South,” Randall says.

Leaders of the rebellion seized the burnings of the two ports to make the argument that the colonists needed to band together for survival against a ruthless enemy and embrace the need for independence. This spirit ultimately would lead to their victory.

HISTORY Vault: The American Revolution

Stream American Revolution documentaries and your favorite HISTORY series, commercial-free.

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

America's Wars, Causes of

Terminology, reference sources, search suggestions, primary sources.

• War of 1812
• Mexican War
• Spanish-American War
• World War I
• World War II
• Vietnam War
• Persian Gulf Wars

Poli Sci and Peace Studies Librarian

Hesburgh Library 148 Hesburgh Library University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 46556

(574) 631-8901 [email protected]

• American Revolution
• American Revolutionary War
• American War for Independence
• Revolutionary War (United States)
• The American Revolution by Gordon S. Wood ISBN: 9781598533774 Publication Date: 2015-07-28 The volume includes an introduction, headnotes, a chronology of events, biographical notes about the writers, and detailed explanatory notes, all prepared by our leading expert on the American Revolution. As a special feature, each pamphlet is preceded by a typographic reproduction of its original title page.
• The American Revolution 1775-1783 by Richard L. Blanco (Editor) Call Number: 10th Floor Reading Room E 208 .A433 1993 ISBN: 082405623X Publication Date: 1993-03-01 ... this panoramic reference comprises some 700 detailed mini-essays on battles, campaigns, skirmishes, raids, massacres, and sea fights, along with approximately 400 biographical sketches.
• Atlas of early American history : the Revolutionary era, 1760-1790 by Lester Jesse Cappon Publication Date: 1976
• Atlas of the American Revolution by Kenneth Nebenzahl Publication Date: 1974
• Blackwell Encyclopedia of the American Revolution by Jack P. Greene (Editor); J. R. Pole (Editor) ISBN: 1557862443 Publication Date: 1992-04-15 This encyclopedia, to which many of the foremost scholars in the field have contributed, describes clearly and readably the many different ideas and events that constitute what we know as the American Revolution. Equally suitable for browsing and as a reference source, and illustrated with many paintings, drawings and documents of the period, this substantial volume is likely to remain a standard work on the subject for many years to come.
• The Encyclopedia of Colonial and Revolutionary America by John Mack Faragher (Editor) ISBN: 0816017441 Publication Date: 1988-12-01 Spanning the entire colonial period - from the earliest settlements of the 16th century to the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which concluded the American Revolution - this reference work contains 1500 alphabetical entries. The ideas, events, people and developments which defined the birth of the United States have been brought together in a volume which emphasizes key discoveries, battles and trends which shaped the era.
• Encyclopedia of the American Revolution by Mark Mayo Boatner Publication Date: 1966
• The Historical Atlas of the American Revolution by Ian Barnes; Charles Royster (Editor) Call Number: Reference Collection [2nd Floor] E 208 .B36 2000 ISBN: 0415922437 Publication Date: 2000-08-03
• Historical Dictionary of the American Revolution by Terry M. Mays ISBN: 0810834049 Publication Date: 1999-01-14 The Southern campaigns from 1778 to 1781, which are often scantily detailed in American Revolution histories, receive full discussion in this dictionary.
• New American Revolution Handbook by Theodore P. Savas; J. David Dameron ISBN: 9781611210620 Publication Date: 2010-07-01 "The authors use clear and concise writing broken down into short and easy to understand chapters complete with original maps, tables, charts, and dozens of drawings to trace the history of the Revolution from the beginning of the conflict through the final surrender in 1783."
• The Oxford Handbook of the American Revolution by Edward G. Gray (Editor); Jane Kamensky (Editor) ISBN: 9780199746705 Publication Date: 2012-12-06 The Oxford Handbook of the American Revolution introduces scholars, students and generally interested readers to the formative event in American history. In thirty-three individual essays, by thirty-three authorities on the Revolution, the Handbook provides readers with in-depth analysis ofthe Revolution's many sides, ranging from the military and diplomatic to the social and political; from the economic and financial, to the cultural and legal.

Books, Documents, Videos, etc.

For materials held by Notre Dame analyzing the causes of the revolution use:

• Advanced Search
• and enter: 
• United States History Revolution, 1775-1783 Causes

For materials providing contemporary (1750-1785) opinion & analysis use:

• "great britain" OR england OR "united kingdom") AND ("united states" OR america*) AND relations AND causes
• "great britain" AND ("united states" OR america*) AND colonies AND [ an issue OR topic OR colony name ] 
• Use "facets" (left column) to further narrow results

For materials held by other libraries:

• Repeat search in WorldCat

For scholarly articles:

In one or more of the recommended article databases

• ("united states" OR america*) AND (revolution* OR independence) AND (cause* OR origin OR origins)
• ("great britain" OR engl*) AND ("united states" OR america*) AND colonies AND [ an issue OR topic OR colony name, e.g. taxation]
• limit search terms to title, subject or abstract,
• adjust search by adding or removing or modifying search terms, and/or
• limiting search results to "peer reviewed" or "refereed" articles.

For contemporaneous popular opinion & analysis (1750 - 1785):

• adjust search by adding or removing or modifying search terms

Tip: Do not truncate (use the *) with origin. This will retrieve "original" material dealing with the actual conduct of the war rather than its causes. Therefore it may produce many irrelevant records.

Sample Published Collections of Primary Source Materials

• The road to independence : a documentary history of the causes of the American Revolution: 1763-1776 by John. Braeman Publication Date: 1963 Hesburgh Library Lower Level (Ranges 1 - 38) (E 203 .B812 )
• The American Revolution by John H. Rhodehamel (Editor) Call Number: General Collection E 203 .A579 2001 ISBN: 1883011914 Publication Date: 2001-04-01 Drawn from letters, diaries, newspaper articles, public declarations, contemporary narratives, and private memoranda this title brings together over 120 pieces by more than 70 participants to create a unique literary panorama of the War of Independence. It includes a chronology of events, biographical and explanatory notes, and an index.
• Sources and documents illustrating the American revolution, 1764-1788, and the formation of the federal Constitution by Samuel Eliot Morison Publication Date: 1929 General Collection E 203 .M826s
• Declaration of Independence in Historical Context by Barry Alan Shain ISBN: 0300159056 Publication Date: 2014-01-01 General Collection E 221 .D38 2014
• The Remembrancer, or impartial repository of public events Publication Date: 1775 Microforms [Lower Level] Newspaper Collection Microfilm N13 reel 5863-5865
• The American Revolution by Gordon S. Wood Call Number: General Collection E 203 .A5787 2015 ISBN: 9781598533774 Publication Date: 2015-07-28 "a landmark collection of British and American pamphlets from the political debate that divided an empire and created a nation... The volume includes an introduction, headnotes, a chronology of events, biographical notes about the writers, and detailed explanatory notes... As a special feature, each pamphlet is preceded by a typographic reproduction of its original title page."

For other collections of primary source held by Notre Dame use:

• united states history revolution, 1775-1783
• (cause* OR origin OR origins) AND ( sources OR documents)

Tip:  Do not truncate (use the *) with origin.  This will retrieve "original" material dealing with the actual conduct of the war rather than its causes.  Therefore it may produce many irrelevant records.

Also see the "American Memory" project at Library of Congress Collections .

• A complete collection of all the protests of the peers in Parliament, entered on their journals, since the year 1774, on the great questions of the cause and issue of the war between Great-Britain and America, &c to the present time.
• Journal of the Committee of the States containing the proceedings from the first Friday in June, 1784, to the second Friday in August, 1784. Published by order of Congress
• << Previous: Overview
• Next: War of 1812 >>
• Last Updated: Aug 8, 2024 1:49 PM
• URL: https://libguides.library.nd.edu/causes-of-american-wars

Need help? Ask us.

Report a problem

Top of page

Presentation U.S. History Primary Source Timeline

The american revolution, 1763 - 1783.

Causes of the American Revolution Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

1775 was the year that saw disagreements explode amid the United States’ colonized states, and the colonizer Great Britain. The phrase “no taxation without representation” is very familiar. The colonies succeeded in getting their independence by the signing of the Treaty of Paris that brought the war to stop. Whereas we cannot point to one particular action as the real cause of the American Revolution, the war was ignited by the way Great Britain treated the thirteen united colonies in comparison to the treatment that the colonies anticipated from Great Britain. The Americans had a feeling that they were equal to the Englishmen, and thus entitled to the same rights (Wood, 2002, p 123-125). On their part, the British had it that the Americans existed to be used according to the stipulation of the parliament, as well as the crown. This disagreement is carried in the American slogan, “no taxation without representation.”

We can look at the independent way of thinking by the American founding fathers. Firstly, geographically, the distance between the colonies and Great Britain made independence that could rarely be overcome. The colonizers were searching for new fertile lands as well as exploring new opportunities, and also being in the free world. Secondly, the presence of colonial legislators implied that the colonies were variously crown independent. Passing of laws, the mustering of the soldier troops, and levying of taxes was under the mandate of legislators. With time, these powers were considered rights. When they were denied by the British, disagreements set in between the groups. The leaders to be in the United States came out of their mothers’ wombs during this era of legislatures.

Thirdly, it was the issue of salutary neglect. Despite the belief strongly held by the British with regard to the leader then (Prime Minister Robert Walpole) favored the “salutary neglect.” This is a structure that promoted negligence in the actual enforcement of the relation to the outside or international trade. He had at the back of his mind that with this liberalism, trade would be triggered even more. Finally, there was the issue of enlightenment. The exposure of a large number of the revolutionary leaders to writings that consisted of works by prominent writers ( John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu) was an eye-opener to the Americans. The writings equipped the founders with concepts relating to limited government, separation of powers, the acceptance of the people governed not forgetting the social contract as well (Bancroft, 2007 pp 162-168).

Some of the main events that resulted in the revolution include the following:

1763 proclamation, which barred settlement past the Appalachian Mountains; the sugar act of 1764 which raised revenue via increased duties on sugar imported from West Indies; Quartering Act of 1765 where Britain did order that the colonists, where necessary were supposed to house as well feed the British soldiers; and the Stamp Act of 1765 which affected many items including licenses for marriage, but was repealed nine years later (Bancroft, 2007 pp 172-175). Further, the revolution at this point was due to increased hard life impositions from the British side (Bancroft, 2007 pp 1176).

There was the great awakening which was a period of heightened religious activity in all the colonies in America. The enthusiasm that resulted was characterized by disagreements among the competing divisions of churches as well as opposing the existing churches. These religious movements reignited the older customs relating to protestant dissent and resulted in the popular, as well as individualistic means of religiosity which disagreed with the alleges of the instated authorities, and respected chains of command- first within the churches and, after some time, around the 1760s to 1770s, in regal politics. It is argued that the first awaking that involved religious upheavals acted to set the stage for creating colonies that gave a hand to a political revolution. It is thus evident that American Revolution resulted from putting together the customs of republicanism and those relating to the radical protestant dissent (Wood, 2002, pp 178-190).

Works Cited

Bancroft, George. History of the United States-From the Discovery of the American Continent , Volume 4. New York: Read Books Publishers, 2007. Print.

Wood, Gordon S. The American Revolution: Volume 9 of Modern Library Chronicles. New York: Modern Library Publishers, 2002. Print.

• American’s Ambivalence of National Government in the Turbulence Times of History
• Analysis of American History. The Key Events
• The Role and Importance of the Stamp Act
• History of the Independence Day
• “Critic’s Notebook: Debate? Dissent? Discussion? Oh, Don’t go There” by Michiko Kakutani
• If Spain Colonized North America?
• The Rise of an ‘American’ Identity
• Abigail Adams' Views on Republican Motherhood
• The American Road to Independence
• Impact of American Revolution on the French One
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, December 28). Causes of the American Revolution. https://ivypanda.com/essays/causes-of-the-american-revolution/

"Causes of the American Revolution." IvyPanda , 28 Dec. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/causes-of-the-american-revolution/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Causes of the American Revolution'. 28 December.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Causes of the American Revolution." December 28, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/causes-of-the-american-revolution/.

1. IvyPanda . "Causes of the American Revolution." December 28, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/causes-of-the-american-revolution/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Causes of the American Revolution." December 28, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/causes-of-the-american-revolution/.

• New Visions Social Studies Curriculum
• Curriculum Development Team
• Content Contributors
• Getting Started: Baseline Assessments
• Getting Started: Resources to Enhance Instruction
• Getting Started: Instructional Routines
• Unit 9.1: Global 1 Introduction
• Unit 9.2: The First Civilizations
• Unit 9.3: Classical Civilizations
• Unit 9.4: Political Powers and Achievements
• Unit 9.5: Social and Cultural Growth and Conflict
• Unit 9.6: Ottoman and Ming Pre-1600
• Unit 9.7: Transformations in Europe
• Unit 9.8: Africa and the Americas Pre-1600
• Unit 9.9: Interactions and Disruptions
• 10.0: Global 2 Introduction
• 10.01: The World in 1750 C.E.
• 10.02: Enlightenment, Revolution, & Nationalism
• 10.03: Industrial Revolution
• 10.04: Imperialism & Colonization
• 10.05: World Wars
• 10.06: Cold War
• 10.07: Decolonization & Nationalism
• 10.08: Cultural Traditions & Modernization
• 10.09: Globalization & Changing Environment
• 10.10: Human Rights Violations
• Unit 11.0: US History Introduction
• Unit 11.1: Colonial Foundations

Unit 11.2: American Revolution

• Unit 11.3A: Building a Nation
• Unit 11.03B: Sectionalism & Civil War
• Unit 11.4: Reconstruction
• Unit 11.5: Gilded Age and Progressive Era
• Unit 11.6: Rise of American Power
• Unit 11.7: Prosperity and Depression
• Unit 11.8: World War II
• Unit 11.9: Cold War
• Unit 11.10: Domestic Change
• Resources: Regents Prep: Global 2 Exam
• Regents Prep: Framework USH Exam: Regents Prep: US Exam
• Find Resources

American Revolution

Dbq: causes of the american revolution, using evidence: nys regents style dbq.

U.S. History

American Revolution: DBQ: Causes of the American Revolution

Students will examine and evaluate primary and secondary source documents to construct an essay that analyzes the causes of the American Revolution.

Teacher Feedback

Please comment below with questions, feedback, suggestions, or descriptions of your experience using this resource with students.

If you found an error in the resource, please let us know so we can correct it by filling out this form . 

The Causes of the American Revolution

This essay about the causes of the American Revolution examines the multifaceted factors that ignited the flames of rebellion in the colonies. It highlights the clash of ideologies, economic grievances, and the quest for individual liberty that fueled the revolution. Through taxation without representation, erosion of colonial self-governance, and the influence of Enlightenment ideals, the colonists were driven to challenge British rule. The essay also underscores the social fissures within colonial society and the pivotal role of armed conflict in heralding the birth of a new nation founded on the principles of liberty and equality.

How it works

In the grand tapestry of human history, few chapters resonate with the fervor and defiance witnessed during the American Revolution. This pivotal moment in time, etched into the annals of nations, was not merely a spontaneous eruption of dissent, but a symphony of grievances echoing across the colonial landscape. To dissect the causes of the American Revolution is to embark on a journey through the labyrinthine corridors of political intrigue, economic disparity, and the clamor for individual liberty that defined an era.

At its heart, the American Revolution was a clash of ideologies, a struggle for autonomy against the backdrop of imperial overreach. The colonial relationship with the British Empire was fraught with tension, as the crown sought to tighten its grip on its overseas possessions. The economic doctrine of mercantilism, a relic of imperial ambition, shackled colonial trade with restrictive measures and monopolistic controls. Navigation Acts, like chains binding the hands of enterprising colonists, dictated where goods could flow and whose pockets they could line, stifling economic growth and nurturing a seed of resentment that would eventually bloom into rebellion.

Taxation became the powder keg upon which colonial grievances were ignited. The imposition of levies without the consent of the governed struck at the very core of colonial identity. The Stamp Act, the Tea Act, and a litany of duties imposed by a distant parliament ignited a firestorm of protest, as colonists recoiled at the notion of being taxed without representation. The rallying cry of “No taxation without representation” reverberated from the bustling streets of Boston to the tranquil hamlets of Virginia, uniting colonists in defiance against the tyranny of taxation.

The erosion of colonial self-governance served as a catalyst for rebellion, as the British government sought to exert greater control over its unruly subjects. The heavy-handed enforcement of the Intolerable Acts, designed to quell dissent in Massachusetts, only served to fan the flames of revolution. Colonial assemblies found themselves sidelined, as royal governors and appointed councils usurped their authority, leaving the voice of the people stifled beneath the weight of imperial decree. The specter of tyranny loomed large, driving colonists to the brink of insurrection in defense of their hard-won liberties.

Enlightenment ideals, a beacon of hope in an age of despotism, infused the revolutionary spirit with intellectual vigor. The writings of Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu illuminated the path to liberty, inspiring colonists to dare to dream of a world where the governed held sway over the governors. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” a literary thunderbolt that electrified the colonies, laid bare the absurdity of monarchy and kindled a flame of revolutionary zeal that burned bright in the hearts of patriots.

Social fissures within colonial society further fueled the flames of rebellion, as economic disparities and class divisions sharpened the divide between the haves and the have-nots. The emergence of a burgeoning merchant class challenged the traditional hierarchy, while small farmers and laborers toiled beneath the yoke of oppression. The dream of a society founded on the principles of equality and justice fueled the fervor of revolutionaries, as they embarked on a quest to forge a new nation from the crucible of conflict.

The clash of arms at Lexington and Concord heralded the dawn of a new era, as colonists took up arms in defense of their rights and liberties. The Declaration of Independence, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a fledgling nation, proclaimed to the world the colonies’ resolve to break the chains of tyranny and forge their destiny as a free and independent people.

In summation, the causes of the American Revolution were as diverse as the people who fought for freedom. It was a revolution fueled by passion, driven by principle, and forged in the crucible of adversity. The quest for liberty, the demand for representation, and the unyielding spirit of resistance were the guiding stars that led the colonies on their journey from subjects to citizens, from colonies to a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Cite this page

The Causes of the American Revolution. (2024, Apr 07). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-causes-of-the-american-revolution/

"The Causes of the American Revolution." PapersOwl.com , 7 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-causes-of-the-american-revolution/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Causes of the American Revolution . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-causes-of-the-american-revolution/ [Accessed: 30 Aug. 2024]

"The Causes of the American Revolution." PapersOwl.com, Apr 07, 2024. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-causes-of-the-american-revolution/

"The Causes of the American Revolution," PapersOwl.com , 07-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-causes-of-the-american-revolution/. [Accessed: 30-Aug-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Causes of the American Revolution . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-causes-of-the-american-revolution/ [Accessed: 30-Aug-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Visit the new and improved Hamilton Education Program website

• AP US History Study Guide
• History U: Courses for High School Students
• History School: Summer Enrichment
• Lesson Plans
• Classroom Resources
• Spotlights on Primary Sources
• Professional Development (Academic Year)
• Professional Development (Summer)
• Book Breaks
• Inside the Vault
• Self-Paced Courses
• Browse All Resources
• Search by Issue
• Search by Essay
• Become a Member (Free)
• Monthly Offer (Free for Members)
• Program Information
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Applying and Enrolling
• Eligibility (In-Person)
• EduHam Online
• Hamilton Cast Read Alongs
• Official Website
• Press Coverage
• Veterans Legacy Program
• The Declaration at 250
• Black Lives in the Founding Era
• Celebrating American Historical Holidays
• Browse All Programs
• Donate Items to the Collection
• Search Our Catalog
• Research Guides
• Rights and Reproductions
• See Our Documents on Display
• Bring an Exhibition to Your Organization
• Interactive Exhibitions Online
• About the Transcription Program
• Civil War Letters
• Founding Era Newspapers
• College Fellowships in American History
• Scholarly Fellowship Program
• Richard Gilder History Prize
• David McCullough Essay Prize
• Affiliate School Scholarships
• Nominate a Teacher
• State Winners
• National Winners
• Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize
• Gilder Lehrman Military History Prize
• George Washington Prize
• Frederick Douglass Book Prize
• Our Mission and History
• Annual Report
• Contact Information
• Student Advisory Council
• Teacher Advisory Council
• Board of Trustees
• Remembering Richard Gilder
• President's Council
• Scholarly Advisory Board
• Internships
• Our Partners
• Press Releases

History Resources

What caused the American Revolution?

By pauline maier.

Stay up to date, and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.

Learn how the Institute impacts history education through our work guiding teachers, energizing students, and supporting research.

• The Legacy of the Revolution

Why the American Revolution Matters

Posted February 18, 2019 / Basic Principles , History Education , The Legacy of the Revolution

The American Revolution was shaped by high principles and low ones, by imperial politics, dynastic rivalries, ambition, greed, personal loyalties, patriotism, demographic growth, social and economic changes, cultural developments, British intransigence, and American anxieties. It was shaped by conflicting interests between Britain and America, between regions within America, between families and between individuals. It was shaped by religion, ethnicity, and race, as well as by tensions between rich and poor. It was shaped, perhaps above all else, by the aspirations of ordinary people to make fulfilling lives for themselves and their families, to be secure in their possessions, safe in their homes, free to worship as they wished, and to improve their lives by availing themselves of opportunities that seemed to lie within their grasp.

No one of these factors, nor any specific combination of them, can properly be said to have caused the American Revolution. An event as vast as the American Revolution is simply too complex to assign it neatly to particular causes. Although we can never know the causes of the American Revolution with precision, we can see very clearly the most important consequences of the Revolution. They are simply too large and important to miss, and so clearly related to the Revolution that they cannot be traced to any other sequence of events. Every educated American should understand and appreciate them.

First, the American Revolution secured the independence of the United States from the dominion of Great Britain and separated it from the British Empire. While it is altogether possible that the thirteen colonies would have become independent during the nineteenth or twentieth century, as other British colonies did, the resulting nation would certainly have been very different than the one that emerged, independent, from the Revolutionary War. The United States was the first nation in modern times to achieve its independence in a national war of liberation and the first to explain its reasons and its aims in a declaration of independence, a model adopted by national liberation movements in dozens of countries over the last 250 years.

Second, the American Revolution established a republic , with a government dedicated to the interests of ordinary people rather than the interests of kings and aristocrats. The United States was the first large republic since ancient times and the first one to emerge from the revolutions that rocked the Atlantic world, from South America to Eastern Europe, through the middle of the nineteenth century. The American Revolution influenced, to varying degrees, all of the subsequent Atlantic revolutions, most of which led to the establishment of republican governments, though some of those republics did not endure. The American republic has endured, due in part to the resilience of the Federal Constitution, which was the product of more than a decade of debate about the fundamental principles of republican government. Today most of the world’s nations are at least nominal republics due in no small way to the success of the American republic.

Third, the American Revolution created American national identity , a sense of community based on shared history and culture, mutual experience, and belief in a common destiny. The Revolution drew together the thirteen colonies, each with its own history and individual identity, first in resistance to new imperial regulations and taxes, then in rebellion, and finally in a shared struggle for independence. Americans inevitably reduced the complex, chaotic and violent experiences of the Revolution into a narrative of national origins, a story with heroes and villains, of epic struggles and personal sacrifices. This narrative is not properly described as a national myth, because the characters and events in it, unlike the mythic figures and imaginary events celebrated by older cultures, were mostly real. Some of the deeds attributed to those characters were exaggerated and others were fabricated, usually to illustrate some very real quality for which the subject was admired and held up for emulation. The Revolutionaries themselves, mindful of their role as founders of the nation, helped create this common narrative as well as symbols to represent national ideals and aspirations.

American national identity has been expanded and enriched by the shared experiences of two centuries of national life, but those experiences were shaped by the legacy of the Revolution and are mostly incomprehensible without reference to the Revolution. The unprecedented movement of people, money and information in the modern world has created a global marketplace of goods, services, and ideas that has diluted the hold of national identity on many people, but no global identity has yet emerged to replace it, nor does this seem likely to happen any time in the foreseeable future.

Fourth, the American Revolution committed the new nation to ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible citizenship and made them the basis of a new political order. None of these ideals was new or originated with Americans. They were all rooted in the philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome, and had been discussed, debated and enlarged by creative political thinkers beginning with the Renaissance. The political writers and philosophers of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment disagreed about many things, but all of them imagined that a just political order would be based on these ideals. What those writers and philosophers imagined, the American Revolution created—a nation in which ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible citizenship are the basis of law and the foundation of a free society.

The revolutionary generation did not complete the work of creating a truly free society, which requires overcoming layers of social injustice, exploitation, and other forms of institutionalized oppression that have accumulated over many centuries, as well as eliminating the ignorance, bigotry, and greed that support them. One of the fundamental challenges of a political order based on principles of universal right is that it empowers ignorant, bigoted, callous, selfish, and greedy people in the same way it empowers the wise and virtuous. For this reason, political progress in free societies can be painfully, frustratingly slow, with periods of energetic change interspersed with periods of inaction or even retreat. The wisest of our Revolutionaries understood this, and anticipated that creating a truly free society would take many generations. The flaw lies not in our Revolutionary beginnings or our Revolutionary ideals, but in human nature. Perseverance alone is the answer.

Our independence, our republic, our national identity and our commitment to the high ideals that form the basis of our political order are not simply the consequences of the Revolution, to be embalmed in our history books. They are living legacies of the Revolution, more important now as we face the challenges of the modern world than ever before. Without understanding them, we find our history incomprehensible, our present confused, and our future dark. Understanding them, we recognize our common origins, appreciate our present challenges, and can advocate successfully for the Revolutionary ideals that are the only foundation for the future happiness of the world.

Above: Detail of Liberty by an unidentified American artist, ca. 1800-1820, National Gallery of Art.

If you share our concern about ensuring that all Americans understand and appreciate the constructive achievements of the American Revolution, we invite you to join our movement. Sign up for news and notices from the American Revolution Institute. It costs nothing to express your commitment to thoughtful, responsible, balanced, non-partisan history education.

• Basic Principles
• History Education
• Material Culture
• Revolutionary Characters
• Revolutionary Events
• Revolutionary Ideals

Latest Posts

• The Mysterious Hero’s Return
• The People’s Constitution
• Richard Henry Lee: Gentleman Revolutionary
• El General Washington
• Lessons from the Boston Massacre

Home — Essay Samples — History — American Revolution — Was the American Revolution Justified?

Was The American Revolution Justified?

• Categories: American History American Revolution

About this sample

Words: 674 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 674 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Arguments in favor of the american revolution, arguments against the american revolution, assessing the justification.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: History

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

4 pages / 1696 words

2 pages / 1137 words

4 pages / 1932 words

3 pages / 1536 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on American Revolution

Rhetorical devices are powerful tools used by speakers to persuade, inform, or entertain an audience. In Patrick Henry's speech, "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," delivered on March 23, 1775, he employs various rhetorical [...]

Revolutions are pivotal events in history that have shaped the political, social, and economic landscape of the world. Two of the most influential revolutions are the French and American Revolutions, which occurred in the 18th [...]

In the mid-18th century, the American colonies were experiencing significant growth and development, both in terms of population and economic activity. As the colonies expanded and their influence grew, the need for a unified [...]

The Thirteen Colonies were a group of British colonies on the east coast of North America, which were founded between the 17th and 18th centuries. These colonies played a significant role in the formation of the United States of [...]

The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, was created at a time when the nation was still in its infancy and struggling to find its footing. The document aimed to unite the thirteen newly [...]

The American Revolution is a war that continues to be the subject of unending discussion of historians and intellectuals of our society. The Founding Fathers is a group that played a critical role during the colonial rebellion [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• International
• Education Jobs
• Schools directory
• Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Causes of the American Revolution Reading Questions Worksheet

Subject: History

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

23 August 2024

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

In this activity, students will gain an understanding of the complex factors that led to the American Revolution, from early European colonization and its impact on Native Americans to the various acts and taxes imposed by the British Parliament. They will also explore key events like the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, and the First Continental Congress, which collectively fueled the colonies’ desire for independence and set the stage for armed conflict.

It has 18 questions for students to answer, as well as a paragraph response section for them to demonstrate their understanding of the topic.

Creative Commons "Sharealike"

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have downloaded this resource can review it

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource: