Historical Insights

The American Revolution: Political Upheaval Led to U.S. Independence - Historical Insights

• The American Revolution occurred during 1775-1783 as a result of the British taxing the 13 colonies, causing a rebellion.
• The colonists' main grievances were their lack of representation and equal rights as British subjects.
• Violence erupted after protests, including the Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
• The Continental Congress, including George Washington and John Adams, gathered in 1774 to voice their grievances towards British actions.
• In 1775, the Continental Congress voted to create a Continental Army to take further action towards the British, with George Washington as its leader.
• The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776, with writings mainly from Thomas Jefferson.
• The American Revolution was a back-and-forth between the British and the colonists, with battles such as Bunker Hill and Saratoga being prominent.
• The French and Dutch aided the colonists by providing troops, funds, guns, and ships.
• The French secretly aided the rebellion since 1776 and openly declared their support in 1778, leading to Britain being in debt.
• In 1781, the British were forced into withdrawal after significant bloodshed, leading to the American Colonies' freedom.
• British militiamen were not removed from the south until 1882, and preliminary peace terms were signed in November of that year.
• On September 13th, 1783, the British recognized the U.S. Colonies' independence, marking the end of the American Revolution.