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.

Test your knowledge of the American Revolution with our Historical Insights quiz! From the Boston Tea Party to the Declaration of Independence, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the political upheaval that led to the United States' independence. See how much you really know about the battles, key figures, and alliances that shaped this pivotal moment in American history.