American Revolution: Causes and Path to Independence
American Revolution
The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, leading to the Declaration of Independence and the freedom of America from the British. The American Patriots in the Thirteen Colonies won independence from Great Britain, becoming the United States of America. They defeated the British in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) in alliance with France and others.
While the exact cause of the Revolution is complex, many important social, cultural, political, and economic factors contributed to the war. One of the main economic reasons was the taxes the British imposed on Americans to pay off the debt caused by the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Members of American colonial society argued the position of “no taxation without representation,” starting with the Stamp Act Congress in 1765.
By 1776, American colonists were divided into three groups:
- Loyalists (20%): Wanted to remain British colonies.
- Neutrals (40%): Undecided about which side to choose.
- Patriots (40%): Supported separation from Britain and independence.
The movement was inspired by the Enlightenment.
By July 1776, enough Americans were “patriots” that members of the Second Continental Congress formed a five-man committee to draft a Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson of Virginia was the principal author. The declaration stated that all men are born with “natural rights” of life, liberty, and property. It was based on the ideas of John Locke, who posited that the state of nature for man is freedom, and explained why the colonists were rebelling.
The turning point of the revolution was the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 because France joined the Americans as an ally. When French troops arrived in 1778, the war shifted in favor of the Americans. From 1778 to 1781, both sides traded victories, but the war finally concluded at the Battle of Yorktown. General Cornwallis surrendered to Washington in 1781, and the Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the American Revolution.
Common Sense (Thomas Paine, 1737-1809)
In 1774, Thomas Paine met Benjamin Franklin in London, who helped Paine move to Philadelphia. In 1775, Paine began writing for the Pennsylvania Magazine. In 1776, he published Common Sense and continued to publish works supporting the revolution.
Common Sense was the first pamphlet to advocate American Independence. Written during the American Revolution, it includes the main reasons that led to the Declaration of Independence. It became a bestseller in America because it was written in simple language that everyone could understand. It has five parts:
- Government is necessary, but the British model based on monarchy is corrupt (Reason 1 for independence).
- There is no longer any reason for America to remain a British possession (Reason 2 for independence).
- The British Government is a source of oppression to America, and Americans should oppose it (Cause for America to be pro-independence).
- Negative consequences for America should it seek reconciliation with the British (Positive consequences of Independence).
- Explanation of how the new government should be structured (How a new post-independence government should work).