Class Notes: The American Revolution
1. Background
Colonial Growth
North American colonies growing in population and economy.
Development of self-governing political structures.
British Taxation
Post French and Indian War (1754-1763).
Britain imposed taxes to recover expenses.
Colonists protested: “No taxation without representation.”
2. Key Events
Boston Tea Party (1773)
Protest against British tea taxes.
Colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.
First Continental Congress (1774)
Meeting of colonial representatives in Philadelphia.
Coordinated resistance against British policies.
3. Outbreak of War
Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775)
Marked the beginning of the American Revolution.
Clashes between British troops and colonial militias.
Second Continental Congress (1775)
Appointed George Washington as commander of the Continental
Army.
Decided to pursue independence.
4. Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence (1776)
Adopted on July 4, 1776.
Primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson.
Proclaimed the colonies' independence from Britain.
5. Major Battles and Diplomacy
Battle of Saratoga (1777)
Significant American victory.
Led to French support for the revolution.
French Alliance
France officially joined the war on the American side in 1778.
Provided military and financial assistance.
6. Conclusion of the War
Battle of Yorktown (1781)
Decisive victory for American and French forces.
Led to the end of major hostilities.
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Formally recognized American independence.
Established borders for the new nation.
7. Aftermath
Establishment of Government
Created a federal government after independence.
Drafting of the Constitution in 1787.
