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Assignment 2 History American Revolution Expanded

The document outlines the causes of the American Revolution (1765–1783), focusing on political, economic, and social factors. Key political causes include taxation without representation and various British acts, while economic causes stem from debt and trade restrictions. Socially, Enlightenment ideas and local governance traditions fueled the desire for independence, culminating in significant events like the Boston Tea Party and the Declaration of Independence.

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21 views2 pages

Assignment 2 History American Revolution Expanded

The document outlines the causes of the American Revolution (1765–1783), focusing on political, economic, and social factors. Key political causes include taxation without representation and various British acts, while economic causes stem from debt and trade restrictions. Socially, Enlightenment ideas and local governance traditions fueled the desire for independence, culminating in significant events like the Boston Tea Party and the Declaration of Independence.

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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Comprehensive Study Notes: Causes of

the American Revolution


Student Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Class: U.S. History

**Unit Overview**
The American Revolution (1765–1783) was a political upheaval during which the Thirteen
American Colonies broke away from British rule to form the United States of America. These
notes cover the main political, economic, and social causes leading up to the Revolution.

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**Key Political Causes**
- **Taxation Without Representation**: British Parliament imposed taxes without colonial
representation.
- **Acts Passed by Britain**:
- *Stamp Act (1765)* – Tax on printed materials.
- *Townshend Acts (1767)* – Duties on glass, paint, paper, tea.
- *Tea Act (1773)* – Gave British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales.
- **Colonial Response**:
- Formation of the Sons of Liberty.
- Boycotts of British goods.
- Petitioning and protests.

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**Economic Causes**
- **Debt from the French and Indian War**: Britain sought to recover costs by taxing
colonies.
- **Trade Restrictions**: Navigation Acts limited colonial trade to benefit Britain.
- **Economic Self-Sufficiency**: Colonists wanted to manufacture and trade freely.

---
**Social and Ideological Causes**
- **Enlightenment Ideas**:
- John Locke’s theory of natural rights (life, liberty, property).
- Social contract: Government derives power from the consent of the governed.
- **Religious and Cultural Factors**:
- Diverse colonies with strong local governance traditions.
- Widespread literacy enabling political pamphlets (e.g., *Common Sense* by Thomas
Paine).

---
**Key Events Timeline**
1. 1765 – Stamp Act passed; widespread protests.
2. 1770 – Boston Massacre.
3. 1773 – Boston Tea Party.
4. 1774 – Intolerable Acts passed.
5. 1775 – Battles of Lexington and Concord.
6. 1776 – Declaration of Independence adopted.

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**Exam Tip**
Always connect an event to its long-term impact. For example: The Boston Tea Party →
British response with Intolerable Acts → Increased unity among colonies.

---
**Possible Test Questions**
1. Explain how Enlightenment ideas influenced the American Revolution.
2. Why was the slogan “No taxation without representation” so powerful?

---
**References**
- Middlekauff, Robert. *The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789.*
- Wood, Gordon S. *The Radicalism of the American Revolution.*

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