The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a pivotal historical event when thirteen American colonies sought Independence from British rule. The harsh issues like the high taxation without representation and the attempts by the British to excerpt their control were some of the problems that exacerbated the American revolution (Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum). The battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, in conjunction with the conflict, translated to the complete manifestation of the revolution. Prominent figures like George Washington, being members of the Continental Congress, organized the Continental Army. The Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, was an element that solidified the colony’s resolve to break free and try to find their freedom. Some of the critical battles that played a role in attaining Independence in the United States were Saratoga (1777) and Yorktown (1781). The Treaty of Paris in 1783 was the first element that recognized the United States as an independent nation, with the principles of governance still being used today (Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum). The revolution was an object of inspiration, which inspired several democratic ideals, creating a foundation upon which the United States of America was formed.
Born in 1732, he was a pivotal figure in the American Revolution and the first President of the United States. George’s roles were significant and played a role in the revolution and the achievement of the present-day United States of America. His military prowess was seen especially during the French and Indian War, allowing him to gain experience and leadership (Wallace). His direct involvement in the American Revolution started in 1775 after he was appointed the commander of the Continental Army in the Continental Congress. His leadership skills were indispensable in leading the nation even though he faced several challenges, such as an untrained army, limited resources resilience, and consecutive struggle, which proved effective (Wallace). Even though the early phases of the war faced several challenges, his ability to properly inspire his troops allowed him to make the appropriate decisions, incredibly daring to cross the Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton in 1776.
One of Washington’s most notable achievements occurred in 1781 during the Siege of Yorktown. His collaboration with the French forces under the leadership of General Rochambeau, Washington, orchestrated a perfect military camp and vital energy that made the British surrender (Wallace). The British surrender was a critical turning point of the war as the victory ended several pre-existing hostilities and created a way upon which the Treaty of Paris existed in 1783, thus securing the Independence of the American people. His significance extended further than his leadership accomplishments as he played a vital role in shaping the constitution of the United States and had more emphasis on the creation of a balanced and strong central government (Wallace). His reduced lust for power, which saw him leave power after the two terms of presidency, presented him as a peaceful president who advocated for a peaceful transition, emphasizing the democratic republic.
Thomas Jefferson, born in 1743, was a polymath, Founding Father, and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence with several roles in law, architecture, and philosophy. His articulate expression of revolutionary ideas was a vital element that marked his involvement in the revolution (Wood). The political journey started in Virginia House of Burgesses after he became known for his prowess, eloquence, and commitment to politics and colonial rights matters. He later joined the Continental Congress in 1775, where he was charged with drafting the independence document. Being the third president, after serving from 1801-1809, his impact was felt and extended beyond the revolution (Wood). The presidency in which he was in service was the United States expansion, and he even saw the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, which translated to a double in the nation’s territory, creating a groundwork upon which the western acquisition expanded, fostering economic growth.
Jefferson’s commitment to education, mainly evidenced by the founding of the University of Virginia in 1819, created more emphasis on the value of education and the national significance of having an educated citizenry in attaining national success through democratic participation and other federal activities (Wood). Jefferson’s lasting effect in the United States political field was evident in his co-founding of the Democratic-Republican Party, his advocacy on the limited federal governments, and his agrarian interests. His legacy is, however, a complex one because he even enslaved people and had diverging opinions on racial equality. The discrepancy between his strive for advocacy and his actions and inflictions against some of his perceptions is still subject to much scrutiny (Wood). Even though he had his better share of shortcomings, Jefferson went down as one of the vital participants in the American Revolution.
He was born in 1706 and was a polymath, statesman, scientist, and one of the United States’ Founding Fathers. He first gained fame due to his prominence as a printer, author, and scientist after his experiments on electricity. His involvement in the American Revolution is multifaceted since he became a colonial agent in the early 1770s, where he was charged with advocating the interest of the colonial interest and preventing the rapture between the British and its American colonies (Taylor). His focus, however, shifted as there were increased tensions, shifting his focus to diplomacy and securing international support for the American cause.
By the year 1776, he had a role in the attainment of Independence in the United States as his diplomatic skills were used in France where he served as the minister of the United States to France from the periods of 1776 to 1785 and his charm reputation and took him to the French court where he negotiated the Treaty of Alliance in 1778, formalizing French support for the American cause. His diplomatic efforts on the Treaty of Paris in 1783 brought the Revolutionary War to a realization and recognition of the American Independence. His negotiations made achieving favorable terms for the United States easier, making a diplomatic triumph translating to a national emergence (Taylor). His significance lies not only in his diplomatic achievements but also in his role in bridging the enlightenment on the founding principles of the United States.
The Battles were pivotal events in the lead-up to the American Revolution, serving as the ignition point for armed conflict between the American colonists and British forces. The war manifested due to the increasing tensions between the American colonies and the British government. Examples of the issues that exacerbated the conflict and this rivalry were increased taxation and lack of representation, brutal laws and policies that were not tolerable, and the general negative perception of the British. The immediate reason for the battle was the British attempt to confiscate the military supplies within Concord (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). Before the clash, Paul Revere and other riders regarded the British approach as making it easier for the militia to prepare for any confrontation adequately.
The war was the primary military engagement within the American Revolution, and the outcome saw a victory for the American colonists. Even though the war was a small one, the British were forced out of Boston by the colonist militia, presenting injuries to some individuals along the way. The move translated to a sentimental shift, making them resist the British more and pursue their route to attaining their Independence. The war also had severe and profound effects, translating to conflict and more avenues for confrontation. This demonstrated the colonists’ ability to defend themselves and protect their freedom, leading to the Declaration of Independence 1776 (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). These events fundamentally propelled American colonialists towards total rebellion and complete freedom.
The event, adopted on July 4, 1776, directly responded to the deep-seated grievances and mounting tensions between the American colonies and British rule. The American people were affected by several elements of injustice presented by the British, including injustice, heavy taxation, and the exemption of fundamental liberal rights. The issues were so severe that they compelled the Continental Congress to declare formal Independence (National Archives). The significance of the declaration was its articulation of the Independence from the mistreatment by the British. The document ensures that all the harsh injustice and denied rights were returned to the American people. The outcome was the establishment of a new United States of America. The document was not just a unifying factor; it also created a ground for the American Revolutionary War (National Archives). Through the declaration, the Americans devoted themselves to protecting their liberty and building a democratic republic, one that each was repented, not overtaxing like the colonial masters.
The American Revolution is a seminal chapter in American history, embodying the spirit of Independence, democratic ideals, and the pursuit of liberty. Some exacerbation factors were battles like the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Declaration of Independence that made the colonial masters end the British oppression in the United States. Significant national figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin were vital to achieving the American Revolution. The trait elements that led to their progression in the pursuit were their diplomacy, ideological contributions, and leadership. Integration and understanding of the American Revolution is vital in understanding the mechanism and events that led to the present-day United States of America. The pursuit of Independence and the development of the United States are perfect examples of what resilience and aspiration can breed.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. “American Revolution History | Guide to the Revolutionary War.” Boston Tea Party Ships, September 24, 2019, www.bostonteapartyship.com/american-revolution#:~:text=The%20American%20Revolution%20was%20an.
National Archives. “Declaration of Independence (1776).” National Archives, April 8, 2021, www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/declaration-of-independence.
Taylor, Philip M. “The American Revolution.” Www.manchesterhive.com, Manchester University Press, 19 July 2013, pp. 133–44, www.manchesterhive.com/display/9781847790927/9781847790927.00026.xml. Accessed December 11, 2023.
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Battles of Lexington and Concord | United States History.” Encyclopedia Britannica, January 28, 2019, www.britannica.com/event/Battles-of-Lexington-and-Concord. Accessed February 11, 2019.
Wallace, Willard M. “American Revolution | Causes, Battles, Aftermath, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, August 27, 2020, www.britannica.com/event/American-Revolution.
Wood, Gordon S. “Classical Republicanism and the American Revolution.” Chicago-Kent Law Review, vol. 66, 1990, p. 13, heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/chknt66&div=8&id=&page=. Accessed December 11, 2023.