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In this video, I'd like to explore some of the origins and effects of the Declaration of Independence. We often think that the Revolutionary War started with the Declaration of Independence. We think of 1776 as being this opening moment of the Revolution.
- 13 min
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- Overview
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A high-level overview of the American Revolution.
After the Seven Years’ War, the British government attempted to increase control over its American colonies. The colonists rebelled against the change in policy, which eventually led to the Revolutionary War.
Growing restrictions and response: Leading up to the Revolutionary War, the British government ended its practice of salutary neglect, tightening control over the colonies. The British government began implementing taxes to deal with the debt it had accumulated during the Seven Years’ War. The American colonists resisted these measures through boycotts and protests, like the Boston Tea Party organized by the Sons of Liberty. The British government responded with further restrictions, increasing tensions between the British and its colonies.
Declaring independence from the British government: As the number of British soldiers in the colonies increased, the Second Continental Congress assembled the Continental Army to protect colonial interests. The official start to the war was the Battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775 where the British military attempted to disarm colonial rebels. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the colonies decided to declare independence from the British crown by listing all the problems they faced under the British government.
Alliance with France: The British had several advantages over colonial forces, including more troops, better ships, and more money. The colonists had been relying heavily on their knowledge of American terrain and their passion for their cause, but as the winter of 1779-1780 depleted their supplies and their troops, they were beginning to lose the war. The Americans needed help if they wanted to win the war.
After declaring independence from Britain in the Declaration of Independence and proving to the world that the colonies (now the United States of America) would be free from British control, the Americans found that help from Britain’s greatest rival: France. The alliance with France allowed for the United States to defeat Britain as the French provided troops, funds, and weapons.
•What were the political and economic effects of the American Revolution?
•What were some advantages that the British had over the Americans in the Revolutionary War?
•What were some advantages that the Americans had over the British in the Revolutionary War?
•What was the significance of the Articles of Confederation during the American Revolution?
Causes. The road leading up to the American Revolution didn't happen overnight. It took several years and many events to push the colonists to a point where they wanted to fight for their independence. Below are some of the key causes of the American Revolution in the order they occurred. The Founding of the Colonies.
Oct 19, 2010 · Learn about the causes, events and impact of the American Revolution, the war that gave birth to a new nation and inspired global movements for freedom.
Explore the causes of the American Revolution and what events led to the Revolutionary War. Review major events and the purpose of the American...
