2. Belief that “rights as Englishmen” were being
violated: “no taxation without representation”
Desire to participate in parliament (Self-
government
3. Causes of the American Revolution: (1775-
1783)
Britishpolicies relating to the American
colonies, especially those concerning taxes
The Americans declared independence in the
Declaration of Independence, expressing ideas
about liberty, equality, and democracy.
4. Leadership:
George Washington: Commander in Chief of the
Continental Army; First President of the US, created
many of the traditions and procedures of the
presidential office; the Father of Our Country!
6. Thomas Jefferson: Author of the Declaration of
Independence; First Secretary of State & Third
President; Represented the common man to the
new government
8. Ben Franklin: Our “Man for All Seasons,” Writer,
scientist, inventor; his diplomatic skills were
instrumental in bringing France into the war as
an ally; his presence added legitimacy to the
Constitutional Convention in 1787.
12. Effects:
America became independent
U.S. Constitution (1789) included the
ideas of constitutionalism, separation of
powers, and popular sovereignty.
The Bill of Rights was added as the first
10 amendments.
The success and ideas of the American
Revolution inspired the French to wage
their own revolution.
13. Resulted in a new style of
government – democratic republic,
based on Enlightenment ideas.
American Revolution spread ideas of
individual rights to other European
nations as well as the concept of
unalienable rights.
14. Long term impact on political
developments:
French Revolution involved more
social and economic reorganization
than the American Revolution.
United States achieves a stable,
liberal government
