The American Revolution arose from growing tensions between British colonists in North America and the colonial government representing the British crown. The Stamp Act of 1765 required colonists to pay taxes on printed materials which led to rebellion against British tax collectors. The First and Second Continental Congresses were formed to discuss colonial grievances with Britain but Britain continued imposing laws seen as unconstitutional and sending troops, starting the Revolutionary War. Key events included Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet "Common Sense" which galvanized support for independence, American and French victories like at Yorktown in 1781, and the Declaration of Independence in 1776, establishing the United States.

2. The American Revolution (1775-83) is also known as the American
Revolutionary War and the U.S. War of Independence. The conflict
arose from growing tensions between residents of Great Britain’s 13
North American colonies and the colonial government, which
represented the British crown.

4. CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

5. French and Indian War

7. The 1765 Stamp Act required colonists to pay a tax (in the form of a
stamp) on printed documents, various licenses, and other goods.
Colonists rebelled and terrorized British tax collectors.
Stamp Act

8. Boston Tea Party/Intolerable Acts

10. First Continental Congress | Second Continental
Congress
Twelve colonies sent delegates to discuss how to return to a state of
harmonious relations with the Mother Country — not revolution! But
radical thinking won out. Parliamentary acts were declared
"unconstitutional." Taxes were not paid, an import-export ban was
established, and Colonists were urged to arm themselves. This resulted
in the First Continental Congress, in 1774.
The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in May 10,
1775 and they declared themselves the government. They talked about
ways to make Britain treat the colonies more fairly. Britain ignored
these ideas and sent troops to control the colonists. The colonists
organized their own army, commander of which was George
Washington . The American Revolution began.

12. The Revolutionary War

13. Common Sense, one of the most influential pamphlets in American
history galvanized the American public to support the Revolution and
condemn the monarchy in England.
Thomas Paine and Common Sense

14. Excellent leadership by George Washington; the aid of such European
nations as France; and tactical errors by British commanders
contributed to the American victory.

15. In 1781, American and French force defeated the British at Yorktown in
the war's last major battle.

16. On July 4th, 1776, Congress adopts the Declaration of
Independence. The United States was born.

17. 1. About 7,200 Americans died in battle during the Revolution.
Another 10,000 died from disease or exposure and about 8,500 died in
British prisons.
2. A quarter of the slaves in South Carolina and Georgia escaped
from bondage during the Revolution. The Northern states outlawed
slavery or adopted gradual emancipation plans.
3. The states adopted written constitutions that guaranteed
religious freedom, increased the legislature's size and powers, made
taxation more progressive, and reformed inheritance laws.
Consequences: