1 Introduction
When we consider a definition of war, we will find: “War is an armed conflict between countries or groups that involves killing and destruction.” Whether offensive or defensive, war is an organized conflict of power where political, industrial, ideological and military interests are pushed through. Pursuing such aims always involves an infringement in peoples´ safe living together, their stability and protection. History shows that wars have been held throughout mankind´s existence. A German quotation emphasises the above-mentioned thoughts: “Der Klang, der am nachhaltigsten durch die Geschichte der Menschheit hallt, ist der von Kriegstrommeln.”
The American War of Independence is a historical example which shows two sides of war – you can loose or win it. On the one hand the revolution caused a loss of lives but on the other hand they rescued the basis for the formation of the United States of America. The British Empire lost 13 colonies, America won its independence.
Faced with all these impressions I will demonstrate how British colonies arose in North America and why they started revolting against Britain’s control. How could America win its independence? Which constitution did the United States of America get after the war? While analyzing the topic I will miss the course of the war. This paper concentrates on the questions why it happened and how it ended. I make use of secondary sources and pictures to prove, support und intensify my statement.
2 British Colonies in North America
English colonization along the Atlantic Coast started in the 17th century. Across the Atlantic came Englishmen, Frenchmen, Germans, Scots, Irishmen, Dutchmen, Swedes, and many others who attempted to transplant their habits and traditions to the new world. They left their native countries to find a better life.
Travellers to North America came in small overcrowded ships. During their six- to twelve-week voyage, they subsisted on meagre rations. Many of the ships were lost in storms, many passengers died of disease, and infants rarely survived the journey. There was the danger to die but they came the long way in crowds – why? The most important motive which induced emigrants to leave their European homelands was the desire for greater economic opportunity. This urge was frequently reinforced by other significant considerations such as religious freedom, escape from political oppression or the lure of adventure.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 British Colonies in North America
3 War of Independence
3.1 Why did the colonies revolt?
3.2 Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
3.3 How could the colonies win the war?
3.4 Which kind of constitution did the colonies get after they had won the war of independence?
3.5 Results of the revolutionary war
4 Conclusion
5 References
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this study is to examine the origins of the British colonies in North America, the subsequent conflict with the British Empire, and the political establishment of the United States. It explores the drivers of the rebellion, the war's conclusion, and the resulting constitutional framework.
- The settlement and development of British colonies in North America.
- The causes and triggers of the American War of Independence.
- The influence of key historical figures on the Declaration of Independence.
- Military and political factors leading to the American victory.
- The formation of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Why did the colonies revolt?
The trigger which produced the American War of Independence was a misjudgement of the British government. They sent troops to reduce the human freedom. The colonists already harboured a grudge against the British who turned down every complaint about abuses - in the first place taxes which were imposed to the colonists without being represented in the British parliament. Furthermore the British pressed for an old agreement to be kept. It included that colonists had to export raw material and to import finished products.
New import tax and duties, especially on tea and molasses were the reasons why the American rebellions threw loads of tea from India into the sea in the port of Boston. Angry about the new taxes the colonists, dressed up as Indians, tipped boxes full of tea into the water. This event which took place in December 1773 is named ‘The Boston Tea Party’.
In 1774 the British answered by lots of sanctions. They closed the port of Boston for trade, stationed troops in Massachusetts and replaced the colonial meeting by a group of men who were chosen by the British governor. The Americans offered resistance to this measures. As a result George III declared that Massachusetts is a rebellious colony and instructed the governor to suppress the rebellion. His troops should confiscate all weapons of the colonists in Concord on 19th April, 1775. On the way to Concord they met a militia of the Americans in Lexington. The War of Independence began.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter defines the concept of war and outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on the historical progression from colonial settlement to independence.
2 British Colonies in North America: This section details the motivations for immigration to the New World and the initial autonomy enjoyed by the colonists before increasing British oversight.
3 War of Independence: This central chapter covers the triggers of the rebellion, the declaration process, the military conflict, and the formation of the new American constitution.
3.1 Why did the colonies revolt?: Analyzes the grievances regarding taxation, trade limitations, and the escalation of tension following the Boston Tea Party.
3.2 Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?: Highlights the roles of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in shaping the nation's founding documents and philosophy.
3.3 How could the colonies win the war?: Discusses the significance of the victory at Saratoga, French intervention, and the leadership of George Washington.
3.4 Which kind of constitution did the colonies get after they had won the war of independence?: Examines the implementation of a federal government and the separation of powers within the new constitution.
3.5 Results of the revolutionary war: Summarizes the socio-economic impact of independence and the emergence of the United States as a new power.
4 Conclusion: Summarizes the transformation from the ‘first British Empire’ to the emergence of the United States and its revolutionary impact on global politics.
5 References: A list of secondary sources and historical materials utilized for the research.
Keywords
American Revolution, War of Independence, British Empire, North America, Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Boston Tea Party, Constitution, Federalism, Separation of Powers, Bill of Rights, Colonialism, Liberty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main subject of this document?
The work provides a historical overview of the American War of Independence, tracing the path from early colonial settlement to the creation of the United States as a sovereign nation.
What are the central themes covered?
Key themes include the causes of the American rebellion, the development of American political identity, the military trajectory of the war, and the subsequent constitutional structure.
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to investigate why the American colonies revolted against British rule and how they managed to win independence and establish a new democratic government.
Which methodology is applied?
The research relies on an analysis of secondary historical sources, official documents, and relevant literature to support and verify the historical statements made.
What does the main part of the paper focus on?
The main part focuses on the specific reasons for the revolt, the authorship of the Declaration of Independence, the military and political turning points of the war, and the fundamental structure of the U.S. Constitution.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Keywords include American Revolution, War of Independence, British Empire, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and the U.S. Constitution.
What was the strategic importance of the French alliance during the war?
The alliance provided the colonies with crucial military and financial support, as well as naval superiority, which significantly increased the American chances of winning the conflict against the British.
Why was the 'Boston Tea Party' a decisive moment?
It acted as a direct protest against British taxation policies and triggered severe sanctions from the British government, which ultimately pushed the colonies closer to open armed conflict.
How does the author characterize the dual nature of the war?
The author describes it as both a national war of liberation against colonial rule and a revolutionary civil war against those who opposed the revolution.
- Quote paper
- Maria Brüggert (Author), 2004, The American Revolution or War of Independence (1775-1783) and its influence on the British Empire, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/89039
