What were the factors responsible for American revolution? Examine the effects of the revolution.

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What were the factors responsible for American revolution? Examine the effects of the revolution.

Approach:

  • Briefly introduce American Revolution
  • Explain the various factors responsible for American Revolution
  • Mention the effects/outcomes of the American Revolution
  • Conclude appropriately
Model Answer :
The American Revolution or the U.S. war of Independence was a revolt waged by the American colonies to get independence from Great Britain during 1775. For more than a decade before the outbreak of American Revolution, tension had been building between colonists and the British authorities due to various reasons such as:
  1. Navigation Law of 1651 – It was compulsory for American ships to visit British ports before leaving for other parts of the world.
  2. American colonies were not allowed to establish manufacturing units, especially heavy industries.
  3. After the end of Seven Years War in 1763 (British and Allies vs French and Allies), Britain faced severe economic crisis. In this situation British Parliament’s policy to impose various taxes on American colonies like stamp duty, sugar duty, etc. In response, Massachusetts Assembly demanded representation in British parliament by giving the slogan ‘No Taxation Without Representation’.
  4. Samuel Adams organised mass protest in Boston in response to the Townshed Plan(It increased import duty on tea). Britain took military action against them and it led to Boston Massacre. In response to which Samuel Adams along with his supporters threw away the tea containers into Atlantic ocean. This was Boston Tea Party of 1773.
These all reasons culminated into the war of independence from 1776 in which various important battles were fought like Concord, Lexington, etc.  Later France also supported American fighters by sending its army under Lafayette.
Outcomes of the Revolution :
  1. By the Treaty of Paris, 1783, Britain left all its claims on American colonies. It led to political and economic upheaval in Britain.
  2. The 13 colonies became independent and determined to be loosely connected under the 1781 Articles of Confederation.
After the American Revolution, America emerged as a political and economic superpower. The revolution also inspired revolutionaries and freedom fighters across the world, most notably inspiring the French Revolution.

Subjects : History and Culture