American Revolution
The American Revolutionary War was a conflict between the 13 British colonies and Great Britain that lasted from 1775-1783. The revolution had many causes. Long-term political, economic and social changes in the colonies prior to 1750 contributed to the United States forming an independent nation with its own political institutions. The French and Indian War (1754-1763) also changed the relationship between the colonies and Britain. The Stamp Act crisis in1765 and subsequent conflicts led to the outbreak of war in 1775. In 1776, the colonists made the Declaration of Independence to sever their ties to Britain.Although America had not yet decided to vote for independence until July 2nd, 1776, the American Revolution began at Lexington and Concord on the night of April 18, 1775. No one intended to fight that night but a shot was fired in the midst of confusion and 8 Americans lay dead once the redcoats responded. It was the shot heard around the world. Even though it was a shot not planned, word of the incident spread rapidly. A peaceful compromise was not possible since too much blood had already been spilled. In December 1775 Parliament passed the Prohibitory Act, which outlawed trade with rebellious colonies and set up a na
Beginning in early 1778, Britain employed regular troops to take territory and then used local Loyalists to hold it. Following the Prohibitory act, Thomas Paine pushed the colonists toward independence from Britain. While the Redcoats might gain control over one city, as long as Continental Army remained intact, the rebellion would continue. A loose union was created in 1781 under the Articles of Confederation. Common sense systematically stripped kingship of historical and theological justification. Britain's goal had been to confront and defeat the Continental Army and to isolate the radical Patriots in New England. Britain recognized its former colonies as an independent nation after the war ended in 1783. Paine produced an essay Common Sense where he asked the question whether "a continent should continue to be ruled by an island". The military were faced with harsh conditions and in many cases they would kill themselves or runaway. The American Revolution lasted for eight years and had four distinct phases. But the most devastating blow was the impact of the financial costs the war brought. Patriots weakened the British forces by using guerilla warfare and then the assistance of French soldiers in October 1781 led to a major victory at Yorktown, Virginia. Patriot mobs tarred and feathered suspected Loyalists in New England and Local Committees of Safety often imposed fines or jail sentences on those who refused to support the patriot cause. General Washington's strategy had been to protect his weak forces by retreating, and then counterattacking when he held the advantage. In most cases troops harassed or even raped women and young girls.
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Acceptance Essays
