American War of Independence

American War of Independence was a turning point in World History, as it marked the struggle of thirteen American colonies to gain freedom from British rule. Beginning in 1775, this war eventually led to the establishment of the United States of America and inspired other nations to fight for independence.

Previous year Questions

Year	Question	Marks
2021	Discuss the ideological background of the American War of Independence.	5M

American War of Independence

The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a conflict between the Thirteen American Colonies and Great Britain. 

• It was not primarily a fight against feudalism, foreign rule, or economic exploitation but rather a struggle for natural rights and independence from British colonial rule.
• Some historians call it a civil war fought between American settlers and Britain.

Main Characteristics:

• Common Culture: Both sides shared similar Religion, language, food, and customs.
• Limited Participation:
  • Only traders and the middle class were involved.
  • Red Indians and women were excluded.
  • The initial constitution gave no voting rights to the general population, women, or African Americans.
• Economics at the Core: Carl L. Becker emphasized that it was an economic conflict between the colonies and Britain.

Background of the American Colonies and Their Connection to Britain

• The Thirteen American Colonies were part of the British Empire and had been established between the early 17th and 18th centuries. 
• The colonies were governed by Britain, and the settlers considered themselves British subjects.

• Economic Ties: The colonies were integral to Britain’s mercantile system, providing raw materials like tobacco, cotton, and timber. In return, Britain supplied the colonies with finished goods.
• Political and Legal Ties: The colonies were ruled under British law, and most of their governors were appointed by the British Crown. However, the colonies had their own local assemblies, which handled internal affairs like taxes and laws.
• Military Protection: Britain provided military protection to the colonies, particularly against foreign powers such as France and Spain, and against native resistance.

Causes of the American Freedom Struggle

Lack of Sympathy for England:

• Early settlers were often religious outcasts or criminals, with no loyalty to the British Crown.
• Many had fled from religious persecution and political oppression in England.

British Mercantilism Policy:

The colonies were seen primarily as sources of raw materials and markets for British goods.

• Navigation Acts (1651-1660): Restricted colonial trade, allowing colonies to export only to Britain or British-controlled ports.
• Other restrictions : Iron Act (1750, Wool Act (1699), Hat (Fur) Act (1732) → These restrictions made it difficult for the colonies to grow industrially, leading to frustration and calls for free trade.

Change in Policies to Increase Taxes:

• Post-French and Indian War: To cover war expenses, Britain imposed a series of taxes on the colonies, which were met with strong opposition.
• Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act (1765):
• Townshend Acts, 1767 (Imposed duties on glass, paint, paper, and tea imported into the colonies.)

Proclamation of 1763:

• After winning the French war  Britain acquired vast territories in North America, including lands west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• To prevent conflicts with Native American tribes, the British government issued the Proclamation of 1763, forbidding settlers from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• The Proclamation created frustration, as many colonists had fought in the war expecting access to these lands as a reward.

Intellectual Awakening:

• John Locke: Locke’s ideas about natural rights (life, liberty, property) inspired the colonists.
• Montesquieu: Montesquieu promoted the separation of powers to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too strong.
• Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” (1776) → Encouraged the idea of independence: “An island cannot rule a continent.”
  • Paine also authored “The Rights of Man”, defending the principles of democracy and human rights, and “The Age of Reason”, which criticized organized religion.
• Benjamin Franklin → Ideological centre :Founded the American Philosophical Society to discuss ideas.
• James Otis: Otis is famous for his powerful declaration, “No representation, no taxes”, which encapsulated the colonists’ argument against British-imposed taxes without representation in Parliament.
• Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson: Adams and Jefferson played key roles in establishing the Committee of Correspondence, an organization that spread nationalist ideas and promoted intellectual consciousness throughout the colonies.
• Harvard College (1636) and William and Mary College (1693) → Became educational hubs.
• Newspapers like the Boston News-Letter (1704) spread awareness. By 1765, there were 25 newspapers in circulation.

Tension Between Governors and Local Assemblies:

• Colonies were governed by a British-appointed Governor and his executive council.
• The local Legislative Assembly often resisted British interference, causing tensions.

Seven Years War (1757-1763):

• Fought between Britain and France.
• Result → France lost its territories in North America to Britain.
• The war made Americans realize they didn’t need British colonial rule anymore.

Open Environment of Colonies:

• Over time, the American colonists developed a distinct identity separate from Britain. 
• American society was more liberal, progressive, and egalitarian, especially compared to Britain’s rigid class structure dominated by aristocracy and monarchy. 
• Having experienced local self-government, American colonists became highly resistant to any external authority imposing laws and taxes without their consent

Negligible British Intervention Initially:

• Britain didn’t impose heavy control over the colonies at first, which led to a growing sense of independence. British laws like the Navigation Acts were not effectively enforced.
• When Britain did try to impose control, the colonies had grown too independent to accept it.

Theoretical Differences:

• Britain believed that its Parliament had supreme authority, including over the colonies.
• Colonists saw themselves tied to the King, not the Parliament. ➔ “No taxation without representation” became a rallying cry.
• Tensions escalated when George III and Prime Minister Grenville enforced new taxes.

Wrong Economic Policies of George III:

• Sugar Act (1764):
  • Restricted foreign liquor imports and imposed a tax on molasses. 
  • Caused resentment as Americans had to buy expensive English molasses.
• Currency Act (1764):
  • Banned the use of local currency for payments.
• Quartering Act (1765):
  • Colonists had to bear the costs of housing British troops.
• Stamp Act (1765):
  • This law required that all legal documents, newspapers, playing cards, and other printed materials in the colonies carry a tax stamp.
  • The Stamp Act was the first direct tax on the colonists (as opposed to trade taxes), sparking intense protests.
  • The colonists coined the famous slogan “No taxation without representation”, arguing that only their own assemblies, not the British Parliament, had the right to tax them.
• Tea Act (1767):
  • Imposed taxes on tea, glass, and paint.
  • This tax funded the British Governor’s administration, further angered colonists.
  • Led to famous acts of rebellion like the Boston Tea Party (1773).

Major Events of the American Freedom Struggle

Boston Massacre:

• The New York Legislative Assembly was suspended for failing to provide lodging and boarding for British soldiers.
• Boston Massacre: Tensions rose on March 5, 1770 between British Soldiers and the citizens.
• Three civilians were killed by British soldiers.
• The massacre led to the abolition of the Townshend taxes, except for the tax on tea.

Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773):

• The East India Company was in financial trouble and sought a monopoly on selling tea in America.
• The British Parliament granted the company the right to sell tea at lower prices.This aimed to stop smuggling of French and Dutch tea.
• When the ship full of tea boxes reached the port of Boston on the night of December 16, on the direction of Samuel Adams and his followers about 50 persons in disguise attacked the ship and threw the tea boxes into the sea. This incident is called ‘ Boston Tea Party”.
• King George III was outraged and decided to punish Boston with five harsh laws, including: The Boston Port would remain closed till the compensation for the tea was not paid.

First Continental Congress (September 5, 1774):

• Representatives from 12 colonies (except Georgia) met to demand their rights from Britain.

Lexington Massacre (April 19, 1775):

• The British attempted to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock.  
• Protest  → A small battle in Lexington left 8 American volunteers dead, marking the beginning of armed resistance.

Second Continental Congress (May 10, 1775):

• The Congress met in Philadelphia under the leadership of John Hancock.
• George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775.
• The Congress decided to break ties with England and seek foreign help.

Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776):

• On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared the independence of the 13 colonies.
• Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it proclaimed “all men are created equal” with rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Important Victories in the American Revolution:

• Battle of Trenton (1776): George Washington defeated British forces, boosting morale.
• Battle of Saratoga (1777): A key American victory that persuaded France to join the war against Britain.
• Battle of Yorktown (1781): With French support, Washington forced British General Cornwallis to surrender.This was the final major battle of the revolution.

Support from Foreign Allies:

• France wanted revenge for its defeat in the Seven Years’ War.
• French commander Lafayette joined the American army.
• France, Spain, and Holland sent warships to aid the American colonies.

Treaty of Paris (December 3, 1783):

• The Treaty of Paris officially ended the war.
• Britain recognized the independence of the 13 American colonies.
• America emerged as the first colony to gain independence, making this a landmark event in world history.
• July 4 is celebrated as Independence Day in America, marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Causes of British Defeat

1. Geographical Distance:
   • The British were fighting far from home, while Americans were familiar with the terrain.
   • American allies like Spain, France, and Holland blocked British supplies.
2. Lack of Enthusiasm:
   • British soldiers were fighting their ethnic brothers, which dampened their motivation.
   • American volunteers were driven by nationalism and the fight for their civil rights.
3. German Mercenaries:
   • Many British soldiers were hired from Germany and lacked commitment.
   • American volunteers had a stronger will to fight.
4. British Leadership Failures:
   • British generals like William Howe missed opportunities to win the war.
   • In contrast, George Washington proved to be an able commander.

Impact of the American Freedom Struggle

Political Impact

Rise of a Democratic Nation and Written Constitution:

• After the Treaty of Paris, the 13 American colonies became a sovereign democratic nation.
• A written constitution was introduced, ensuring: ➔ Internal freedom for the states. ➔ A federal system of governance. ➔ Principles like citizenship, voting rights, and equality were established.
• However, these rights did not fully apply to African Americans, Native Americans, or women at the time.

Shift in British Colonial Strategy:

• America’s victory inspired other colonies to challenge British rule.
• To prevent similar incidents, England formed the British Commonwealth. → This was a platform for colonial countries to voice their concerns. ➔ It aimed to maintain loyalty to the British crown.

Inspiration for the French Revolution:

• France’s involvement in the American struggle weakened its economic condition.
• French soldiers who participated in the war learned about political, religious, and social rights.
• This knowledge inspired the demand for similar rights in France, eventually leading to the French Revolution.

Benefits to Ireland:

• The American struggle motivated Ireland to push for its own independence.
• The Irish sought: ➔ An independent parliament. ➔ The removal of trade restrictions.
• England responded sympathetically and granted Irish legislative independence.

Impact on Monarchy:

• The American Revolution challenged the idea of divine-right monarchy and absolute rule, further weakening monarchical authority in Europe.

Increase in the Power of the British Parliament:

• The failure of King George III in the American struggle weakened the monarchy.
• The British Parliament held Prime Minister Lord North and the king responsible for the defeat.
• As a result, the power of the monarchy was reduced, and the Parliament became stronger.

Global Inspiration:

• Latin American Revolutions: Leaders like Simón Bolívar were influenced by the American struggle for freedom.
• Colonial Uprisings: The success of the American Revolution encouraged uprisings in French, Spanish, and Portuguese colonies in Latin America.
• It became a symbol of the possibility of self-rule and inspired revolutions across the globe.

Economic Impact

End of British Economic Control:

• End of Mercantilism: The revolution ended the mercantilist system where colonies existed solely to benefit the mother country. 

Expansion of Trade:

• The USA became a free-trading nation, no longer restricted by British trade laws.
• The USA could now trade directly with other nations, including France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Social Impact

Increased Political Participation:

• The Revolution expanded political rights for white men, particularly those who owned property.
• However, slavery remained legal, and enslaved people, women, and Native Americans were largely excluded from the new political system.

Impact on Slavery:

• Though the Revolution espoused ideals of freedom, slavery persisted in the southern states.

Religious Freedom:

• Separation of church and state was implemented.
• Education was made independent of religious institutions.
• Every individual was granted religious liberty and the right to practice any faith.
• Religious tolerance grew, with more freedom for religious minorities, unlike the state-supported churches of Europe.

Rise of National Identity:

• Citizens began to see themselves as Americans, rather than British subjects.

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