

📜 American Revolution - Summary Notes



Definition:

The American Revolution (1775–1783) was a colonial revolt against British rule, resulting in the founding of the United States of America.



🔑 Causes:

- Taxation without representation (e.g., Stamp Act, Tea Act)

- British military presence in the colonies

- Enlightenment ideas about liberty and government

- Economic restrictions by the British Crown



⚔️ Key Events:

- 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord (start of the war)

- 1776: Declaration of Independence (by Thomas Jefferson)

- 1777: Battle of Saratoga (turning point)

- 1781: British surrender at Yorktown

- 1783: Treaty of Paris officially ends the war



📄 Declaration of Independence:

- Adopted on July 4, 1776

- Asserted natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)

- Declared the colonies free and independent states



👥 Important Figures:

- George Washington (Commander-in-Chief)

- Thomas Jefferson (Primary author of the Declaration)

- King George III (British monarch)

- Benjamin Franklin (Diplomat, helped gain French support)



🌎 Impact:

- Birth of the United States

- Spread of democratic ideals globally

- Inspired revolutions in France, Haiti, and Latin America

