The American Revolutionary War 2/2 - Mind Insights | History & Politics

The French-Indian War and Tax Conflicts

The American Revolutionary War: Part 2

The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

The French and Indian War (1754-1763), fought for British dominance in the New World, ironically sparked American independence due to the high costs of war. Britain sought to recover these costs by imposing heavy taxes on the American colonies and restricting their trade to benefit the British economy.

Colonists, many born and raised in America with little loyalty to Britain, strongly resisted these taxes and policies. The "Stamp Act" of 1765, taxing all paper documents, directly impacted ordinary citizens and fueled anti-British sentiment and protests.

Although repealed in 1766, financial pressures led to the "Townshend Revenue Acts" in 1767, taxing goods like glass, paper, and tea. 

Colonial resistance through boycotts led to the repeal of most taxes by 1770, except for tea. Despite only the tea tax remaining, colonists smuggled cheaper tea from the Netherlands. 

To support the struggling East India Company, Britain passed the "Tea Act" in 1773, allowing the company to sell tea cheaply without customs duties, effectively creating a monopoly. Colonists realized this benefited British colonial rule, leading to strong opposition.

In response, on December 16, 1773, colonists staged the "Boston Tea Party," dumping 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This event further fueled the movement towards independence, with coffee becoming the preferred drink in America.

The Beginning of the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence

The Road to Revolution: From the Boston Tea Party to Colonial Resistance

British anger over the Boston Tea Party led to harsh measures, including the Boston Port Act, closing the harbor until compensation was paid.

The Massachusetts Government Act further tightened control, stripping the colony of self-governance and placing it under British rule. Officials were to be tried in Britain, threatening colonial justice.

In response, the Continental Congress convened in 1774, declaring a boycott of British goods and a halt to American exports to England, marking a significant step towards unity.

The First Battles and the Continental Army

Armed conflict erupted at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, when British troops were sent to seize weapons and arrest radical leaders. Colonial militia resisted, resulting in the first casualties of the Revolutionary War.

The Battle of Lexington and Concord Map

Following this, the Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army in 1775, appointing George Washington as its commander, signaling a commitment to armed resistance.

The Declaration of Independence and Foreign Support

the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the rights to liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, further uniting the colonies. This date is celebrated as Independence Day.

Despite the declaration, the war continued. Foreign volunteers, motivated by weakening Britain, secretly aided the Continental Army.

The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 was a turning point, leading France to officially support America in February 1778.

Victory and the Birth of America

Following France, Spain and the Netherlands joined America against Britain. Russia, supported by other European nations, declared free transport of supplies to America, isolating Britain.

Despite this, Britain continued fighting until the decisive Battle of Yorktown in 1781, where a large British force was captured, securing American victory. Recognizing defeat, the British Prime Minister resigned, and his successor negotiated peace.

In 1783, the Treaty of Paris officially recognized American independence, ending British dominance. France, however, faced domestic issues due to the war's expense, contributing to the French Revolution.

America adopted the Constitution in 1787, and George Washington became the first President in 1789, officially establishing the United States of America.

The American Revolutionary War stemmed from British expansion, Puritan migration, and conflicts with France. British taxation after the French and Indian War led to colonial revolt, the formation of the Continental Army, and foreign support that ultimately secured American independence.

Why did America achieve independence so early compared to other British colonies? Share your thoughts!

See also

• "1776" by David McCullough
• "The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789" by Robert Middlekauff
• "Washington's Crossing" by David Hackett Fischer
• "Liberty's Exiles: American Loyalists in the Revolutionary World" by Maya Jasanoff
• "The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution" by Bernard Bailyn