Causes Of The American Revolution Worksheet Answer Key Pdf
The American Revolution, which took place between 1775 and 1783, was a significant event in the history of the United States. It was a period marked by political upheavals, economic instability, and social unrest. The revolution saw the thirteen colonies that made up the United States break away from British rule and become an independent country. The causes of the American Revolution were complex and varied, and historians have studied them extensively. This article will explore some of the key causes of the American Revolution Worksheet Answer Key Pdf.
The French and Indian War
One of the main causes of the American Revolution was the French and Indian War (1754-1763). This war was fought between Britain and France, with the help of Native American tribes. The war was expensive, and Britain incurred a huge debt as a result of its involvement. In an attempt to pay off this debt, Britain imposed taxes on its American colonies. The colonies resented these taxes and saw them as an infringement of their rights. The slogan "No taxation without representation" became popular among the colonists, and they protested against the taxes.
The Stamp Act
In 1765, Britain passed the Stamp Act, which required the colonies to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper they used. This tax included legal documents, newspapers, and even playing cards. The colonists saw this as an attack on their economic freedom and again protested. The Stamp Act was eventually repealed, but it had a lasting impact on the relationship between Britain and its colonies. It demonstrated to the colonists that Britain was willing to use force to impose its will on the colonies.
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was another event that contributed to the American Revolution. In 1773, Britain passed the Tea Act, which gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies. The colonists saw this as an attempt by Britain to control their economy and boycott tea sales. In December 1773, a group of colonists, disguised as Native Americans, boarded three British ships and threw over 342 crates of tea into Boston Harbor. The British government responded by passing the Coercive Acts, which closed the port of Boston and suspended the Massachusetts government. The colonists saw this as an attack on their rights and responded with protests and rallies.
The Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws passed by the British government in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts included the closing of Boston Harbor, the quartering of British troops in private homes, and the suspension of the Massachusetts government. The colonists saw these acts as an assault on their liberty and responded with more protests and rallies. The Intolerable Acts were a significant factor in the decision by the colonies to declare independence from Britain.
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that swept across Europe and North America in the 18th century. It emphasized reason, individualism, and liberty. The ideas of the Enlightenment had a significant impact on the American Revolution. Colonists were exposed to these ideas through books, pamphlets, and lectures. They saw their struggle against Britain as a fight for individual rights and freedoms. The Enlightenment also influenced the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
Conclusion
The American Revolution was a complex and multifaceted event, with many different causes. The French and Indian War, the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, the Intolerable Acts, and the Enlightenment were all significant factors in the decision by the colonies to declare independence from Britain. The revolution was a watershed moment in the history of the United States and had a profound impact on the world. It established the United States as a democratic and independent nation and inspired other countries to fight for their own independence.
