The Course of the American Revolution (Junior Cert History): Revision Notes

The Course of the American Revolution

1. The French and Indian War - Seven Years' War (1756-1763): This war between Britain and France in North America set the stage for the American Revolution. The British victory increased taxes on American colonists to help pay for the war debt, creating tension and resentment.
2. The Stamp Act (1765): Britain imposed this tax on printed materials in the American colonies, angering colonists who believed they should not be taxed without representation in Parliament.
3. Boston Massacre (1770): A deadly confrontation between British soldiers and American colonists in Boston. The event further fuelled anti-British sentiment and was used as propaganda to rally support for independence.

4. Boston Tea Party (1773): In protest of the Tea Act, a group of colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped British tea into Boston Harbour. This act of defiance led to harsh British retaliation and escalated tensions.
5. First Continental Congress (1774): Representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies met to discuss their grievances with British rule and coordinate a united response. This marked the beginning of colonial unity and cooperation.
6. Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775): The first military engagements of the American Revolution, these battles marked the start of open conflict between the colonies and Great Britain.

7. Declaration of Independence (1776): The Continental Congress adopted this document, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, which declared the colonies' independence from Britain and established the United States of America.
8. Alliance with France (1778): The American Revolution gained crucial support when France joined the fight against Britain, providing supplies, troops, and naval assistance.

9. Battle of Yorktown (1781): A major American victory led by General George Washington, this battle marked the end of major fighting in the Revolution and signalled the beginning of the end for British rule in America.
10. Treaty of Paris (1783): This treaty officially ended the American Revolution and recognised the United States as an independent nation. Britain agreed to withdraw its troops, and the new nation's borders were established.