History Notes: The American Revolution
Background
• Colonies under British rule in 1700s.
• Taxation without representation caused anger.
• Acts: Stamp Act, Tea Act, Intolerable Acts.
Key Events
• 1773: Boston Tea Party.
• 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord → first shots.
• 1776: Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson.
• 1777: Battle of Saratoga → turning point.
• 1781: Surrender at Yorktown → war ends.
Important Figures
• George Washington → commander of Continental Army.
• King George III → ruler of Britain.
• Thomas Paine → wrote 'Common Sense.'
• Benjamin Franklin → diplomat, helped with French alliance.
Results
• 1783 Treaty of Paris recognized U.S. independence.
• Inspired revolutions in France and Latin America.