What Were the Causes of What Were the Causes of the American Revolution?the American Revolution?

Belief that “rights as Englishmen” were being violated: “no taxation without representation”

Desire to participate in parliament (Self-government

Causes of the American Revolution: (1775-1783)

British policies relating to the American colonies, especially those concerning taxes

The Americans declared independence in the Declaration of Independence, expressing ideas about liberty, equality, and democracy.

Leadership:

George Washington: Commander in Chief of the Continental Army; First President of the US, created many of the traditions and procedures of the presidential office; the Father of Our Country!

George George WashingtonWashington

Thomas Jefferson: Author of the Declaration of Independence; First Secretary of State & Third President; Represented the common man to the new government

Thomas Thomas JeffersonJefferson

Ben Franklin: Our “Man for All Seasons,” Writer, scientist, inventor; his diplomatic skills were instrumental in bringing France into the war as an ally; his presence added legitimacy to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

Ben Ben FranklinFranklin

James Madison: The Father of the US Constitution

Alexander Hamilton: Primary author of the Federalist Papers; First Secretary of Treasury

James James MadisonMadison

Alexander Alexander HamiltonHamilton

Effects:Effects:America became independent U.S. Constitution (1789) included the ideas of constitutionalism, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty.

The Bill of Rights was added as the first 10 amendments.

The success and ideas of the American Revolution inspired the French to wage their own revolution.

Resulted in a new style of government – democratic republic, based on Enlightenment ideas.

American Revolution spread ideas of individual rights to other European nations as well as the concept of unalienable rights.

Long term impact on political developments:

French Revolution involved more social and economic reorganization than the American Revolution.

United States achieves a stable, liberal government