1. How revolutionary was the American Revolution?

2. Themes from Pre-Revolution
“Taxation Without Representation” vs. “Virtual Representation” Debate Begins
Debate on “Rights of Englishmen”/Enlightenment ideals

3. Republicanism Political ideology Rhetoric of Rev. focuses on freedom
Ideal, not literal
Women & African Americans excluded

4. The battle for
“Hearts & Minds”
is the key
to any
revolution

5. This new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe. Hither have they fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still.
Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'tis time to part.
Now is the seedtime of continental union, faith and honor. The least fracture now, will be like a name engraved with the point of a pin on the tender rind of a young oak; the wound would enlarge with the tree, and posterity read in it full grown characters.
The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

6. Founding Documents Declaration of Independence (1776)
Articles of Confederation (1777)
Constitution (1787) + Bill of Rights

7. The meaning of liberty in the new American
republic was a question just starting to be debated

8. Legacy of Women in the American Revolution
Increasing autonomy of women before & during War
Total mobilization, changing role at home
Major role in econ. boycott
Politicized their everyday domestic life
Lack political representation
Republican Motherhood
Symbolic, politicized role for women to transmit republican values to sons
Justified limited education

9. A Turning Point in the War
Why was the battle of Saratoga significant?
Why did France agree to assist America?
Results of Battle of Saratoga (1777):
French-American Treaty of Alliance (1778)
Military & Financial Assistance
Desire to Weaken British Empire
Leads to Favorable Peace Terms

10. How did the Revolutionary War End?
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Acknowledges U.S. as a country
Mississippi Access
Doubles Size of Territory