The American Revolution: Key Events and Social Changes

This essay delves into the American Revolution, commencing with the British surprise at the American response to the Stamp Act. It examines how actions by both the British and Americans led to military confrontation at Lexington and Concord. The essay identifies groups in colonial society that actively supported the rebellion, including lawyers, the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, and politicians. It analyzes the factors contributing to the American victory in the War of Independence, such as the vast land, and foreign support. Finally, the essay explores the social changes caused by the revolution, including the weakening of slavery and the roles of women and Native Americans, providing a comprehensive overview of this pivotal period in American history. The essay utilizes various sources like YouTube videos, and academic books to support the arguments.

Running head: THE AMERICAN HISTORY 1
The American history
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THE AMERICAN HISTORY 2
Why were the British so surprised by the American reaction to the Stamp Act?
As at 1973, the British power had already spread vastly to parts of India and the
Caribbean. Despite the British being focused on expanding their colonies, the cost of expansion
was high. Britain was having financial difficulties due to post-war effects and at the same time,
she needed more finances for the administration of the new colonies ("Taxes & Smuggling -
Prelude to Revolution: Crash Course US History #6", 2017). The British imposed taxes on its
newly acquired land and American colonies dubbed as 1765 Stamp Act. This was where taxes
were imposed in various forms of stamps such as newspapers, documents, liquor among others in
the bid to raise revenue. The Stamp Act received a lot of rebellion from the Americas which
surprised the British. The British were extremely surprised by the Americans’ reaction because
they had a similar tax program in England which was generating revenue and they believed that
the colonists would accept the program.
How did the actions of each side contribute to military confrontation at Lexington and
Concord?
As per Burgan, (2006), the stamp act generated a lot of resentment among the Americans
who complained of taxation without representation. During this American revolutionary period,
the actions between the Americans Patriots and the British contributed to the scuffle and
confrontation at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. On the side of the British authorities,
marched a troop of soldiers into the countryside of Massachusetts with the aim of searching and
confiscating weapons. In addition, the British authorities had the orders of arresting key
revolutionary leaders who were a great course of concern to the Americans. On the American’s
side, the unwillingness to stand and watch as the British did their search and arrest was
imminent. During this time a lot of shots were fired between the two sides.

THE AMERICAN HISTORY 3
Which groups in colonial society most actively supported the rebellion?
All the Americans supported the rebellion against the British’s stamp act. Groups such as
the lawyers actively supported the rebellion, this is because every legal document was taxed
hence affected their profession greatly. The lawyers believed this was a plan to reduce their quest
for independence. The sons and daughters of liberty also supported the rebellion. The artisan
mechanics, laborers, and women were excluded from the right to vote. They rebelled by failing
to buy British goods and opted to make their own tea (Jensen, 2017). The politicians also heavily
rebelled from the British oppression by airing the disaffection in parliament.
How did the Americans win the War of Independence?
Despite the British military being the best in the world at the time, the Americans were
able to attain their independence. The American colonial troops were few and inexperienced.
Despite these challenges, the Americans were able to conquer because of the vast land. The
Americans in the countryside were able to group and focus their efforts. The fact that the British
did not fully trust their loyalists, the colonists were able to thwart their loyalist’s efforts to help
the British. The ultimate reason why the Americans won the war of independence was because
of the help from other nations. Spain, Netherlands, and France expedited the quest for
independence for America.
What types of social changes did the American Revolution cause?
One of the hottest debate issues was the extent which the American Revolution affected
the lives of ordinary citizens. It is no doubt that slavery was weakened after the revolution
(Raphael, 2016). The declaration of independence led many slaves seek their freedom. Women,

THE AMERICAN HISTORY 4
who made half of the American population, took part in the war as cooks, nurses, and caregivers.
After the revolutionary war, women became invincible to the society as they occupied no
leadership positions. The Native Americans were negatively affected by the revolution as they
fought alongside the British foreseeing British victory.

THE AMERICAN HISTORY 5
References
Taxes & Smuggling - Prelude to Revolution: Crash Course US History #6. (2017). YouTube.
Retrieved 27 September 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eytc9ZaNWyc
Burgan, M. (2006). The Stamp Act of 1765 (p. 7). Capstone.
Jensen, M. (2017). The Founding of a Nation: A History of the American Revolution, 1763-
1776(p. 151). Hackett Publishing.
Raphael, R. (2016). A People's History of the American Revolution: How Common People
Shaped the Fight for Independence (p. 204). New Press.