American History Study Guide
The American Revolution
The American Revolution was a major conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain.
Tensions grew because many colonists opposed British taxes and believed they should have greater
political representation.
Key Events
●​ 1765 – Stamp Act: Britain placed a tax on printed materials in the colonies.
●​ 1770 – Boston Massacre: A confrontation between British soldiers and colonists resulted in
several colonists being killed.
●​ 1773 – Boston Tea Party: Colonists protested British taxation by dumping tea into Boston
Harbor.
●​ 1776 – Declaration of Independence: The colonies formally declared their independence from
Great Britain.
●​ 1781 – Battle of Yorktown: American and French forces defeated the British in a major victory.
●​ 1783 – Treaty of Paris: Britain formally recognized American independence.
Important Figures
George Washington: Commander of the Continental Army and later the first president of the United
States.
Thomas Jefferson: Principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
Benjamin Franklin: Diplomat who helped secure French support for the American cause.
Why It Matters
The American Revolution established the United States as an independent nation and influenced ideas
about representative government, individual rights, and political freedom.
Review Questions
1.​ Why did tensions develop between the colonies and Great Britain?
2.​ What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
3.​ Why was the Battle of Yorktown important?
4.​ Who commanded the Continental Army?
5.​ What did the Treaty of Paris accomplish?