how did america win the revolutionary war essay

American Revolution

Why the americans won the revolutionary war.

As time dragged on and the Continental Army either survived major battles or avoided them, British military commanders faced a strategic dilemma. What were they in America to do? How were they expected to subjugate an entire nation, a large proportion of whom were against them? How could they defeat an army that would not fight on their terms? If they could not control cities politically, were they there to destroy them? The British had no clear military objectives and lacked inventive generals to come up with ideas and tactics.

Nevertheless, Washington did what needed to be done. As one historian put it, he only needed to be better than the generals he opposed.

Although of great aggressive instinct, after the early defeats of 1775-76, Washington realised the success of the revolution was closely linked to the survival of the Continental Army. From that point, his tactics focused on small-scale battles, skirmishes and ambushes followed by retreat and regrouping. European-style field battles, which risked the destruction and capture of the Continental Army, must be avoided, at least initially.

“We are far from an anticipated peace because the bitterness of the rebels is too wide-spread, and in regions where we are masters, the rebellious spirit is still in them. The land is too large, and there are too many people. The more land we win, the weaker our army gets in the field. It would be best to come to an agreement with them.” von Lossberg, Hessian general

France’s involvement in the Revolutionary War was a significant factor in the American victory. This was not just because of the French infantry and artillery (though that was important enough) but also the tactical advantage offered by the French navy.

The naval strength of the British had allowed them to maintain supplies, munitions and reinforcements wherever their ground forces went. As long as British units remained relatively close to the coast, their supply lines remained intact. The Continental Army, however, relied on requisitioning and foraging, both inconsistent for producing what they needed.

The Americans did have their own Continental Navy but it was small and ill equipped to do battle with England’s gunships. Most American naval activity focused on privateering, or state-sanctioned piracy and seizure of British merchant ships. American privateers were very active around the British Isles, capturing an estimated 1,500 ships and 12,000 sailors by the end of the Revolutionary War. The most famous American naval victory of the war was John Paul Jones’ battle with British frigates in August 1779.

The encampment at Valley Forge might have been costly in human terms but it did allow a breathing spell for the army and the chance for further training. A Prussian officer acting as an advisor to Washington, Baron von Steuben, gave the soldiers critical training in military tactics, maneuvers and the use and firing of their weapons. Their improved performance was noted in the first significant battle following Valley Forge, the Battle of Monmouth.

The Continental Army emerged from their Valley Forge ordeal both hardened and unified by the atrocious conditions they had to endure, and better skilled in warfare, thanks to von Steuben’s training.

The arrival of French forces in 1779 was also coupled with deteriorating British morale and, back in London, a declining interest in prolonging the war. When a joint action involving American and French infantry and the French navy laid siege to British troops in Yorktown in 1781, forcing their commander Lord Cornwallis to surrender, it proved the last straw for Parliament, which initiated peace negotiations. The more level-headed MPs speculated that it was a war that England was never able to win, and they were perhaps correct: fighting on foreign soil to achieve political obedience was, in hindsight, an unachievable goal.

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Wonder of the Day #1701

How Did the Americans Win the Revolutionary War?

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• How did the Americans win the Revolutionary War?
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Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Gabrielle from chicago, IL. Gabrielle Wonders , “ How were Americans able to win the Revolutionary War? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Gabrielle!

America…the land of the free …the home of the brave …these are phrases Americans sing frequently . The President of the United States is often referred to as the leader of the free world. Americans often quote the Declaration of Independence when discussing their freedoms.

But the freedoms Americans cherish were not free . They came with the high cost of war . What started out as a small collection of British colonies did not become the United States of America until a ragtag band of revolutionaries fought for their independence.

In 1775, a violent skirmish between colonial militia members and British troops at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts signaled the start of the Revolutionary War. Also known as the American Revolution and the United States War of Independence, the conflict would quickly grow from a small civil war to a full-blown international conflict.

By the time the British surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, the Americans had basically won their independence. Fighting would finally come to a formal end in 1783.

American history courses teach us much about why the Americans wanted their independence from Great Britain, and we know the important dates and facts about their ultimate victory . But exactly how did they ever succeed in their mission with the odds stacked against them in every way?

The British military was the best in the world. It had conquered much of the world and prevailed in war after war over the past century. It was well-trained, fully-equipped, and 50,000 troops strong. If you add in the 30,000 Hessian (German) mercenaries hired to fight the colonists, the British forces outnumbered the colonial forces four to one, as George Washington never commanded a force of more than 20,000 troops at one time.

Moreover, the colonial troops were mostly inexperienced , unskilled, poor, unprepared, and undisciplined youth . They were also often divided by competing loyalties, as there remained a significant group of colonists, known as Loyalists, who were loyal to Great Britain.

Despite these disadvantages, the colonists prevailed due to a number of factors, great and small. For example, the sheer size of the colonies made them almost impossible to conquer. Although the British were able to maintain control of a few of the large cities for a while, they did not have the manpower to control the vast areas of countryside where the patriots were able to regroup and focus their efforts.

The British also failed to take advantage of the Loyalists throughout the colonies. They didn't fully trust them and preferred to rely instead on their own army. This allowed the patriots to diminish Loyalist efforts to help the British.

The colonists under George Washington also fought a different type of war that British forces were not used to. They avoided large-scale confrontations and instead struck quickly in guerrilla -style attacks that they had learned and developed during recent wars with Native Americans.

None of these things would have likely brought victory , however. The key factor that turned the tide for the Americans was the intervention of other nations into the conflict. Without the help of Spain, the Netherlands, and especially France, it's unlikely the colonists would have prevailed.

Ultimately, the Americans prevailed due to their spirit and the fact that they were fighting for something they believed in. Popular support for the Revolutionary War was overwhelming. In the end, the British desire to maintain economic control over the colonies could not match the intense desire of the colonists to be independent and free .

Wonder What's Next?

We think you’ll really identify with tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day!

Are you ready to dive deeper into early American history? Ask a friend or family member to help you explore the following activities:

• From George Washington to Paul Revere, it's often men who garner the spotlight when it comes to learning about the American Revolution. However, many women played important roles as well. For a different view of history, read through 9 Women Who Helped Win the American Revolution online. Share what you learn with a friend or family member. If you could choose to go back in time to meet one of these women, who would it be?
• Think you know everything there is to know about the Revolutionary War? Think again! Visit History online to watch the fun Bet You Didn't Know: Revolutionary War video to learn some interesting tidbits about Revolutionary War history. Which fact did you find to be most interesting? Why?
• How wild is your imagination? Put it to the test today when you write a story about what day-to-day life in America would be like if the Americans had lost the Revolutionary War. If you lived in a state that was still a British colony, how would life today be different? No one knows what life would really be like if the War for Independence had been lost, so create a story that presents your view of what life might be like as a modern colonist.

Wonder Sources

• http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=2&psid=3220
• http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history
• http://www.ushistory.org/us/11a.asp
• http://thehistoryjunkie.com/five-main-reasons-the-british-lost-the-revolutionary-war/

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devastation to are world and a lot of casualties.

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The America won because the assassin Connor kenway was in the action too C:

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Question 1 of 3

The Revolutionary War began when fighting broke out in which year?

• a 1683 Not Quite!
• b 1775 Correct!
• c 1861 Not Quite!
• d 1912 Not Quite!

Question 2 of 3

Colonists who sided with Great Britain were known as what?

• a Loyalists Correct!
• b Britfans Not Quite!
• c Unionists Not Quite!
• d Kingmen Not Quite!

Question 3 of 3

Which country’s alliance with the Americans helped the Americans prevail?

• a England Not Quite!
• b Serbia Not Quite!
• c France Correct!
• d Nigeria Not Quite!

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9 Reasons The Americans Won The Revolutionary War

Published: Nov 7, 2017 · Modified: Nov 10, 2023 by Russell Yost · This post may contain affiliate links ·

When the founding fathers declared war on Great Britain, many thought it was a fool's errand to go up against the greatest military power in the world, yet after 8 years of fighting and negotiating, the thirteen colonies became the United States of America.

I've already discussed how the British lost the Revolutionary War , but here are 9 main reasons I believe America won the Revolutionary War .

1. Logistics

2. guerilla warfare, 3. the french, 4. lack of loyalist and native american support, 5. british political division, 6. british arrogance, 7. war was fought differently, 8. british incompetence.

• 9. The British Could Not Destroy George Washington's Army

When fighting on your home turf, it is easier to supply your army than the enemy. Nathanael Greene and America's French Allies put into motion an effective system to gather and supply their forces.

When Nathanael Greene took command of the Southern Army, he split his forces so he could supply his army more easily and, in doing so, forced Cornwallis to overextend his supply lines.

This is what forced quick and rash decisions by Cornwallis at Guilford Courthouse and Eutaw Springs . Even if the British took the field and won the battle, they had to retreat.

The rules of war in America were much different than those in Europe. While George Washington did eventually train, under the instruction of Baron Von Steuben , a traditional army that could face the British and not run, much of the fighting in the South was done with small forces harassing larger ones.

Francis Marion and others would quickly strike the British on their flanks or at their supply lines. This slowed them down and caused much frustration. It slowly bled the enemy's forces. This was much different than lining up two armies and shooting volleys.

Daniel Morgan at Cowpens also employed a version of this tactic when he used the militia to fire two volleys and then retreat.

The French alliance changed the war because it gave the United States a formidable Navy and spread Britain's forces throughout the world.

Before the French came into the war, the British were able to focus their attention on the rebellion without much fear of others around the world.

They had territories from England to Australia and everything in between. It had been said that the sun would never set on the British Empire.

The only country that could rival that power in Europe was France. The two had fought each other for centuries and had disputed lands throughout their history.

When the French allied with the colonies, they did not do so with the intention to only help out the rebel colonists but rather to expand their own empire by taking control of British territory that they were unable to defend.

The Caribbean, Indonesia, and territories across the world had to be defended from the possibility of a French naval attack. This forced Britain to withdraw many of her troops that were in the colonies, which opened up holes in their defenses.

When the British turned their attention to the southern colonies, they believed that they would be able to raise an army of loyalists to combat the colonists. While they raised many troops, the numbers were much lower than anticipated.

This was due to the consequences a loyalist would face. American forces were brutal to their loyal neighbors in battle. Loyalists would lose everything if they were found out and may even face death.

At the Battle of Kings Mountain Major Patrick Ferguson led a group of loyalists against American forces, and they were soundly defeated. This all but ended any significant support for the British in the southern colonies.

Also, throughout the war, Native Americans tended to ally themselves with the British, and throughout the war, that would cost them many lives. Sullivan's Expedition and many of the frontier battles favored Americans.

The Natives could not be depended on for much of the war, as General Burgoyne learned at the Battle of Saratoga .

Before the war, there were members of the British Parliament who favored American Independence from Great Britain, and as the war raged on, the political support for the war continued to decline.

Eventually, the losses mounted up so high that the war lost popular support and then political support.

With France entering the war, many of those in the British parliament fell on the side of granting independence to the colonies so that they could focus on the greater enemy that could threaten many of their other territories.

The British believed their army could defeat any army in the world, and they had a right to believe that. However, their commanders often took that confidence too far by taking too many unnecessary chances.

Battles of Lexington and Concord - Thomas Gage continually asked for reinforcements to help squash the rebellion. He knew after the Powder Alarm that there was a large organized movement that he would be unable to defend against.

He was consistently told no, and it would eventually cost the British when they met disaster and were put under siege.

Battle of Bunker Hill - The Americans held a superior position, yet General Howe still sent his men up the hill. He believed he could overwhelm them, and all he did was lose 1,000 men at point-blank range.

Even after driving them from the field, they were forced to retreat days later, so the assault was pointless and only raised American morale.

Battles of Saratoga - Burgoyne asked for aid from Howe, and Howe refused since he had set his sights on Philadelphia. Howe took Philadelphia after Brandywine and Germantown , while Burgoyne lost the entire Northern Army at Saratoga .

Battle of Cowpens - Banastre Tarleton did not foresee Morgan's strategy and charged right into a trap. Most of Cornwallis's wing was smashed during that battle and, forcing him to fight at Guilford .

These are just a few examples of British arrogance during battles, but it can also be seen in their unwillingness to change tactics. This leads me to my next point.

In Europe, you captured a city and conquered the territory, but in America, you captured a city and left the Continental Army intact the war continued.

General Howe executed an excellent strategy when conquering New York , Pennsylvania , and then New Jersey .

When winter came in 1776, his army set up winter quarters throughout New Jersey, and at Christmas , Washington quickly attacked him at Trenton and Princeton and crossed back over the river.

This tended to be a constant tactic employed by the Americans. They would attack quickly and disappear.

If they were met in battle, the British would often take the field but fail to capture the army, which meant that the British lost resources that they would have a hard time replenishing.

While the American's tactics shifted due to their situation and the resources they had to work with, the British never adjusted their tactics. This resulted in the Americans bleeding the British forces.

Throughout my study of the American Revolution , I am convinced that American Independence would look differently if the British took advantage of the slave population in the colonies .

During the war, every slaveholding founder (including George Washington ) had runaway slaves that ran to the British to gain their freedom.

These men were willing to take up arms against their owners and fight for their OWN independence from tyranny.

These were highly motivated individuals with just as much reason to fight against the Americans as the Americans had to fight against the British, yet the British never took full advantage.

They offered freedom to those who ran, and yet they viewed them as an inconvenience rather than an asset.

George Washington wrote to Henry Lee in 1776 stating that he believed the victor of the war would be whoever could arm the blacks the fastest.

Through his insistence, Congress did allow those that already fought in the Revolution to re-enlist. Full-black enlistment potential was never reached by both sides. Racism stood in the way of progress.

If the British would have been able to mobilize more black regiments, they would have been able to wreak havoc on the Southern economy.

9. The British Could Not Destroy George Washington's Army

The Battle of Long Island and every event that occurred in New York was a disaster for the Americans, but just when the British would going to deal the final blow to the Continental Army, a deep fog came, and Washington's Army was able to slip away to fight another day.

This was an ongoing issue for the British and one they could never figure out. If George Washington and his army had been captured, America would exist differently today, and the war would not have been won.

In fact, if they had been captured in New York, then the American Revolution would not be called a Revolution but rather be viewed as something similar to the Whiskey Rebellion .

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United States HISTORY

American revolution.

The American Revolution (1775–83) won political independence for 13 of Britain’s North American colonies, which subsequently formed the United States of America.

The Road to Revolution

The “shot heard ’round the world” was preceded by years of deteriorating relations between Britain and the colonies and a growing spirit of independence among the colonists. 

Founding Father John Adams later declared: “The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people.”

French and Indian War

Townshend acts, boston massacre, boston tea party, intolerable acts, the continental congress, important figures.

The American Revolution was fueled by a wide range of people. Immigrants and activists. Warriors and writers. Slaveholders and abolitionists. Some gave their lives in the struggle for independence while others would go on to build the government of the new United States.

George Washington is often called the “Father of His (or Our) Country.” He not only served as the first president of the United States, but he also commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775–83) and presided over the convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution. Read more.

Politician, leader of the Massachusetts “radicals,” who was a delegate to the Continental Congress (1774–81) and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.​​ Read more.

The first American ambassador to the court of King George (1785–88), and the first vice president (1789–97) and second president (1797–1801) of the United States. Read More

American first lady and wife of George Washington, first president of the United States and commander in chief of the colonial armies during the American Revolutionary War.​​ Read more.

Folk hero of the American Revolution whose dramatic horseback ride on the night of April 18, 1775, warned Boston-area residents that the British were coming. ​​ Read more.

American first lady (1797–1801), the wife of John Adams, second president of the United States, and mother of John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States. Read more.

Patriot officer who served the cause of the American Revolution until 1779, when he shifted his allegiance to the British.​​ Read more.

English-American writer and political pamphleteer. His Common Sense pamphlet and Crisis papers were important influences on the American Revolution. Read more.

Fourth president of the United States (1809–17) and one of the Founding Fathers of his country. Read more.

American printer and publisher, author, inventor and scientist, and diplomat. One of the foremost of the Founding Fathers.​​ Read more.

American hero, martyr of the Boston Massacre. Attucks’s life prior to the day of his death is still shrouded in mystery. Read more.

New York delegate to the Constitutional Convention (1787), major author of the Federalist papers, and first secretary of the treasury of the United States (1789–95), who was the foremost champion of a strong central government for the new United States. Read more.

Draftsman of the Declaration of Independence of the United States and the nation’s first secretary of state (1789–94) and 2nd vice president (1797–1801) and, as the 3rd president (1801–09), the statesman responsible for the Louisiana Purchase.​​ Read more. 

American Revolutionary War officer who served as aide-de-camp to Gen. George Washington. Read more.

Brilliant orator, best known for his words “Give me liberty or give me death!”​​ Read more.

French aristocrat who fought in the Continental Army with the American colonists against the British.​​ Read more. 

She was the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth Court House during the American Revolution.​​ Read more.

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How Americans Won the Revolutionary War? Research Paper

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The American War for Independence is the key event in the American history because of its significance for the nation’s development and for forming the nation’s identity. The victory of the American colonists in the conflict with the British Empire is also significant because the Revolutionary War was won in spite of the British obvious military superiority. From this point, a lot of researchers are inclined to focus on the causes of the colonists’ victory as the example of the people’s struggle for their liberty and rights as an independent nation.

Thus, the Revolutionary War resulted in the victory of the American colonists because the experienced British army was defeated with the help of the new military techniques, approaches, and strategies, the Americans had the territory advantage, and the help of the French military and officers was significant to oppose the British attacks.

The American colonies took considerable risks while planning the rebellion against the British rule because the British military was famous for its equipment, for the usage of the most successful strategies, and for the experience of officers. Moreover, the Royal Navy was the most developed and influential navy in Europe.

On the contrary, the American colonies did no have the single army. The colonists fought in the first battles basing on the united army formed with the help of the colonies’ militia, and the Continental Army was created in order to fight for the interests of the Americans as the nation (Henretta and Brody). From this point, the opposition of the American colonists could be perceived as the insignificant conflict in which the British military could win the obvious victory.

Nevertheless, the American colonists achieved the major goal of their revolution and ended the rule of the British Empire in the colonies. The British army was defeated, and historians determine several significant aspects to explain this phenomenon.

The first important aspect is the fact that the British army could not orient successfully at the territories of the American colonies. Thus, the colonists had the advantage of knowing the landscape. The figure of George Washington is necessary to be discussed with references to the questions of the colonists’ advantages and strategies.

Knowing the colonies’ landscape well, Washington and officers could develop the effective plans of attacking the British military, and they chose the most advantageous positions to set their forces. As a result, the advantage of home-field contributed to the effective realization of Washington’s strategies (Dziennik). From this perspective, the next important feature of the American military is the non-traditional approach to fighting.

The power of the British army was in the traditional approach to planning strategies and developing battles. In contrast, Washington focused on the unexpected approach to fighting, making the enemy be confused with the American army’s strategy. The lack of the military experience became insignificant because of the new methods to develop the war actions.

The risks taken by Washington in realization of the definite war operations resulted in the British army’s losses because of the operations’ unexpectedness. Furthermore, the strategies used by the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War determined the main aspects of the military history of the Americans.

Thus, Knott pays attention to the fact that “it is a military history that explains, in turn, some of the distinctive features of American, French, and British political cultures immediately after that revolutionary war” (Knott 20). The military history is important for the development of any nation, and it is especially important when the history of the country is associated with the struggle of the nation for independence.

One more advantage of the colonists which is stated by many researchers was the French support of the American army and the help of the French officers in developing the strategies. The French army was the well-known enemy of the British military in many war conflicts.

Thus, the French officers knew the particular features of the British officers’ approaches (Knott 22). The first victories assured the American colonists in the fact that the right direction was chosen to achieve the nation’s independence. The American colonists’ patriotism and the enormous desire to achieve the independence were the decisive aspects to encourage soldiers to continue their fight.

According to Knott, “approved or disapproved by the future conservative, the changes effected by this war encompassed notions of liberty and authority, patriotism and the nation, representation and the role of the ‘people’ in politics” (Knott 19). The American War for Independence played the significant role in the further development of the country as the union of the colonies.

The American colonists won the Revolutionary War because it was the war for independence and against the discriminative laws imposed by the British Empire.

The American colonists saw the real goal of their fight, and the Continental Army’s officers did not fear to take risks and use the new approaches to defeat the enemy. The superiority of the British military became mythical when the British soldiers had to fight at the unfamiliar territories, and the home-field advantage along with the French support contributed to the victory of the American colonists.

Works Cited

Dziennik, Matthew. “Through an Imperial Prism: Land, Liberty, and Highland Loyalism in the War of American Independence”. Journal of British Studies 50.2 (2011): 332-358. Print.

Henretta, James, and David Brody. America: A Concise History, Volume I: To 1877 . Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. Print.

Knott, Sarah. “Sensibility and the American War for Independence”. American Historical Review 109.1 (2004): 19-40. Print.

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American Revolution

Introduction.

• What is a revolution? A revolution is a sudden change of government. It happens when a large number of people decide to take power from a government that treats its people unfairly.
• Who fought in the American Revolution? People who lived in 13 British colonies in North America fought against British troops.
• What caused the revolution? The people in the 13 colonies were not happy about the way that the British government treated them.
• When did the revolution take place? It started in 1775 and ended in 1783.
• Why is it important? The 13 American colonies won the war and then became the new country of the United States.

In the 1760s, however, the British government tried to take more control over the colonies. One major reason for this was that Britain had spent a lot of money fighting in several wars. By the 1760s Britain decided that its American colonies should help to pay its debts.

Causes of the War

• Taxes: The British made the colonists pay taxes on everyday items that the colonists used.
• Boston Massacre: British soldiers fired into a crowd of people. Several people were killed, including a man named Crispus Attucks.
• Intolerable Acts: The British punished the colonists for protesting the taxes. They made harsh laws and sent the military to rule Massachusetts.

To raise money, Britain forced the colonies to pay new taxes. In 1765 the British lawmakers, called Parliament, passed a law called the Stamp Act . The act put a tax on legal papers, newspapers, and other printed items. The colonists protested against the tax. They were especially angry because Parliament was taxing them even though they had no representatives in Parliament. Because of the protests, the British government ended the tax in 1766.

In 1767, however, a British official named Charles Townshend got Parliament to pass several new laws. The Townshend Acts taxed tea, lead, paint, paper, and glass coming into colonial ports. These taxes made the colonists even angrier.

Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party

To keep order, the British government sent soldiers to Boston , Massachusetts . On March 5, 1770, British soldiers fired shots into a crowd. Crispus Attucks and several other Americans were killed. This event became known as the Boston Massacre .

On the same day as the Boston Massacre, Parliament did away with most of the Townshend Acts. They kept a tax on tea, however. Then, in 1773, Britain passed a law that allowed a British company to sell tea more cheaply than colonial merchants. On December 16, 1773, colonists boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and threw their cargo of tea into the water. This event became known as the Boston Tea Party .

Intolerable Acts

The British government then passed laws that were even harsher. The colonists called them the Intolerable Acts . The strongest of these acts closed the port of Boston until the colonists paid for the tea they had ruined. Massachusetts was put under military rule.

Continental Congress

The people realized that the colonies had to act together. In 1774, representatives from every colony except Georgia met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The meeting was called the Continental Congress . The representatives called on Britain to cancel the Intolerable Acts. The British government answered by sending in even more troops.

By this time, many colonists believed that their problems with Britain could not be worked out peacefully. They prepared to fight. They formed groups of soldiers called minutemen . The minutemen were to be ready to fight “at a minute’s warning.”

The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in May 1775. It brought together the military forces of the colonies to form the Continental Army. It put George Washington in charge of the army. Washington spent months preparing his troops for battle.

Fighting for Independence

Before 1776 most colonists did not want to break free from Britain. They wanted only to get Britain to do something about their complaints. But as the fighting spread, more colonists became convinced that they had to separate from Britain. Some colonists continued to side with the British. They became known as loyalists. Those who fought for independence were known as patriots. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence . With this document, the 13 colonies became the United States of America.

Final Battles

The peace treaty was signed on September 3, 1783, in Paris, France. It was called the Treaty of Paris. By signing the treaty, Britain agreed that the United States was an independent country.

Role of Native Americans

Before the colonies existed, the land was home to thousands of Indigenous people, or Native Americans. When the colonists arrived, they took over the land. In some cases, the new arrivals made friends with the Indigenous people. But overall, the Indigenous peoples’ lives were changed forever. They fought to keep their land. During the American Revolution, some of the Native Americans fought with the British. Others fought with the colonists. They all hoped that they would be treated better once the war was over. Many of the battles that the Indigenous people were involved in were in the areas outside the 13 colonies.

Women in the American Revolution

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Home — Essay Samples — History — History of the United States — American Revolution

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The Role of Women During The American Revolution

Revolutionary mothers by carol berkin: the role of founding mothers during the american revolution, differences between british and american soldiers in the american revolution, american revolution's negative impact on native american history, the role of boston tea party in the american revolution, establishment of american ideals during american revolution, the spies of the american revolution: nathan hale, the revolution of 1800, role and concequences of the articles of confederation, the second american revolution: its impact and legacy, the impact of valley forge on the american revolution , analysis of the main causes of the american revolution, war on the colonies: french, indian war and american revolution, a history of the enlightenment inspired revolutions, a study of major revolution events in america, the american revolution: how women and wives influenced husbands and friends, main minuses of the articles of confederation, insurgency and asymmetric warfare in the american revolutionary war  , joseph plumb martin and his role in the revolutionary war, comparative analysis of revolutions in mexico and the united states.

22 March 1765 – 14 January 1784

Thirteen Colonies (United States)

Dutch Republic, France, Loyalist, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, American colonies

The Boston Tea Party (1773), The Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775), The Declaration of Independence (1776), The Battle of Saratoga (1777), The Siege of Yorktown (1781)

George Washington: As the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, George Washington emerged as a central figure in the revolution. His strategic brilliance, perseverance, and moral character helped inspire and lead the troops through challenging times, ultimately leading to victory. Thomas Jefferson: Known for his eloquence and intellect, Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. His ideas and ideals, including the belief in natural rights and self-governance, greatly influenced the revolutionary cause. Benjamin Franklin: A polymath and influential statesman, Benjamin Franklin played a vital role in rallying support for the revolution. He traveled to Europe as a diplomat, securing crucial aid from France and other countries, and his scientific discoveries further enhanced his reputation. John Adams: A passionate advocate for independence, John Adams was instrumental in driving the revolutionary movement forward. He served as a diplomat, including as a representative to France and as the second President of the United States, and his contributions to shaping the nation were significant. Abigail Adams: Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, was an influential figure in her own right. Her letters to her husband and other prominent figures provided valuable insights and perspectives on the revolution, and she became an early advocate for women's rights and equality.

In the 18th century, the thirteen American colonies were under British rule. Over time, tensions began to rise as the colonists developed a distinct identity and desired greater autonomy. Several key factors contributed to the buildup of resentment and ultimately led to the revolution. One crucial prerequisite was the concept of colonial self-government. The colonists enjoyed a degree of self-rule, which allowed them to develop their own institutions and local governments. However, as British policies, such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, imposed new taxes and regulations on the colonies, the sense of self-government and individual liberties were threatened. Another significant factor was the Enlightenment era, which spread ideas of natural rights, individual freedoms, and representative government. Influential thinkers like John Locke and Thomas Paine advocated for the rights of the people and challenged the legitimacy of monarchy. The causes of the American Revolution were diverse and multifaceted. The colonists' grievances included taxation without representation, restrictions on trade, and the presence of British troops in the colonies. The Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773 further heightened tensions and solidified the resolve for independence. Ultimately, the outbreak of armed conflict in 1775 at Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, served as a powerful statement of the colonists' grievances and their determination to establish a free and sovereign nation. The historical context of the American Revolution reflects the culmination of colonial aspirations for self-government, Enlightenment ideas of individual rights, and a series of grievances against British rule.

Establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation; the creation of a new form of government based on democratic principles; adoption of the United States Constitution; redefinition of citizenship; abolition of feudalism; expansion of territorial boundaries, etc.

One of the major effects of the American Revolution was the establishment of a new form of government based on the principles of democracy and individual rights. The United States Constitution, born out of the revolution, served as a model for constitutional governments around the world. The idea of a government by the people and for the people spread, inspiring future revolutions and movements for independence. The revolution also challenged the existing colonial powers, particularly the British Empire, and set in motion a wave of decolonization throughout the world. The success of the American colonies in breaking free from British rule demonstrated that colonies could successfully achieve independence, fueling nationalist movements in other parts of the world and ultimately leading to the dissolution of empires. The American Revolution also had significant economic effects. It established the United States as a new economic power and opened up opportunities for trade and commerce. The revolution encouraged the development of industry and innovation, setting the stage for the industrial revolution that would follow. Furthermore, the American Revolution had a profound impact on the institution of slavery. While the revolution did not immediately abolish slavery, it planted the seeds of abolitionism and sparked debates on the issue of human rights and equality. Lastly, the American Revolution inspired and influenced subsequent revolutions and movements for independence, such as the French Revolution, which drew inspiration from the ideals of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty championed by the American colonists.

Public opinion on the American Revolution varied greatly during the time period and continues to be interpreted differently today. In the 18th century, support for the revolution was not unanimous. Some colonists were loyal to the British Crown and opposed the revolutionary movement, while others actively supported the cause of independence. Public opinion shifted over time as events unfolded and more people became aware of the grievances and aspirations of the revolutionaries. Many colonists, especially those who felt oppressed by British policies, embraced the ideals of liberty, self-determination, and representation. They saw the revolution as a necessary step towards achieving these principles and securing their rights as free individuals. Others were motivated by economic factors, such as trade restrictions and taxation without representation, which fueled their support for independence. However, there were also segments of the population that remained loyal to Britain. Some believed in the benefits of British rule, such as protection and stability, while others feared the potential chaos and uncertainty that could result from a revolution. In modern times, public opinion on the American Revolution tends to be positive, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in history that laid the foundation for democratic governance and individual freedoms. The ideals and principles that emerged from the revolution continue to shape American identity and influence public discourse on issues of liberty, equality, and self-governance.

1. The American Revolution lasted for eight years, from 1775 to 1783, making it one of the longest and most significant conflicts in American history. 2. The American Revolution had a profound impact on the world stage. It inspired other countries and movements seeking independence and democracy, such as the French Revolution that followed in 1789. 3. While often overlooked, women made significant contributions to the American Revolution. They served as spies, messengers, nurses, and even soldiers. Some notable examples include Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to join the Continental Army, and Abigail Adams, who advocated for women's rights.

The topic of the American Revolution holds immense importance for academic exploration and essay writing due to its profound impact on the world and the enduring legacy it left behind. Firstly, the American Revolution marked a pivotal moment in history where thirteen colonies fought for their independence from British rule, leading to the formation of the United States of America. It represents a significant event in the development of democracy and self-governance, serving as an inspiration for subsequent revolutions worldwide. Studying the American Revolution allows us to understand the principles and ideals that shaped the nation's foundation, such as liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. It sheds light on the struggles and sacrifices made by individuals who fought for their rights and paved the way for the establishment of a democratic government. Furthermore, exploring this topic provides insights into the complexities of colonial society, the causes of the revolution, the role of key figures, and the social, economic, and political consequences of the conflict.

1. Bailyn, B. (1992). The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Belknap Press. 2. Ellis, J. J. (2013). American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic. Vintage. 3. Ferling, J. E. (2015). Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War That Won It. Bloomsbury Publishing. 4. Fischer, D. H. (2006). Washington's Crossing. Oxford University Press. 5. Maier, P. (1997). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Vintage. 6. Middlekauff, R. (2005). The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Oxford University Press. 7. Middlekauff, R. (2007). The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Oxford University Press. 8. Nash, G. B. (2006). The Unknown American Revolution: The Unruly Birth of Democracy and the Struggle to Create America. Penguin Books. 9. Tuchman, B. W. (1989). The First Salute: A View of the American Revolution. Random House. 10. Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage.

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Timeline of the revolution, lead-in to war: 1763 to 1774, end of the seven years war, passage of the stamp act, british troops occupy boston, committees of correspondence established, britain tries to intimidate massachusetts, independence declared: 1775 to 1777, war breaks out, britain forms an alliance with patriot slaves, battle of bunker hill: americans hold their own, moores creek: loyalists defeated, south carolinians repel british attempt to take charleston, america declares its independence, george washington crosses the delaware river, war in the north: 1777 to 1778, campaign of 1777 & battle of saratoga: britsh setback, winter of change for the continental army, france enters the war against britain, george rogers clark attacks the british in ohio country, southern campaigns: 1779 to 1781, charleston falls to the british, kings mountain victory revives patriot hopes, battle of cowpens: american tide continues, guilford courthouse: costly british victory, ninety-six: longest siege of the war, yorktown: large british army surrenders, aftermath: 1782 to 1787, loyalists leave america, treaty of paris officially ends the war, american victory pushes indians farther west, u.s. constitution replaces articles of confederation.

Last updated: September 5, 2022

• The Legacy of the Revolution

Why the American Revolution Matters

Posted February 18, 2019 / Basic Principles , History Education , The Legacy of the Revolution

The American Revolution was shaped by high principles and low ones, by imperial politics, dynastic rivalries, ambition, greed, personal loyalties, patriotism, demographic growth, social and economic changes, cultural developments, British intransigence, and American anxieties. It was shaped by conflicting interests between Britain and America, between regions within America, between families and between individuals. It was shaped by religion, ethnicity, and race, as well as by tensions between rich and poor. It was shaped, perhaps above all else, by the aspirations of ordinary people to make fulfilling lives for themselves and their families, to be secure in their possessions, safe in their homes, free to worship as they wished, and to improve their lives by availing themselves of opportunities that seemed to lie within their grasp.

No one of these factors, nor any specific combination of them, can properly be said to have caused the American Revolution. An event as vast as the American Revolution is simply too complex to assign it neatly to particular causes. Although we can never know the causes of the American Revolution with precision, we can see very clearly the most important consequences of the Revolution. They are simply too large and important to miss, and so clearly related to the Revolution that they cannot be traced to any other sequence of events. Every educated American should understand and appreciate them.

First, the American Revolution secured the independence of the United States from the dominion of Great Britain and separated it from the British Empire. While it is altogether possible that the thirteen colonies would have become independent during the nineteenth or twentieth century, as other British colonies did, the resulting nation would certainly have been very different than the one that emerged, independent, from the Revolutionary War. The United States was the first nation in modern times to achieve its independence in a national war of liberation and the first to explain its reasons and its aims in a declaration of independence, a model adopted by national liberation movements in dozens of countries over the last 250 years.

Second, the American Revolution established a republic , with a government dedicated to the interests of ordinary people rather than the interests of kings and aristocrats. The United States was the first large republic since ancient times and the first one to emerge from the revolutions that rocked the Atlantic world, from South America to Eastern Europe, through the middle of the nineteenth century. The American Revolution influenced, to varying degrees, all of the subsequent Atlantic revolutions, most of which led to the establishment of republican governments, though some of those republics did not endure. The American republic has endured, due in part to the resilience of the Federal Constitution, which was the product of more than a decade of debate about the fundamental principles of republican government. Today most of the world’s nations are at least nominal republics due in no small way to the success of the American republic.

Third, the American Revolution created American national identity , a sense of community based on shared history and culture, mutual experience, and belief in a common destiny. The Revolution drew together the thirteen colonies, each with its own history and individual identity, first in resistance to new imperial regulations and taxes, then in rebellion, and finally in a shared struggle for independence. Americans inevitably reduced the complex, chaotic and violent experiences of the Revolution into a narrative of national origins, a story with heroes and villains, of epic struggles and personal sacrifices. This narrative is not properly described as a national myth, because the characters and events in it, unlike the mythic figures and imaginary events celebrated by older cultures, were mostly real. Some of the deeds attributed to those characters were exaggerated and others were fabricated, usually to illustrate some very real quality for which the subject was admired and held up for emulation. The Revolutionaries themselves, mindful of their role as founders of the nation, helped create this common narrative as well as symbols to represent national ideals and aspirations.

American national identity has been expanded and enriched by the shared experiences of two centuries of national life, but those experiences were shaped by the legacy of the Revolution and are mostly incomprehensible without reference to the Revolution. The unprecedented movement of people, money and information in the modern world has created a global marketplace of goods, services, and ideas that has diluted the hold of national identity on many people, but no global identity has yet emerged to replace it, nor does this seem likely to happen any time in the foreseeable future.

Fourth, the American Revolution committed the new nation to ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible citizenship and made them the basis of a new political order. None of these ideals was new or originated with Americans. They were all rooted in the philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome, and had been discussed, debated and enlarged by creative political thinkers beginning with the Renaissance. The political writers and philosophers of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment disagreed about many things, but all of them imagined that a just political order would be based on these ideals. What those writers and philosophers imagined, the American Revolution created—a nation in which ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible citizenship are the basis of law and the foundation of a free society.

The revolutionary generation did not complete the work of creating a truly free society, which requires overcoming layers of social injustice, exploitation, and other forms of institutionalized oppression that have accumulated over many centuries, as well as eliminating the ignorance, bigotry, and greed that support them. One of the fundamental challenges of a political order based on principles of universal right is that it empowers ignorant, bigoted, callous, selfish, and greedy people in the same way it empowers the wise and virtuous. For this reason, political progress in free societies can be painfully, frustratingly slow, with periods of energetic change interspersed with periods of inaction or even retreat. The wisest of our Revolutionaries understood this, and anticipated that creating a truly free society would take many generations. The flaw lies not in our Revolutionary beginnings or our Revolutionary ideals, but in human nature. Perseverance alone is the answer.

Our independence, our republic, our national identity and our commitment to the high ideals that form the basis of our political order are not simply the consequences of the Revolution, to be embalmed in our history books. They are living legacies of the Revolution, more important now as we face the challenges of the modern world than ever before. Without understanding them, we find our history incomprehensible, our present confused, and our future dark. Understanding them, we recognize our common origins, appreciate our present challenges, and can advocate successfully for the Revolutionary ideals that are the only foundation for the future happiness of the world.

Above: Detail of Liberty by an unidentified American artist, ca. 1800-1820, National Gallery of Art.

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Presentation U.S. History Primary Source Timeline

At the successful conclusion of the Revolutionary War with Great Britain in 1783, an American could look back and reflect on the truly revolutionary events that had occurred in the preceding three decades. In that period American colonists had first helped the British win a global struggle with France. Soon, however, troubles surfaced as Britain began to assert tighter control of its North American colonies. Eventually, these troubles led to a struggle in which American colonists severed their colonial ties with Great Britain. Meanwhile, Americans began to experiment with new forms of self-government. This movement occurred in both the Continental Congress during the Revolution and at the local and state levels.

After winning their independence, Americans continued to experiment with how to govern themselves under the Articles of Confederation. Over time, some influential groups--and these by no means reflected the sentiments of all Americans--found the Confederation government inadequate. Representatives of these groups came together in Philadelphia to explore the creation of yet another, newer form of government. The result was a new constitution. Not all Americans embraced this new Constitution, however, and ratification of the document produced many disagreements. Even so, the Constitution was ratified, and with a new constitution in place, Americans once again turned to George Washington for leadership, this time as President of the new republic.

Although Washington proved to be personally popular and respected, conflict over the proper functions and locus of governmental power dominated his two terms as president. These disputes soon led to the formation of factions and then political parties that were deeply divided over the nature and purposes of the federal government, over foreign affairs, and over the very future of the new nation. Events during the single term of John Adams, our second president, made these divisions even worse and they continued into the presidency of Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809).

Even so, President Jefferson nearly doubled the size of the new nation by purchasing the Louisiana Territory from France. This purchase also led Jefferson to form the Lewis and Clark expedition to discover just what was contained in the new land. Jefferson's successor as President, James Madison (1809-1817)--one of authors of the constitution--led the new nation through another war with Great Britain. This, of course, was the unpopular War of 1812. This war ended in 1815 and if nothing else it convinced Britain that the United States was on the map to stay. Meanwhile, Americans began to develop a culture and way of life that was truly their own and no longer that of mere colonials.

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How Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ Helped Inspire the American Revolution

By: Patrick J. Kiger

Updated: July 11, 2023 | Original: June 28, 2021

Even after armed hostilities broke out between the American colonists and British forces in 1775, many prominent colonists seemed reluctant to consider the idea of actually breaking away from Britain and instead insisted that they were still its loyal subjects, even as they resisted what they saw as its tyrannical laws and unfair taxation.

But a single 47-page pamphlet—the 18th-century equivalent of a paperback book—did a lot to quickly change that, and shift American sentiment toward independence. Common Sense , written by Thomas Paine and first published in Philadelphia in January 1776, was in part a scathing polemic against the injustice of rule by a king. But its author also made an equally eloquent argument that Americans had a unique opportunity to change the course of history by creating a new sort of government in which people were free and had the power to rule themselves.

“We have every opportunity and every encouragement before us, to form the noblest purest constitution on the face of the earth,” Paine wrote. “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

Centuries before the existence of the internet, Common Sense managed to go viral, selling an estimated 500,000 copies. By the end of the Revolutionary War, an estimated half-million copies were in circulation throughout the colonies.

By promoting the idea of American exceptionalism and the need to form a new nation to realize its promise, Paine’s pamphlet not only attracted public support for the Revolution but put the rebellion’s leaders under pressure to declare independence. And even after the victory over the British, Paine’s influence persisted, and some of his ideas found their way into the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

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Thomas Paine

Early Years Thomas Paine was born January 29, 1737, in Norfolk, England, the son of a Quaker corset maker and his older Anglican wife. Paine apprenticed for his father but dreamed of a naval career, attempting once at age 16 to sign onto a ship called The Terrible, commanded by someone named Captain Death, but […]

Who Was Thomas Paine and Why Did He Write 'Common Sense'?

Paine’s provocative pamphlet was the first real success in his life. Born in 1737 in England to a financially struggling family, he had to quit school at age 13 to labor as an apprentice in his father’s corset shop. He did a brief stint as a sailor on a privateer ship at age 20 and tried and failed to start a craftsman business. He managed to land a government job as an excise tax collector but was fired twice, the second time after leading an unsuccessful campaign to get higher wages for him and his colleagues. His failed efforts to lobby Parliament left him with a dim view of the British system of government.

Bereft of prospects at age 37, he convinced Benjamin Franklin , whom he’d met in London, to give him a letter of recommendation, and emigrated to America in hopes of catching a break at last.

When Paine arrived in America in 1774 and found work as a journalist in Philadelphia, the colonies already were in tumult over opposition to Britain’s attempts to impose new taxes and restrict trade.

“Paine witnessed it all, and thought, these people are ripe for a revolution,” explains Harvey J. Kaye, author of Thomas Paine and the Promise of America.

In 1775, with the encouragement of Franklin and Benjamin Rush, the physician and activist who became a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Paine began writing a pamphlet that would urge Americans to go beyond merely resisting British authority. “He encouraged them to realize that they weren’t British, that they were Americans,” Kaye explains.

Paine originally wanted to call his pamphlet The Plain Truth , but Rush, who informally served as his editor, persuaded him to name it Common Sense instead, according to Stephen Fried’s biography of the physician. That phrase fit one of Paine’s most important notions, that Americans should trust their feelings, rather than get bogged down in abstract political debates.

“The Almighty hath implanted in us these unextinguishable feelings for good and wise purposes,” Paine wrote. “They are the guardians of his image in our hearts.”

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Key Points Made in 'Common Sense'

Here are some of Paine’s key points:

• Government's purpose was to serve the people . Paine described government as a “necessary evil,” which existed to give people a structure so they could work together to solve problems and prosper. But to do that, it had to be responsive to people’s needs. The British system, Paine argued, failed at that, because it gave the monarchy and nobles in Parliament too much power to thwart the people’s elected representatives. “The constitution of England is so exceedingly complex, that the nation may suffer for years together without being able to discover in which part the fault lies, some will say in one and some in another, and every political physician will advise a different medicine,” Paine wrote.
• Having a king was a bad idea . Paine didn't just find fault with British rule of the colonies. He ridiculed the very idea of having a hereditary monarch at all. "In England a king hath little more to do than to make war and give away places, which in plain terms, is to impoverish the nation and set it together by the ears," Paine wrote. "A pretty business indeed for a man to be allowed eight hundred thousand sterling a year for, and worshipped into the bargain! Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived."
• America as the home of the free . Paine refuted the notion that Americans should be loyal to a mother country that he considered a bad parent. “Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families,” he wrote. Besides, he argued, America’s real connection was to people everywhere who yearned to escape oppression. "This new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe," Paine proclaimed. "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."
• America had a rare opportunity to create a new nation based on self-rule . As Paine saw it, both Americans and the British knew it was inevitable that the colonies would break free. "I have never met with a man, either in England or America, who hath not confessed his opinion, that a separation between the countries, would take place one time or other." And that time had come. America had raw materials, from timber and hemp to iron, and the skills that it needed to build and equip an army and navy for its defense. Just as important, the individual colonies had the potential to put aside differences and form a powerful nation. But they needed to do it quickly, before the population grew to a point where new divisions might develop. The moment in history was "that peculiar time, which never happens to a nation but once," he wrote.
• A strong central government was needed . Paine envisioned that the new nation would have a strong central government, with a constitution that protected individual rights, including freedom of religion. "A firm bargain and a right reckoning make long friends," he argued.

Why Did Paine’s Pamphlet Become So Influential?

Jefferson considered Paine to be the best writer of the Revolution, according to Kaye. But it wasn’t just his arguments that appealed to people. Unlike other American leaders who were well-educated landed gentry, Paine could reach into his own humble background to find his voice.

"He knew people weren’t thinking in the abstract," Kaye explains. "Paine wrote to his peers, in a language everyone could understand."

Just as importantly, Paine understood that philosophical abstractions weren't as powerful as emotion and experience. Instead, Paine urged Americans to embrace "common sense," and trust their own feelings about what was right and just and how the country should be run, just as they did with other everyday decisions. "They recognized themselves in that argument,” Kaye says.

"I attribute its success to two things," Jack Fructman, Jr., author of The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine and Thomas Paine: Apostle of Freedom , explains. "First, it was the first published piece that I know of advocating separation from the British Empire. And second, there were pirated copies circulating, a rather common phenomenon in the 18th century before copyright laws." In addition, he notes, "it was often read aloud, which helped spread its popularity and notoriety."

The popularity of Common Sense made it tough for colonial leaders to take a halfway stance against the British. As John Adams wrote to his wife in April 1776: "Common Sense, like a ray of revelation, has come in seasonably to clear our doubts, and to fix our choice."

As Thomas Jefferson biographer Joseph J. Ellis has written, Common Sense "swept through the colonies like a firestorm, destroying any final vestige of loyalty to the British crown." Within a few months of its publication, the Continental Congress instructed each colony to draft new state constitutions, an act that set the colonies clearly on the path to declaring independence. 

Thomas Jefferson , who had received an early copy of Common Sense in February 1776, began writing a formal document in June that would announce to the world that the new nation had been created.

But Paine's pamphlet might actually have done more than the declaration to unify Americans and win converts to the cause. Paine’s espousal of religious freedom, for example, appealed to people who resented being forced to pay tithes to churches they didn't belong to.

During the Revolution, "most Americans thought Common Sense was the revolutionary document, not the Declaration of Independence ," Kaye says.

Over the nearly 250 years since Paine's publication of Common Sense , Paine, whom some call "the forgotten founder," hasn't received as much recognition as other important figures in the Revolution. There isn’t even a statue of him in the nation's capital. Nevertheless, Paine's pamphlet continues to be read, and the ideas in it—particularly the idea of American exceptionalism—continue to resonate among new generations of Americans.

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