There is much to learn about the American Revolution. A fight for rights, a battle of wills and numerous events that not only marked history, but also defined it. Thousands of lives were lost during the war and freedom was won. The American Revolution was one of the first steps in making America the country that it is today.
The American Revolution was launched due to a combination of disagreements over politics, the effects of the state of the economy and unequal rights among social classes. The British wanted to maintain complete authority over the colonies. The Americans were unwilling to acquiesce. The American Revolution began.
Nathanael Greene, George Washington, Ethan Allen, Benjamin Franklin and Benedict Arnold and were some of the people who played a major role within the war.
- Greene served as a general for the Continental Army. He began as a private and was quickly promoted through the ranks. He was in command during several of the major battles (Trenton, Brandywine, Valley Forge, among others).
- Washington is known as the “Father” of America due in part to the role he played in developing the government, presiding over the war and his position as the first President of the United States of America.
- Allen, a founder of the state of Vermont, along with the Green Mountain boys, took capture of Fort Ticonderoga. He was later taken captive during the Battle of Longue-Pointe.
- Franklin, another of the Founding Fathers, served in many ways during the Revolution. One major task that he took on was assisting in impeding the stamp act. He was also instrument in the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
- Arnold was quite a leader, as he piloted and assisted in numerous battles for the Continental Army. The tides turned though and he conspired with the British Army to surrender command at West Point. His plan was found out and never successfully completed.
Some of the better-known battles include Lexington and Concord, Brandywine, Fort Ticonderoga, Bunker Hill, Monmouth, Valley Forge, Saratoga and Yorktown. In addition to these, seventeen other established battles took places during the Revolution. There were lesser battles as well most of which also took casualties, though in fewer numbers. There were only five battles that had no fatalities involved.
The American Revolution is an important piece of history that should be studied, revered and acknowledged. The accounts of battles and the lives of people involved are plentiful. There are many primary sources of information on the Revolutionary War, which helps foster the impact of the events. The American Revolution was a fascinating time in history that remains impressive still today.
- The Revolutionary War: A Timeline A timeline representing pertinent periods during the American Revolution.
- Revolutionary War Pictures A pictorial of various events during the Revolutionary War.
- Library of Congress An article detailing the role of religion within the Revolutionary War.
- Delaware Archives A very resourceful page outlining the events that took place; includes primary and secondary sources.
- PBS Liberty!, a series produced by PBS, represents the events of the Revolutionary War. This video series provides accompanying lessons as well as newspaper chronicles and other study materials.
- The National Archives A links page that provides resources on every aspect of the American Revolution.
- History of the American Revolution Includes information on the causes behind the war, main battles that took place and other important facts.
- War Archives Biographies, timelines and information on the philosophies of America’s founding fathers.
- Merchant Marines The role played by the Merchant Marines during the Revolutionary War.
- During the Revolution A resource page for documents, collections, maps and more regarding the American Revolution.
- Battles Throughout the Revolution A list of links detailing the individual battles of the Revolution.
- Vermont: The Revolutionary War History and information on the landmarks of Vermont made infamous by the Revolutionary War.
- Digital History The history of the American Revolution including newspapers, court cases and other primary sources.
- Revolutionary History The acts, battles and participants involved in the American Revolution.
- George Washington Primary source of documents written by George Washington in relation to the American Revolution.
- Lexington and Concord A chronicle of one of the most epic battles in history.
- Mapping Out History Maps of battle areas in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War.
