American History

The American Revolution began in 1775 and went on until 1783. The war was between the Great Britain and thirteen North-American British colonies which eventually led to the British rule being overthrown by these colonies. Revolutionaries took control of all the thirteen colonial governments, formed the Second Continental Congress, and went on to form a Continental Army. In 1776, they officially declared their independence as the United States of America. Since 1778, other European nations supported the Americans and fought on their side (Genealogy, par. 1). However, the American Revolution differs greatly with other revolutions around the world and though Americans sought a restoration of Americas old order, it still qualifies to be called a revolution.

Comparison with Other Revolutions
Compared to the French Revolution, the American Revolution was significantly different. The government system in France was founded on feudalism. Great Britain had a constitutionally established monarchy and the British colonies in America regarded themselves as being respectable British citizens and understood their laws and thus their rights. This made them stand up for their rights and fight to gain independence from the Great Britain. The clear rift between the rich and the poor was a mentality deeply ingrained into peoples minds, thus the long continuity of the unconstitutional monarchy in France. The French people were accustomed to the monarchy-associated life, and therefore never called for change until a great economic depression revealed the absolute monarchys weaknesses.

The Great Britain had given its colonies in America considerable freedom which meant they could do much of what they pleased. The Americans were therefore contented with being under British authority. However, Britain failed to represent its colonies in parliament and so when Great Britain tried to introduce acts (e.g. the Sugar Act) and make proclamations (e.g. the 1763 proclamation limiting settlement of the English to the Appalachians in order to ease increasing tensions with Native Americans), the Americans did not take it lightly they saw this as injustice because they were not represented in law-making. Because the Americans were ignored when they sought to be represented in parliament, they became even more rebellious, leading to the revolution.

In France, revolution was sparked by the absolute monarchys ruin of the economy. Those who were interested in climbing the social ladder were in support of the idea of creating a republic and ending absolute monarchy. The king, having failed the economy, became even more contemptible to them, making the peasants to embrace the idea. Thus the French Revolution was as a result of oppression by absolute monarchy, while the American Revolution was a result of lack of representation in the British Parliament (Nosotro, par. 6). On the other hand, the American Revolution was quite different from other revolutions in that it occurred in a British Empires colony that was already enjoying political, economic and religious freedom in great measure.

The American Revolution qualifies to be called a revolution. Americans having learned self-governance under the British already had a greater social, economic and political equality compared to any other colonies in the world. Thus Americans had never experienced excessive oppression or tyranny. Unlike in other revolutions, the government that was formed after the successful American Revolution was very similar to the government that the Americans overthrew. The differences, however, makes it enough to call it a revolution, because even though the governments ideas came from the British rulers, American Revolutionaries turned them into reality due to the oppression.

Revolutions are caused when people start demanding for change. Revolutions happen when provocation causes dissatisfaction enough to create a wave of desire in people to act to change the situation. The American experiences cause was such and therefore it qualifies to be called a revolution. Also, reforms occur when the public has hope for leadership change through reforms, led by revolutionary leaders. The leaders are ready to assume leadership and lead the people in realizing the changes. The notable American Revolutionaries, like Franklin, Jefferson and others, facilitated the writing of the American Constitution and led the people in fighting for independence. Misgovernment justifies the American Revolution because it was the one that brought about the calls for changes by the Americans. Revolutions have to be violent, and the fact that the American Revolution was violent qualifies the American experience as a true revolution.

Conclusion
The American Revolution, like any other revolution, did have its causes. Revolutions are mostly rebellions against oppressive rule and result from the need to change from unsatisfying conditions set by oppressive rulers. The colonies would not have rebelled if Great Britain had not taxed the Americans without representation. The Revolution was started to fight against colonialism, monarchy, and peoples oppression by a few among them. The colonies sought to remove America from dependence on the British Empire to independence and the government that was formed following the revolution was different from Great Britains the Revolution brought about more liberty than they had under Great Britain this was a universal course for all Great Britains colonies in America, and therefore qualifies to be called a revolution. Also revolutions involve violence and that Americans fought with the British in battles makes the American Revolution a real revolution.