The American Revolution: A Radical Movement

The 13 American colonies revolted against their British rulers in

1775. The war began on April 19, when British soldiers fired on the

Minutemen of Lexington, Mass. The fighting ended with the surrender of the

British at Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781. In 1783 Great Britain signed a

formal treaty recognizing the independence of the colonies.

Through the hardships of life in a wild, new land, the American

settlers gained strength and a firm belief in the rights and liberties of

the individual man. They revolted because England interfered with their

trade and industry, demanded unjust taxes, and sent British troops to

compel obedience. At first they fought only for their rights. After a year

of war they fought for a radical change in American life.

Ever since the beginnings of settlement, England and America had

been growing apart. In 1774, England was still an aristocracy, ruled by

men born and bred to a high station in life. Their society was one of

culture and refinement. The common people, deprived of abundant

opportunity at home, accepted a position of dependence. They regarded hard

work, deference to superiors, and submission to rulers as their way of

life. But in America things had taken a different turn. The tone of

society was essentially democratic. There were no lords or hereditary

offices. The Americans did not like to look up to superiors, nor were

their leaders set apart by privileges of birth and inherited wealth. The

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