1. Influences:
- Enlightenment ideals, such as natural rights and the social contract theory, influenced many American revolutionaries in their fight against British colonial rule.
- The writings of political philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Paine, and Montesquieu provided a theoretical foundation for the American Revolution.
- The actions of other revolutionary movements, such as the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution, also inspired American revolutionaries to seek independence.
2. Leaders:
- George Washington: Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States, Washington played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
- Thomas Jefferson: Author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, Jefferson advocated for liberty and individual rights.
- John Adams: Founding Father and second President of the United States, Adams was a key negotiator of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.
- Benjamin Franklin: Diplomat, inventor, and Founding Father, Franklin was instrumental in securing French support for the American cause during the Revolution.
3. Documents:
- The Declaration of Independence: Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence declared the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule.
- The Articles of Confederation: America's first constitution, the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with limited powers.
- The Constitution of the United States: Ratified in 1788, the Constitution created a stronger federal government and established the framework for the American political system.
- The Federalist Papers: A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the Federalist Papers advocated for the ratification of the Constitution.
list of Influences, Leaders & Documents from the American Revolution
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