Revolution Flashcards
Define ‘ revolution ‘ ?
Revolution comes from the word ‘ revolve ‘ meaning to ‘ turn over or to turn around ‘. It means an upset or change in the order of a system.
How did the American war of independence challenge the old basis of power?
From the early 17th century people started embarking to the new world in order to start a new life for themselves , they were known as settlers or colonists, and later become known as the Americans . They left their native lands in search for freedom , particularly from religious persecution. America was then the first country to draw up a set of rules by which country would be governed. This was only a result from the colonists having fought a long war to free themselves from Britain , which they felt were treating them unfairly and exploiting them.
What was the existing basis of power and why were the colonists unhappy with it ?
Back in 1775 , America was not a single country.there were 13 colonies that were controlled by Britain. Each colony was appointed a governor by the king in Britain ( George the 3rd ). Decisions that were made by the colonial assemblies could be overruled by the British parliament. Only white, male property owners could vote for their representatives in the colonial assembly. The poor, women and native and African people could not vote.
What caused the friction between Britain and the colonists ?
The war fought in North America between France and Britain brought changes in the relationship between Britain and the 13 colonies. British had ignored the colonists living in America prior to the war, the war was expensive and the British government decided to tax the colonists in order to raise money. Britain later introduced the stamp act which was basically tax on newspapers , legal documents and pamphlets. Colonists had to pay for the war against France in North America and British troops. The colonists felt that only a parliament that had been voted by majority of citizens in America had the right to tax them. Protested against “taxation without representation”. Colonists decided to avoid British troops because they were forced to buy only British goods. The colonists didn’t want Britain to stop training with Spain , France and the West Indies without the approval of the colonial assemblies , this led to them smuggling goods that had been illegally traded or brought from Europe. Brains in tried to stop this using their army. The British saw the colonists as rebels against their rule and the colonists saw the British as people who didn’t respect their spirit of law or freedom to govern themselves. The Boston massacre occurred and then the Boston tea party.
What was the American Declaration of Independence?
The United States Declaration of Independence is the statement adopted by the Second Continental Congress which announced that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain, regarded themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states, no longer under British rule. These states would found a new nation – the United States of America. John Adams was a leader in pushing for independence, which was passed on July 2 with no opposing vote cast. A committee of five had already drafted the formal declaration, to be ready when Congress voted on independence.
How did the American Declaration of Independence challenge the old basis of power?
This Declaration of Independence cut political ties between Britain and its American colonies and provided a lasting statement of human rights.
Should the war best be described as a war of independence or rather as an American Revolution ?
It was more that a civil war of British colonists against British troops. It was a revolution as British citizens rose up against their own government and won independence which then resulted in a new government being established with its own constitution, own laws and political system.
What new system of government was introduced ?
After the British troops had left , the country was in hands of merchants and powerful landowners. Their main task was to rearrange the way the United States was to be governed so that the abuses that caused the revolution would never happen again. A new constitution was drawn up and it was a balance between a firm authority , needed to maintain order and one that could be relied upon to respect individual rights.
What happened in 1789?
George Washington was appointed the first president of the United States , which led to the United States becoming one of the first major countries in the world to be a republic with an elected president rather than a king or queen.
What happened in 1791?
The congress added 10 amendments to the constitution , these were known as the Bill of Rights.
What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
It was to protect individual rights from any possible curtailment by government.
What did the “ right to bear arms “ result in ?
This freedom resulted in ordinary people keeping guns and using them to defend their rights
Who was excluded from this new system of government ?
Women , many of whom ran businesses and defended their home during the American Revolution , were excluded from voting and participating in the United States government. This new system also didn’t apply to the 500 000 slaves in the United States.
What ere women not allowed to do ?
Few were allowed to be educated at the same level as men and they could not preach in churches or own property.
What was the American revolution’s aim ?
It was to inspire another group of people to “ throw off the chains “ and succeed in establishing a government based on democratic principles.
What was the Industrial revolution ?
It started in the textile industry where new machines were invented to speed up the manufacture of cloth. This led to the establishment of large factories , and as more were built the towns population grew as people moved from the country side to find work.
When did the industrial revolution occur ?
1750 - 1850
Why did the industrial revolution start in Britain ?
- Changes in agriculture
- New farming methods
- Growth of foreign trade
- The invention of new technology
- New energy supplies
- Changes in transport
Explain “ changes in agriculture “.
Changes in agriculture : there was a revolution in farming methods when new farm implements were invented , new crops were planted , new methods of crop rotation were introduced and farm animals were scientifically bred.
Explain “ new farming methods “.
As a result of inventors and agricultural scientists , it became possible to supply enough food for the population. Varied crops were introduced , new machinery , the reaping machine , soil was cultivated more efficiently. These new methods needed financial investment and larger farms. This resulted in the farmers no longer making a living as the land was divided. This furthermore led to farmers moving to towns.
Explain “ growth of foreign trade “.
Britain became the worlds leading trading nation. As British influence in India strengthened , there was growing demands for British goods there too.
Explain briefly “ the invention of new technology “.
Inventors invented better machines to produce cloth more effectively and efficiently. When machines stated using steam power industrialization grew rapidly. The spinning Jenny was invented and then later the water frame which was driven by water. This was an important change. The power loom was invented which used steam power which was so efficient that it was no longer necessary to have hand weavers working in the cotton industry. These inventions made it possible for England to become the leading cotton producer in the world.
Explain “ new energy supplies “.
Steam power transformed the iron industry and this resulted in iron production increasing from 17 000 tons a year to 3 million tons a century later. Iron became a basic building material whereas before it had been scarce and expensive.
Explain “ changes in transport “.
Steam powered transport , known as the locomotive was created and although it was not a very good machine and was more costly , people still used them to transport goods. These developments were responsible for the beginning of a new aged transport. People could now travel much faster and easily than before.
