Several different events and ideas caused the American Revolutionary War (1775 – 1783). For example, the Proclamation of 1763 was signed by King George III and ended colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains. It irritated numerous Americans who believed that the continent was the land of freedom. Simultaneously, Britain increased its control over the area and imposed higher taxes by such actions as the Stamp Act (1765). Pennsylvania, which was founded in 1681 by William Penn, was the site of the First Continental Congress occurring in 1774. This event proved that the unity among American colonies had been growing.
Furthermore, the ideas promoted by the Age of Enlightenment (the 1620th – 1870th) and the Great Awakening (the 1730th –1770th) contributed to the beginning of the American Revolutionary War as well. The former encouraged people to focus on reason and individualism and emphasized the importance of equality for all citizens. The latter highlighted the notions of nationalism and democracy within both church and state. Many new churches, which appeared due to the movement, competed with the Church of England, which was much older.
What is more, the first people who moved from Europe to North America often fled from persecution. Many of them were redemptions who wanted to escape Europe with its complex policies. Therefore, when Britain increased its control in America, they were ready to use their gunpowder against the British Army. Their dissatisfaction was only growing, as Britain tried to get as much money as possible from the continent to pay for the French and Indian War (1754 – 1763). In conclusion, all the factors mentioned above led to the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, which significantly changed world history.