Main Ideas
The main idea that began the American Revolution was taxation without representation. The king of England raised taxes on stamps to pay for the Seven Years War. The king also raised taxes on tea. The colonists felt it was unfair for the king to raise taxes without having the proposal be approved by an American representative in Parliament. The American colonists began small revolts and protests, like the Boston Tea Party. This eventually led to to the beginning of the American Revolution, and the Declaration of Independence.
Details
As a result of the American Revolution, the United States created the world's first constitutional government. The constitution laid down the law of the land, and made all citizens equal. It did not make all people of the country equal though, because women and minorities were not considered to be equal to white men. Eventually, women and minorities did become equal citizens. Despite its shortcomings, the Constitution laid the foundations for all future constitutional governments.