1. New Ideas and the American Revolution
The modern world did not appear overnight. From about the 14th century, Europe saw a rebirth of learning (the Renaissance), a split in the Christian Church (the Reformation) and new ideas about the rights of people. These ideas helped thirteen British colonies in North America break away and form the United States.
Renaissance and Reformation (in brief)
- Renaissance means 'rebirth'. It began in Italy, especially Florence, in the 14th century.
- It revived interest in Greek and Roman learning, art and science. Famous names: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael.
- Johannes Gutenberg's printing press with movable type (around 1440s–1450s) made books cheaper and spread ideas fast.
- The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk, published his 95 Theses criticising the sale of indulgences.
- It led to Protestant churches separating from the Roman Catholic Church.
The Age of Enlightenment
- In the 17th–18th centuries thinkers argued that reason, liberty and equality should guide government.
- John Locke: people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.
- Montesquieu, in 'The Spirit of the Laws' (1748), proposed the separation of powers (legislature, executive, judiciary).
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote 'The Social Contract' (1762): government should rest on the general will of the people.
- Voltaire championed freedom of speech and religious tolerance.
The American Revolution
- Britain taxed its 13 American colonies, but the colonists had no representatives in the British Parliament. Their slogan: 'No taxation without representation'.
- Boston Tea Party (1773): colonists dumped British tea into Boston harbour in protest.
- Fighting began in 1775. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on 4 July 1776; its main author was Thomas Jefferson.
- Britain recognised American independence in the Treaty of Paris, 1783.
- The US Constitution was written in 1787; George Washington became the first President in 1789.
- It was the first modern written constitution of a republic and inspired later freedom movements.
Quick facts
- Renaissance
- Began in Italy (Florence), 14th century
- Martin Luther's 95 Theses
- 1517: start of the Reformation
- The Spirit of the Laws
- Montesquieu, 1748: separation of powers
- The Social Contract
- Rousseau, 1762
- Boston Tea Party
- 1773
- US Declaration of Independence
- 4 July 1776; main author Thomas Jefferson
- Treaty of Paris
- 1783: Britain recognises US independence
- First US President
- George Washington, 1789
💡 Link each thinker to one idea: Locke = natural rights, Montesquieu = separation of powers, Rousseau = social contract / general will. Exams often ask 'who proposed separation of powers?'
📝 5-question quiz on this lesson: enrol free to take it and track your score.
