The Age of Revolution, 1774–1849
The Age of Revolution is the name given to the period of history that saw large scale revolutionary movements in Europe and the American colonies from 1774 to 1849. Particularly important to the shape of our modern international system, the revolutions of this period contributed to the replacement of absolutist monarchies with representative governments grounded in a written constitution of rights, as well as the construction of nation states based around the ideas of shared cultures and history. Without these revolutions the world would be a far different place.
American Revolution, 1765–1783
Spurred on by ideas that emerged during the Enlightenment, the American Revolution is generally considered the first spark that set off the Age of Revolution. Though often thought about synonymously with the year 1776 (when independence was declared) the beginning of the conflict actually goes as far back as 1765 when American colonials declared that their should be no taxation without representation of the colonies in British Parliament. Hostilities would first break out in 1775 at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. With the revolution enduring until 1777, France entered the war on…
