How do I revise The American Revolution 1740–1796 for OCR A-Level?

Ensure you can compare factors and make substantiated judgements about their relative importance.

What exam tips are there for The American Revolution 1740–1796? (2)

Focus on the relationship between key features of the period to reach substantiated judgements.

What exam tips are there for The American Revolution 1740–1796? (3)

Use knowledge to explain, assess, and analyse rather than just recall facts.

The American Revolution 1740–1796

OCR

A-Level

This unit covers the American Revolution from 1740 to 1796, examining the development of British hegemony in North America, the causes of the American Revolution, the conflict itself, and the establishment of the early Republic.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

The American Revolution (1740–1796) was a transformative period that saw the thirteen American colonies break away from British rule and establish the United States of America. This topic covers the long-term causes, such as the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and British taxation policies like the Stamp Act (1765) and the Townshend Acts (1767), which fueled colonial resentment. Key events include the Boston Massacre (1770), the Boston Tea Party (1773), and the Intolerable Acts (1774), which escalated tensions into armed conflict at Lexington and Concord (1775). The Declaration of Independence (1776) marked the colonies' formal break, leading to a war that ended with the Treaty of Paris (1783). The period concludes with the creation of the US Constitution (1787) and the early republic under George Washington.

This topic is crucial for understanding the development of modern democratic ideals, including concepts of representation, republicanism, and natural rights. It also explores the social and economic impacts, such as the role of enslaved people, Native Americans, and women. For OCR A-Level History, this unit requires analysis of causation, the role of individuals like Thomas Paine and George Washington, and the significance of international involvement, particularly French aid after 1778. Mastery of this topic helps students grasp broader themes of revolution, empire, and nation-building.

Within the wider subject of History, the American Revolution is a key case study in how colonial grievances can lead to independence, influencing later revolutions in France, Haiti, and Latin America. It also illustrates the challenges of forging a new nation, including debates over federalism and slavery. Students should connect this period to the British imperial context and the Enlightenment ideas that shaped the revolutionaries' thinking.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Analysis of British, French, and Spanish colonial development and territorial expansion to 1765.
Understanding the relationship between Britain and the colonies in 1763.
Evaluation of British policies (e.g., Stamp Act, Townshend Duties, Intolerable Acts) and colonial reactions.
Analysis of political thought and leadership (e.g., Jefferson, Adams, Locke).
Evaluation of the move towards independence and the Declaration of Independence (1776).
Analysis of military developments and reasons for British defeat.
Evaluation of the Articles of Confederation and the 1787 Constitution.
Analysis of the struggle for ratification and the Federalist/Anti-Federalist divide.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Analysis of British, French, and Spanish colonial development and territorial expansion to 1765.
Understanding the relationship between Britain and the colonies in 1763.
Evaluation of British policies (e.g., Stamp Act, Townshend Duties, Intolerable Acts) and colonial reactions.
Analysis of political thought and leadership (e.g., Jefferson, Adams, Locke).
Evaluation of the move towards independence and the Declaration of Independence (1776).
Analysis of military developments and reasons for British defeat.
Evaluation of the Articles of Confederation and the 1787 Constitution.
Analysis of the struggle for ratification and the Federalist/Anti-Federalist divide.
Understanding the formation of the first government under Washington and the 1791 Bill of Rights.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure you can compare factors and make substantiated judgements about their relative importance.
💡Focus on the relationship between key features of the period to reach substantiated judgements.
💡Use knowledge to explain, assess, and analyse rather than just recall facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Analyse

Evaluate

Assess

Explain

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

The American Revolution 1740–1796

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR A-Level History

African kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: four case studies

Alfred and the making of England 871–1016

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035–1107

Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948–1999

The American Revolution 1740–1796

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main causes of the American Revolution?

How did the French and Indian War lead to the American Revolution?

What role did Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' play?

Why was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point?

How did the American Revolution affect slavery?

What were the key outcomes of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR A-Level History

African kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: four case studies

Alfred and the making of England 871–1016

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035–1107

Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948–1999