Which combination describes key features of the American Revolution era?

• A. Conflicts over mercantilism and ideas of Thomas Paine.
• B. Industrial growth and expansion of railroads.
• C. Migration westward and gold rush.
• D. Prohibition era reforms.

Answer: (A)

During the American Revolution, the big forces shaping the era were economic tensions with Britain and influential ideas about government. Mercantilist policies kept the colonies trading mainly with Britain and imposed taxes to benefit the mother country, which sparked growing resentment and calls for change. At the same time, Thomas Paine’s writings, including Common Sense, framed independence in clear terms and advocated for a republican system, helping to galvanize colonial support for breaking away. These economic grievances and persuasive ideological arguments together define what people associate with the Revolution era.

The other options describe developments that come later in U.S. history: industrial growth and railroads occur after independence, westward migration and the gold rush happen in the 19th century, and Prohibition reforms belong to the early 20th century.