1. American Revolution

2. Bell Ringer – page 13
This cartoon was created by Benjamin Franklin before the American Revolution. By looking at this cartoon, what can you tell about Franklin’s attitude toward the colonial involvement in the war?

4. Objective: Today, we will be discussing the American Revolution
Objective: Today, we will be discussing the American Revolution. Some of this information may seem very familiar to you (that’s a good thing), while some may be completely new (that’s a good thing, too). By the end of the class period, you should be able to answer the following questions:
Why were the American colonists growing unhappy with England and how did they vent this anger?
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Which philosopher was he greatly influenced by?
Why was the Battle of Saratoga so important to the Americans?
What ideas from Enlightenment-era philosophers helped shape the United States Constitution?
What is the Bill of Rights? Why is it important? Who was it’s main proponent?

5. Background - 13 English Colonies
Prosperous (wealthy)
Bountiful natural resources
Part of global trade ($$$)
Part of British Empire
Colonists = British citizens
Independent-minded

6. Colonies vs. Britain British treasury running low due to wars.
Parliament begins taxing the 13 colonies, upsetting the colonists
“No taxation without representation”
Events leading to war
Boston Massacre (1770)
Boston Tea Party (1773)
Lexington & Concord (1775)

7. The Declaration of Independence
Written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson
Declares independence from Britain
Greatly influenced by John Locke
People have natural rights
Right to “alter or abolish”  revolt
Popular sovereignty – government’s power comes from citizens
Adopted July 4th, 1776

8. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

9. Important Points During the War
1777 – Battle of Saratoga
Americans win, France decides to join War with Americans
Americans get supplies, training and ships
Washington proves to be excellent leader

10. American Victory and Aftermath
1781 – Victory at Yorktown
Last major battle
1783 – Treaty of Paris
War officially ends, independence recognized
Original government too weak – new constitution needed

11. United States Constitution
Important ideas from US Const.
Social Contract btwn peeps and gov’t (Locke)
People elect gov’t – not hereditary
Federal Republic
Power split btwn federal gov’t and states
Separation of Powers (Montesquieu)
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Checks and Balances
Branches have power over each other

12. United States Constitution cont.

13. US Bill of Rights - 1789 Proposed by James Madison First 10 Amendments
Recognized the “basic rights” all people had
Government MUST protect rights
Rights
Freedom of:
Religion
Speech
Press
Right to keep/bear arms
Trial by jury
Private property

14. Why was the Battle of Saratoga so important to the Americans?
BTW…
On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions regarding the information in your notes.
Why were the American colonists growing unhappy with England and how did they vent this anger?
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Which philosopher was he greatly influenced by?
Why was the Battle of Saratoga so important to the Americans?
What ideas from Enlightenment-era philosophers helped shape the United States Constitution?
What is the Bill of Rights? Why is it important? Who was it’s main proponent?