1. 6.4 American Revolution A look at how the Enlightenment transformed a Nation

2. Atlantic Coast Colonies Population and Economy: – 1700 = 250,000 – 1770 = 2,150,000 – Thriving economy through trade

3. New Identity 150 years of existence All the colonies had their own government Start to identify less with being British

4. British Control Over Colonies Navigation Acts – Colonies can only sell the high value exports to Britain – Place high tax on imports from the Dutch and French

5. If you did not want to pay a tax what would you do? What did the colonist do?

6. New Taxes A key event happens that the British use to justify new taxation on a booming colonist economy. What is it?

7. New Taxes The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

8. New Taxes The war runs up a huge debt British think the colonists should “foot” the bill Create the Stamp Act (1765)

9. Stamp Act A stamp needs to be placed on official documents, for a charge. This is the first form of direct taxation on the colonies The colonist boycott…and win!

10. What Would You Do? If you felt that something was truly unjust what would you do? Would you peacefully boycott like the colonist? Would you take up arms?

11. Other Taxation When the Stamp Act failed… The British started taxing other goods TEA is the straw that broke the camels back

12. America is Mad and Shows it! Boston Tea Party First Continental Congress Violence breaks out (Lexington and Concord MA) Second Continental Congress

13. Enlightenment to Blame Patrick Henry, John Adams, and Ben Franklin – Enlightened thinkers – Called for war – Want the same political rights – King said “no” – The right to overthrow a tyrant (Locke)

14. Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson Inspired by John Locke’s idea of government

15. America’s Republic 13 states see a need for a National Government Articles of Confederation

16. National government Voted in by the people (who does this sound like?) Weak national gov. Only have Congress Congress could not tax

17. Need for a Stronger National Government Used Locke, Rousseau and Montesquieu Take note of page 186