California State Standard 10:2:3 Understand the unique character of the American Revolution, its spread to other parts of the world, and its continuing significance to other nations.

The American Revolution Ch. 6.4 Pg

Objectives Describe America’s colonies in the late 1700s List events that led to the American Revolution Explain the Enlightenment’s influence on American Government

American Revolution Main Idea- Enlightenment ideas helped spur the American colonies to shed British rule and create a new nation Why it matters now- The revolution created a republic, the United States of America that became a model for the many nations of the world

Setting The Stage Inspired by Enlightenment ideas, British colonist: Felt that the king was tyrannical Were ready to overthrow the mightiest power on earth and create a new nation

Britain and Its American Colonies America –British colonists in America booms from 250,000 to 2,150,000. Pre 1651 –Economics pushed by trade with ALL European nations Each of the 13 colonies had its own govt. –People were used to high level of independence in most colonies Colonists themselves as Virginians and Bostonians NOT British

(1651) Navigation Acts Colonists can not sell products to any country other than England –Had to pay high taxes on non-English goods. –Overtime, agitates colonists

Land Ceded to British after French Indian War in 1763

1765 Stamp Act All printed goods (wills, newspapers, etc.) taxed –British people consent to tax –Colonists argued that it violated their “natural rights”? taxation without representation Colonists had no reps in British Parliament

Growing Hostility Leads to War Colonists ask for same political rights as British citizens –British Govt. refuses –Colonists rebel against a tyrannical govt. that broke the social contract. –April 1775 Lexington, Massachusetts American militia and British Army exchange fire The Revolution had begun George Washington

(1776) Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson - Based on ideas of Locke’s ( Natural Rights) and the Enlightenment Unalienable rights- the govt. can not take away Government- must protect rights of the people ( What?) Lists King George III’s abuses to justify rebellion Thomas Jefferson

VIDEO revolution/american-revolution- history/videos/american- revolution?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefin ed&f=1&free=false

Success for the Colonists 4 Reason’s for colonists victory 1.American motivation (defending their homes) 2.British Generals overconfident, make several mistakes 3.French join the fight in Fighting an overseas battle was expensive for the British –Heavily taxed British citizens call for peace

American’s Create a Republic 1781 Articles of Confederation –Establishes a Republic Each state had one vote in Congress 9 of 13 States needed to ratify law. Congress powers: 1.Declare war 2.Create treaties 3.Coin Money Could not collect taxes, regulate trade States began to compete against each other, no one to mediate between states

Federal System May 1787, 55 delegates meet to ratify Articles of Confederation –Create Federal System Power divided between States and Federal (National) Govt. Adams, Morris, Hamilton, Jefferson

Govt. power and responsibility should be shared and balanced 1.Representative Govt.: citizens elect reps to make laws for them.? 2.Federal System: powers of govt. are divided between central govt. and states. 3.Separation of Powers: Govt. power divided among executive, legislative, and judicial. Checks and Balances: prevents any branch from having too much power over any other branch Constitutional Convention

James Madison Known as the “father” of the constitution. –Spent 1 year preparing for convention –Designed the 3 branches of govt. and checks and balances. –Kept detailed records of the debates in during convention. James Madison

The Bill of Rights –1 st 10 amendments of the Constitution Protect individual freedoms of citizens from the govt. Put Enlightenment ideas into practice –Individual used reason and reform to settle disputes

The Bill of Rights 1. Freedom of press, religion, speech 2. Right to bear arms 3. No quartering troops during peace 4. No illegal search w/out probable cause 5. Prevents double jeopardy & self- incrimination 6. Right to a speedy & public trial, attorney, & reason for arrest 7. Right to trial by jury 8. No cruel & unusual punishment 9. Rights of the people/ right to privacy 10. Powers of the state and the people