The Beginning

A short video to open the discussion

Boycott Monopoly Tax Representation British Parliament Imported Goods Colonial Assemblies Repeal

It costs a lot of money to fight a war. England paid for the war, so the colonists could remain in the New World. The King felt like the colonists should help pay for the war. So the King created taxes that the colonists were required to pay.

The colonists were very upset that the king made this decision without their input. With a democratic government, they were supposed to have a voice in the government. However, they were thousands of miles away with no means of communication with the British government. They had no one in England to speak for them. They felt under represented.

The king taxed products such as newspapers, playing cards, and other legal documents. The colonists protested this tax by boycotting anything taxed by Britain. The King repealed the tax. However, colonists were still boycotting tea because the king did not take away this act.

England created a law that kept the colonists from being able to buy tea from other countries at an affordable price. This is called a monopoly. England’s tea companies were able to sell the tea for very cheap! Those in the colonial assemblies (colonist’s local government) were afraid the colonists would be tempted to buy the tea inspite of the tax. So they got rid of the tea.

Let’s end with a song. Revolution, revolution The road to the American Revolution Revolution, revolution The road to the American Revolution A war with England that we tried to avoid But the fight for freedom was the only solution The American Revolution, revolution What led us to a revolution? It started with the French and the Indian War Which lasted nine years and England paid for So the king passed this act to get his money back Taxing all paper was a liberty attack Colonies couldn't vote, and had frustration There'll be no taxation without representation! What is this called in our history; what act required a big blue seal? Uh, I'm gonna go with THE STAMP ACT

Next came enforcement of the Townshend Acts Which put poorly paid troops among the colonists' ranks They took over churches to have a roof overhead And took low-paying jobs that the colonists once had Angry colonials would tease "lobster-backs" Until one day the British shot back What is this called in our history; that shocked and united the colonies? It became known as THE BOSTON MASSACRE Revolution, revolution The road to the American Revolution When the East India Trade Company Was given a trade monopoly on tea The colonists feared more English control And in protest wouldn't let English boats ashore Dressed like Indians, they boarded 3 boats To throw the tea overboard and out in the port What is this called in our history; tell me now, do you drink tea? That was THE BOSTON TEA PARTY (I'm more of a coffee guy, myself!)

The colonists knew that the day would come When they had to fight to break from England They stored up powder, cannonballs and guns They could get ready fast; they were Minutemen The English attacked the Concord military store The shot was heard round the world; a revolutionary war Which battle in our history was the first to secure our liberty? THE BATTLE OF CONCORD AND LEXINGTON Revolution, revolution The road to the American Revolution The Second Continental Congress wrote to King George Complaints that they felt couldn't be ignored Equality and fairness they put into print Ideas they'd use for their new government Liberty, life, pursuit of happiness Are some of things they declared to address What is it called in our history; the document that says we should all be free? That's our DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE It took King George a little while to get over it, but now England and the US are pretty good friends. Revolution, revolution The road to the American Revolution Revolution, revolution The road to the American Revolution A war with England that we tried to avoid But the fight for freedom was the only solution The American Revolution, revolution Revolution, revolution, revolution...