Unit 9 The Age of Revolution The American Revolution

18th Century America

Britain's American Colonies 13 British colonies were established in North America Colonies were British subjects and were expected to obey British law North American colonies population largely grew, creating a new sense of identity

VS. French and Indian War Also known as the 7 years war Britain and the colonist defeat the French in 1763 Results of the war Britain accumulates a large expense for the war, therefore, they make(s) the colonists pay the debt Establish the proclamation line of 1763 VS.

Proclamation Line of 1763

Enlightenment Influence Colonial Leaders used enlightenment ideas to justify independence Colonists used these ideas to push for political rights Representation King George III denies them political rights, Therefore, the colonist rebel

Pre-Revolution Colonists move towards a Revolution due to: Legislation that directly tax the colonists (Navigation Act, Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townsend Acts, and Intolerable Act) Thomas Pain writes a 50 page pamphlet (Common Sense) that criticizes and attacks the English King George III Thomas Jefferson drafts the declaration of independence

2nd Continental Congress Boston Tea Party Boston Massacre 2nd Continental Congress Lexington and Concord

Revolution General George Washington would lead the continual army against the most powerful military in the world, the English The Americans would win two decisive battles The Battle of Saratoga: Influenced French involvement The Battle of Yorktown: Forced British surrender

Battle of Yorktown 1781

Disc 3, Revolution, Democracy is Born

Post-Revolution In 1781 the newly independent colonies establish articles of confederation which created a weak national government Colonial leaders approved a constitutional convention to revise the current government (Articles of Confederation)

Constitution The 55 delegates of the constitutional convention distrusted a powerful central government, as a result they established Checks and balances 3 branches of government Federal system Power divided between state and national governments Bill of rights Freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion