The American Revolution (1715–1800)

Lesson #15-American Revolution Agenda: Bellwork, Quiz (Enlightenment/Scientific Revolution), American Revolution Notes Bellwork: Begin a new set of notes titled “Lesson #15-American Revolution”, and answer the question below Based on what you know about the American Revolution, how does Enlightenment thought reflect revolutionary ideas?

American Revolution Key Terms and People: Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, Boston Massacre, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Treaty of Paris, James Madison, federal system, Guiding Questions: What were some of the causes leading to crisis in the American colonies? How was the struggle for independence affected by Enlightenment concepts? How did American colonists form a new government? Main Idea: Enlightenment ideas led to revolution, independence, and a new government for the United States.

Causes for Change War-The Seven Years War and the French and Indian War (British vs. French) costs lots of $$$ and expanded British territory in the U.S. and Canada (costs $$$ to control). King George wanted colonists to help pay by taxation. Parliament passed the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act in 1765. No taxation without representation!”=No representation in Parliament, became a popular slogan. Americans protested British taxes and trade restrictions.

Events Leading to the Revolution In 1770, British soldiers opened fire on protesters who had been pelting them with snowballs (Boston Massacre). In 1773, Sons of Liberty destroyed tea to protest British taxes (Boston Tea Party) Dismissed at the First Continental Congress in 1774; led to hiding weapons. In April 1775 the conflict exploded into WAR!

The Revolution Begins British: Patriots: Britain had professional soldiers, more money, and a superior navy. One third of the colonists were loyal to the King. The Patriots did not have much money. They were fighting at home. In 1777 the French joined on the side of the Americans. The Netherlands and Spain also joined the Americans.

Enlightenment Ideas In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence during the Second Continental Congress. Members of the committee that helped write the declaration also included John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. “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.”

Enlightenment Ideas The Declaration included ideas from the English Bill of Rights (1689) and from Enlightenment philosophers Locke and Rousseau: Right to revolt against unjust government. Power of the people (popular sovereignty)

The Revolution Ends In 1781, George Washington, commanding general, forced the surrender of the British at Yorktown. Two years later, the Treaty of Paris ended the war which recognized U.S. independence

Forming a New Government (and more Enlightenment ideas) America was governed by The Articles of Confederation for several years, but they were too weak to govern (no executive or judicial branch; strong states rights over federal issues; could collect federal taxes; couldn’t control trade laws). The authors of the Constitution were inspired by Enlightenment ideas such as (Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu): -separation of powers -checks and balances -natural rights -1787=a new constitution; run by the people, for the people. James Madison is credited with being the “Father of the Constitution”

Forming a New Government Federal republic (federal system)-separation of powers, levels of government, and three branches of government legislative, executive, and judicial (from Montesquieu) The Bill of Rights- 1st 10 amendments; recognized basic rights: -Freedom of religion -Freedom of speech -Freedom of the press The Constitution became the supreme law of the land and has remained for over 200 years. It has served as an example for many other countries around the world.

Lesson #15 Exit Ticket-American Revolution What were some of the causes leading to crisis in the American colonies? How was the struggle for independence affected by Enlightenment concepts? How did American colonists form a new government?