The American Revolution and the Constitution Ch.2 Sec. 3

Why was Britain a world power? Location (island in W. Europe) Few restrictions on trade; controlled much of the slave trade Strongest navy; large army Large territory (U.K.= England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)

The 13 Colonies in the Mid-1700s Britain ran mercantilist economy in the colonies. Colonists felt entitled to rights of British citizens. Britain did not enforce laws too much, so colonists would gather in their own assemblies.

Causes of the Revolution: Sugar Act- 1764 Stamp Act-1765 Taxes imposed on the colonists by Britain. Colonists had no representation, therefore no say in how many taxes they paid.

Causes of the Revolution Boston Massacre British soldiers open fire on colonists who are harassing them; 5 colonists die.

Causes of the Revolution Boston Tea Party- Dec. 1773 Bostonians dump cargo of tea into Boston Harbor to protest tax on tea.

The Revolutionary War Shots fired at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts- April 1775 Battle that started the war, though many people didn’t even realize it had begun. Continental Congress- 1775 Met to set up an army and choose military leader (George Washington).

The Revolutionary War Second Continental Congress- 1776 Met to declare independence from England Declaration of Independence- July 4, 1776 Written by Thomas Jefferson, signed by various members of the Congress, officially breaking away from England.

The Revolutionary War Battle at Saratoga- 1777 American victory over the British. Caused the French to join the war against England and support the colonists. ***The French joined because they hated Britain, not because they loved American freedom.

The Revolutionary War Winter at Valley Forge- 1777-1778 Brutal crisis; Washington and his men had to endure hunger, cold, and disease. Had to overcome low morale.

American Victory Battle of Yorktown- 1781 Treaty of Paris- 1783 With the help of the French, the Americans defeated the British in this final battle. Treaty of Paris- 1783 Officially ended the war; Britain recognized the United States as independent.