Chapter 5 Section 3 A Call to Arms But First a Review

Causes of Unrest in the Colonies Writs of Assistance. Allowed customs officials to search any location for smuggled goods. The Sugar Act. Lowered the Tax on molasses; allowed officers to seize good w/o going to court. The Stamp Act. Tax on printed materials – From wills to playing cards.

Causes of Unrest in the Colonies The Townshend Acts Import taxes paid at the port before unloading. Glass, tea, paper, lead, etc. Meant to pay the salaries of Colonial Officials. Repealed, except for the tax on tea.

Effects of British Policy Colonists Organized Stamp Act Congress, Sons of Liberty, etc. Colonists Protested Non-importation (Boycotts); Demonstrations; Printed Propaganda; Covert Actions. American Colonists Boston Massacre; Committees of Correspondence; Boston Tea Party. British Government Powder Alarms; Intolerable Acts / Coercive Acts; Quebec Act.

And the Story Continues Organized Resistance, First Battles, and Continued Military Actions

The process of American Revolution can be analogized as cell mitosis.

Organized Resistance: The Continental Congress First met in September of 1774 55 delegates (all colonies represented except Georgia) A political body to represent colonial interests and challenge British control. Representatives included: Sam Adams, John Adams, John Jay, Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, and George Washington. Statement of Grievances: Called for the repeal of 13 Acts of Parliament passed since 1763. Decided to boycott British Products and Trade

Organized Resistance: The Continental Congress Adopted the Suffolk Resolves Called for the formation of militias Stocking of military supplies– Gunpowder. proclaimed the Coercive Acts to be unconstitutional and void; officials charged with the enforcement of these illegal acts were called upon to resign urged Massachusetts to establish a separate free state until the Coercive Acts were repealed suggested that future tax collections be retained by the new Massachusetts government and not passed along to British officials

Organized Resistance: The Continental Congress Adopted the Suffolk Resolves called for the creation and enforcement of a boycott of British goods and trade with Britain advised the people of Massachusetts to appoint militia officers and commence arming their local forces warned General Thomas Gage that efforts to arrest citizens on political charges would result in the detention of the arresting officers announced that subjects no longer owe loyalty to a king who violates their rights.

Preparations for War: Colonists Outfitting and Training of Militia Companies in New England. (Minutemen) Stockpiling of Military Supplies Gunpowder Lead and Bullets

Preparations for War: British King George III declares that the New England Colonies were “in a state of rebellion.” And, that “blows must decide” the issue. By April 1775 Gen. Thomas Gage and several thousand troops were stationed in and around Boston. Instructions to confiscate weapons and arrest the leaders of the militia.

18th – 19th of April 1775 Paul Revere and William Dawes ride from Boston to warn the colonists. Minutemen gather at Lexington Green. Both sides have orders not to fire first. Cpt. Parker, “Stand your ground . . . If they mean to have war, let it begin here.” British Commander: “Throw down your arms ye villains, ye rebels” A shot was fired, and the rest is history.

18th – 19th of April 1775 British continue to Concord Colonial Minutemen continue to muster. Skirmish at the North Bridge in Concord. British retreat to Boston. Colonists harass the British Troops all the way to Boston. Boston is under siege.

Further Military Actions Benedict Arnold with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys to Ft. Ticonderoga. Committees of Correspondence call for more volunteers for the militia. Militia numbering about 20,000 surround Boston.

The Battle of Bunker Hill June 16th 1775 Col. Prescott set up colonial defensive positions on Bunker and Breeds Hill outside of Boston. British decide that the Colonials need to be removed from those positions. British Assault Breeds Hill. In two attacks lose over 1000 dead. British Soldier wrote, “a dear bought victory, another such would have ruined us.”

Sides Must Be Chosen Colonists have divided loyalties. Patriots Support the Cause. Loyalists Support the Crown. Question: You have to choose a side, which side would you choose and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each choice?

Explain the meaning of this quote in the greater context of the American Revolution. Be sure to compare and contrast this to how the colonists felt towards their colony. Would the Revolution have been successful if the majority of the colonists had felt differently?

The Midnight Ride