Causes of the American Revolution

During the early years of settlement, England ignored its colonies. Under the Navigation Acts, the colonists could trade only with England. Colonists resented England’s control of the colonies because they were used to being left alone. Sketch of Baltimore Harbor, 1752

The first meeting of the Virginia Assembly Colony founders knew they must guarantee rights and good government if they were going to attract colonists. Virginia colonists created the House of Burgesses which was the first representative assembly in the Americas. By 1750 each of the 13 colonies had an elected assembly.

North American land claims, 1753 Britain and France were intense rivals in the struggle for North America. In the 1750s the center of colonial conflict was the Ohio River Valley. British officer George Washington was sent to build a fort on the river but was defeated by the French before he could. Native Americans became French allies because it appeared the French would win the war.

Taking of Quebec by English forces during the French and Indian War The French and Indian war went badly for the British colonies until Captain James Wolfe took Quebec in The British finally won three years later.

North American land claims, 1763 Great Britain became the most powerful nation in the world. The enlarged empire meant conflicts with Native Americans in the Ohio River Valley. To avoid problems, Britain issued the Proclamation of 1763 which did not allow colonists to cross the Appalachian Mountains. Colonist were infuriated because they did not like being told where they could and could not go.

King George III In order to enforce the Proclamation of 1763 and keep peace with Native Americans, a permanent British army was stationed in America. British officials expected colonists to help pay for their defense. The colonists did not like the presence of the army, nor having to pay for the troops’ support.

and how they correspond to the “new” school policies

The French and Indian War Explanation Britain needed money to finance war with France. Reaction/ Result Britain imposed taxes on the colonists to pay for the war.

Proclamation of 1763 Explanation Britain wanted to avoid conflict with Native Americans, so Colonists were forbidden to cross Appalachian Mountains. British Army stationed in the colonies Reaction/ Result Colonists were angered because of British presence and being told what to do Student-free zones

Sugar Act Explanation Tax on sugar and molasses Reaction/ Result Did not affect many, but the idea of taxes a growing issue

Stamp Act Explanation Tax on legal documents, newspapers, wills, and basically every piece of paper used Reaction/ Result Stamp Act Congress formed to organize boycott Eventually repealed official stamped papers for grades

Writs of Assistance Explanation Customs officers could search ships at will Reaction/ Result Few colonists affected, but merchants felt this was an invasion of privacy search belongings

Townshend Acts Explanation Tax on various household items such as paper, glass, lead, silk, and tea Reaction/ Result Colonists boycott through the non- importation agreement Eventually repealed lunch price increased

Quartering Act Explanation Colonists had to provide food, housing, blankets, candles, etc. for the British soldiers Reaction/ Result This was hated, but little could be done

Intolerable Acts Explanation Colonists could not hold town meetings Port of Boston closed Customs officials tried in Britain Reaction/ Result First Continental Congress meets Individual colonies began to unify no discussion of policies

“No taxation without representation!” Explanation Colonists had no representatives to speak for them in Parliament Reaction/ Result Colonists resented not having a say in their own affairs Became a rallying cry do not call with a complaint

Write the following timeline on the back of your note page

Chronology of Events French and Indian War Proclamation of Sugar Act Stamp Act Writs of Assistance- 1767

Chronology of Events Townshend Acts Quartering Act Boston Massacre Tea Act/ Boston Tea Party Intolerable Acts- 1774