Georgia and the American Revolution

Standards: SS8H3 The student will analyze the role of Georgia in the American Revolution. Element: SS8H3.a Explain the immediate and long-term causes of the American Revolution and their impact on Georgia; include the French and Indian War (i.e., Seven Years War), Proclamation of 1763, Stamp Act, Intolerable Acts, and the Declaration of Independence. Element: SS8H3.b Analyze the significance of people and events in Georgia on the Revolutionary War; include Loyalists, patriots, Elijah Clarke, Austin Dabney, Nancy Hart, Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton, Battle of Kettle Creek, and siege of Savannah.

What is a revolution? Merriam-Webster defines a revolution as the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed

The French and Indian War From 1754 – 1763, the British (English) and French fought a war in N. America to gain as much land as possible. England won the war, but was also left with a huge debt. England thought that it would be a good idea to tax the English colonists living in America since they were still considered part of England The colonists were outraged; they felt that it was unfair for England to tax them, and at the same time, not provide them with representation in Parliament. (Taxation without Representation).

Proclamation of 1763 After the French and Indian War, King George III issued the Proclamation of 1763, which forbade colonists to settle west of the Appalachian Mts. It also moved Georgia’s southern boundary to the St. Mary’s River. Colonists were furious that they could not settle west of the Mts.

New Taxes and Unhappy Colonists In order to pay the debt from the French and Indian War, England forced the colonists to pay taxes on certain items. Also, the colonists didn’t have representation in Parliament. Sugar Act (1762) – Tax on sugar an molasses Stamp Act (1765) – Tax on all paper documents: wills, newspapers, Legal documents, etc Townshend Acts (1767) – Tax on glass, lead, paper, paints, and tea

Cartoon on the Stamp Act – What items are being taxed?

The Boston Massacre – March 5, 1770 British soldiers were sent to Boston. A large group of angry colonists began to throw snow, ice, wood, and clubs at the soldiers. The soldiers, fearing for their lives fired into the crowd, killing five colonists. Was this a massacre or where the soldiers defending themselves? (Propaganda)

Boston Tea Party – December 16, 1773 In 1773, Parliament passed the Tea Act – monopoly on tea. The colonists also had to pay a tax on the tea. The Sons of Liberty dumped several loads of tea into Boston harbor.

Punishment for the Tea Party – Intolerable Acts Boston Port Bill The port of Boston would be closed until the colony could repay England for the lost tea ($3 million in today’s money). Massachusetts Government Act There could be no “town hall” meetings without consent of the government, and a member of the government must be present. Administration of Justice Act Allowed the trials of royal officials or officers accused of capital crimes to another colony or to England to ensure a “fair trial”. Also known as the “Murder Act” because it could prevent punishment of capital crimes. Quartering Act of 1775 Required citizens to provide food and shelter to soldiers at no cost. Refusal would result in arrest.

The shot heard ‘round the world On April 19, 1774, British General Gage dispatched British troops to two locations: 1) Lexington to capture Colonial leaders Sam Adams & John Hancock. 2) Concord to seize gunpowder. Spies were able to get the word out, and men like Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Dr. Samuel Prescott rode through the area alerting the minutemen that the “British are coming”. The outnumbered colonial militia was able to fend off this first attack in what would become known as the American Revolution

Georgia’s Response to the Revolution Georgia had a great trading relationship with Great Britain, and was also a younger colony. Georgia was established in 1732, these troubles began with the F & I War in 1754 It depended on England more than older, established colonies. Coastal Georgians were more likely to remain loyal to England. (Loyalists/Tories). Georgians living further from the coast were more likely to oppose England (Whigs/Patriots). When the Declaration of Independence was signed, Royal Governor James Wright was smuggled out of Georgia for safety.

The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 After King George III refused to address the repeated requests of help, and for equal representation from the colonies, the second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document, mostly written by Thomas Jefferson, declared the thirteen colonies independent from British control. Three parts: 1) Preamble, 2) List of accusations, 3) Plan of action/declaration of independence Think of this as a “break up letter” – “It’s not me, it’s you”!

Declaration of Independence The Main Ideas All men are created equal. Everyone is born with certain rights that the government could not take away. Life Liberty Pursuit of happiness The people could do away with the govt. if they did not approve of it. Consent of the governed

Georgia’s Signers of the Declaration of Independence Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton.

Savannah falls to the British The British take control of Savannah in 1778. Governor James Wright is brought back to take control of the colony. Siege of Savannah The Continental Army with help from France attempt to retake Savannah. This attempt is a failure, and Savannah remains in the hands of the British until the end of the Revolution.

The War Ends The American Revolution comes to an end when General Cornwallis surrenders to General Washington at Yorktown, Virginia on October 19, 1781. The French play a major role by enforcing a blockade along the coast that prevented the British from receiving much-needed supplies. The war is officially ended by the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. The newly formed United States received all British territories west of the Appalachians to the Mississippi River.