Social Studies American Revolution

1763-1774 Major events that lead the 13 original colonies to declare their Independence from Great Britain.

13 Original Colonies Georgia Connecticut South Carolina Massachusetts Virginia New York Maryland Rhode Island Delaware New Hampshire Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey

Taxation without Representation Colonies were taxed without any say in Government decisions. The British placed taxes on common items such as newspapers, wills, playing cards, tea, paper and glass items.

Boston Massacre The British were angry because British troops were in their town. The Colonists threw sticks and snowballs at the British troops. British troops fired into a crowd of Colonists killing 5 people. Among the dead was Cripus Attucks an African American.

Propaganda Information designed to influence opinions-against the British. Samuel Adams put up posters describing the “Boston Massacre” as a slaughter of innocent Americans by the bloody redcoats. Paul Revere showed a picture of a British officer giving the order to open fire on an orderly crowd.

Boston Tea Party Colonist dressed like Mohawk Indians to disguise themselves from the British. Colonists threw 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor in protest of the unfair tea trade agreement.

Punishing Boston King George III of England was so angry at the Colonists that he closed the Boston Harbor preventing shipments of food and other necessary supplies needed by the Colonists. King George III made laws prohibiting town meetings and forced the Colonists to house British soldiers or face punishment.

Daughters of Liberty Colonial women began organizing groups to support the boycott of British goods. They urged Americans to wear homemade clothes and produce other goods that would not profit the British.

Civic Rights British Laws caused discontentment among the Colonists who believed that their civic rights were being denied. Basic rights such as freedom of religion, speech, press and assembly

Assignment Which cause do you think was the most persuasive in motivating the Colonist to declare their Independence and Why? Boston Tea Party Taxation Boston Massacre Must be at least ½ page in length.