The American Revolution

A Change in 1763 The conclusion of the Seven Year’s War (The French and Indian War) War costs money England needs to pay its debts

Royal Proclamation of 1763 Hope to avoid further conflict between colonists and native Americans Restricts western settlement to the Appalachian Mountains

The Stamp Act (1765) Britain tries to raise money Tax on printed materials, playing cards, official documents British enforcement was un-democratic No Jury Trials

Who is affected by the Stamp Act? Attorneys Colonial legislatures feel undermined Government officials Sailors and gamblers

Reactions to the new Taxes Colonial Assemblies pass resolutions against the taxes Sons of Liberty Boycotts Militia and police join demonstrations

Philosophical Reactions Natural Rights Taxation without Representation Right to a jury trial Colonial Rights – are the colonists “Englishmen?”

Outcomes from the Stamp Act Stamp Act Repealed England passes “Declaratory Act” The right to tax Philosophy linked to self interest Legitimizes boycotts and mass-demonstrations

Townshend Acts Tax on glass, paper, and tea Boycotts in Boston

The Boston Massacre March 5, 1770

The Boston Tea Party December 16, 1773

The “Intolerable Acts” of 1774-75 Massachusetts Government Act Administration of Justice Act All British soldiers to be tried in Britain, not in the colonies Boston Port Act Britain demands payment for goods lost in the Boston Tea Party Quartering Acts

Quartering Act

Committees of Correspondence (1772) Include all 13 colonies Spread information about problems facing the other colonies Colonial Propaganda A nationalizing experience

First Continental Congress September 15, 1774

First Continental Congress Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Agree to boycott British goods British imports dropped by 97% in 1775 Agree to meet in the Second Continental Congress, to be convened on May 10, 1775

A Revolutionary War

Battle of Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775 “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World”

Battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775

Second Continental Congress, 1775 Congress creates a Continental Army The Olive Branch Petition

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson July 4, 1776

The Main Arguments: Preamble Identifies injuries caused by King George III Denounces the British, argues that revolution is justified Conclusion that the colonies must create a new government

The Philosophy behind the Declaration “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

John Locke The Second Treatise of Government Life, Liberty, and Property Laws of Nature