The American Revolution Chapter 2 Section 1 Pgs 46-53

Enlightenment Ideas Philosophical movement emphasizing reason as the most important human ability John Locke Believed people possessed natural rights Life Liberty Property Believed the purpose of government was to protect those rights Thomas Payne Wrote Common Sense- pamphlet attacking King George Locke

The Great Awakening Religious movement focused on individual religious experiences instead of needing leaders to guide them Sense of equality because everyone could take active role in church Major factor leading to a sense of freedom and independence Jonathan Edwards George Whitefield

French and Indian War Colonists unified for first time Sense of pride not felt before No need to remain tied to British because the “French Threat” was gone

Population Explosion New arrivals Indentured servants Slaves Births in colonies Major Factors in Population growth Clean drinking water Plenty of food Good climate Colonies had elected legislatures which fostered desire for self rule

Experience with Self Rule Salutary Neglect- Colonies left alone as long as economic trade continued a. Planted seeds of Self-Government King George a. Decided to increase taxes on colonists through a series of Acts (laws) Used to pay war debts

Restrictive Laws imposed on Colonies Stamp Act Tax on printed documents, newspaper, playing cards 1st direct tax on goods and services Sons of Liberty Secret resistance group organized to protect law Samuel Adams- Leader of Sons of Liberty

“No taxation without Representation” Colonies complaint “No taxation without Representation”

Restrictive Laws imposed on Colonies Townshend Act Taxed lead, glass, paint, paper imported from Britain Tax on tea- most popular drink in Colonies Parliament repealed all but Tea tax

Restrictive Laws imposed on Colonies Boston Tea Party-1773 British East India Company allowed to sell direct to public without paying extra tax Hoped Colonist would buy cheaper tea Sons of Liberty threw tea in Boston Harbor

Restrictive Laws imposed on Colonies Intolerable Act- 1774 Shut Boston Harbor Quartering Act Soldiers lived in Colonist houses and vacant buildings General Thomas Gage Made Governor of Massachusetts Imposed Martial Law- the suspension of civil authority and the imposition of military authority

Why were these Acts Important? Strengthened Colonial Unity Organized 1st Continental Congress Started preparing for War Minutemen- Civilian Soldiers ready in a minute Watch video (in resources section) “No more Kings”

Declaration of Independence Letter sent to King George explaining why the colonists were separating from England Thomas Jefferson Delegate from Virginia Appointed to Write Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 2nd Continental Congress adopted Declaration