VUS.4a Ideological Origins Of The Revolution

How did the ideas of John Locke and Thomas Paine influence Jefferson’s writings in the Declaration of Independence?

The Times Were Changing: New political ideas about the relationship between people and their government helped to justify the Declaration of Independence. The revolutionary generation formulated the political philosophy and laid the institutional foundations for the system of government under which we live. The American Revolution was inspired by ideas concerning natural rights and political authority, and its successful completion affected people and governments throughout the world for many generations.

Enlightenment and the Social Contract: The period known as the “Enlightenment” in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries saw the development of new ideas about the rights of people and their relationship to their rulers. John Locke’s ideas, more than any other’s, influenced the American belief in self-government.

John Locke Wrote That: All people are free, equal, and have “ natural rights ” of life, liberty, and property that rulers cannot take away. All original power resides in the people, and they consent to enter into a “ social contract ” among themselves to form a government to protect their rights. In return, the people promise to obey the laws and rules established by their government, establishing a system of “ ordered liberty ”. Government ’ s powers are limited to those the people have consented to give to it.

John Locke Also Wrote That: Whenever government becomes a threat to the people ’ s natural rights, it breaks the social contract and the people have the right to alter or overthrow it! Locke ’ s ideas about the sovereignty and rights of the people were radical and challenged the centuries-old practice throughout the world of dictatorial rule by kings, emperors, and tribal chieftains.

Thomas Paine and Common Sense Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet known as Common Sense that challenged the rule of the American colonies by the King of England. Common Sense contributed to a growing sentiment for independence from England. Thomas Paine’s work was read by many of the colonists.

The Declaration of Independence Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia It reflected the ideas of Locke and Paine. It became the foundation of American thought and inspired the world to invoke democracy! Lithograph depicting the writing of the Declaration – notice that there were 5 men on the Declaration Committee!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” “That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government…” Jefferson then went on to detail many of the grievances against the king that Paine had earlier described in Common Sense. Signing of the Declaration!

The ideas of the Enlightenment and the perceived unfairness of British policies provoked debate and resistance by the American colonists!

The Declaration of Independence The Declaration has grown in importance and has become a unifying force of American Democracy! VUS4b

As you read, keep in mind: How did the Declaration of Independence become a road map for the new republic as it extended the franchise, provided for equality of opportunity, and guaranteed unalienable rights?

Who were the “all men” that were “created equal”? The ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence contradicted the realities of slavery and the undemocratic nature of political participation in the early decades. Were these rights to include both men and women? Black and White? All religious affiliations?

Political Participation; Equality Extending the franchise (right to vote) Upholding due process of law Providing a free public education

Social Participation: Liberty Abolition of slavery Extension of civil rights to women and other groups

Economic Participation: pursuit of happiness Regulating the free-enterprise system Promoting economic opportunity Protecting property rights

VUS4c Events Leading To The Revolution

What differences existed among Americans concerning separation from Great Britain?

The ideas of the Enlightenment and the perceived unfairness of British policies provoked debate and resistance by the American colonists!

British and French competed for colonial interests which led to WAR! The French and Indian War: the French were driven out of Canada and their territories west of the Appalachian Mountains. George Washington gained military experience … Colonists were happy UNTIL:

Steps taken to upset Colonists: End of salutary neglect of mercantilist laws. New taxes were imposed on colonies to help pay for the war (Stamp Tax, Tea Tax, Sugar Tax) and to pay for protection. Proclamation of 1763 stated that colonists could not move west of Appalachian Mountains! The Sons of Liberty, a patriot group, formed to protest British rule in the colonies.

Resistance to British rule in the colonies mounted: Colonists openly resisted paying taxes, like tarring and feathering! The Boston Tea Party expressed opposition to Tea Tax! Sons of Liberty stormed East India Tea ships in The Boston Massacre took place when British troops fired on anti-British demonstrators! (March 5, 1770)

The Colonists Responded: Parliament passed to “Intolerable Acts” to punish the colonies for their insurrection at the Boston Tea Party. The First Continental Congress was called, which asked for rights to be respected, but they did not want independence … YET. All thirteen colonies (except Georgia) sent representatives, the first time the colonies had acted together

LEXINGTON AND CONCORD War began when the “ Minutemen ” in Massachusetts fought a brief skirmish with British troops looking for munitions (1775). This is sometimes called the “ Shot heard ‘ round the world ”

The colonists were divided into three main camps during the Revolution: The PATRIOTS supported Independence and supplied the troops for the Continental Army – inspired by Patrick Henry (“Give me liberty, or give me death) - The NEUTRALS tried to stay out of the controversy, wanting to be in good position after the war regardless of the outcome! The LOYALISTS (or Tories) remained loyal to Britain, enjoying economic ties and protection from the empire – taxes were justified! ? ?

VUS4d A Colonial Victory!

What factors contributed to the victory of the American rebels?

LEXINGTON AND CONCORD War began when the “ Minutemen ” in Massachusetts fought a brief skirmish with British troops looking for munitions (1775). This is sometimes called the “ Shot heard ‘ round the world ”

SARATOGA: This is considered the turning point of the war, as after this victory the French King was convinced to assist the colonists. The French wanted revenge from their defeat in the French and Indian War!!! After this battle, Ben Franklin was able to convince the King of France to assist in our cause!

YORKTOWN: Americans benefited from the presence of the French army and navy at the Battle of Yorktown. This surrender ended the war with an American victory! Depicted above is the surrender of British General Cornwallis at Yorktown. He was trapped between the French fleet and George Washington!

KEY LEADERS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR: VUS.4c

PATRICK HENRY: The outspoken Patriot, he was an early advocate of independence. He is known for his famous speech, “GIVE ME LIBERTY, OR GIVE ME DEATH!!!” He helped persuade Virginia to call for independence.

GEORGE WASHINGTON: General of the American army- he avoided any situation that threatened the destruction of his army, and his leadership kept the army together when defeat seemed inevitable. His goal was to outlast the British, and he often used hit and run tactics!

BEN FRANKLIN: Benjamin Franklin negotiated a Treaty of Alliance with France after the battle of Saratoga. He became a popular man in France, and helped negotiate the treaty which ended the war!

Our revolution inspired a New World based on Democracy. The American Revolution was inspired by ideas concerning natural rights and political authority, and its successful completion affected people and governments throughout the world for many generations. The American rebels won their independence because the British government grew tired of the struggle soon after the French agreed to help the Americans. The war did not have popular support in Great Britain.