The American Revolution A. How did Enlightened thought influence a change in government in Great Britain? What were the causes and influences on the American Revolution? What were the effects of the American Revolution?

A. How did Enlightened thought influence a change in government in Great Britain? In 1688, the Glorious Revolution of England led to the creation of the English Bill of Rights. 3 branches were created in England giving the “British” (1707) people more power (parliament). In 1714, with the death of Queen Anne, who had no heir, power was passed to her nearest relatives, who happened to be German (George I). George I – didn’t know English or the workings of a three branch democracy. Growing middle class – wanted trade and empire Seven Years War

From the English Bill of Rights: 1. That the pretended power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by regal authority, without consent of parliament is illegal... 5. That it is the right of the subjects to petition the king, and all commitment and prosecutions for such petitioning are illegal... 8. That election of members of parliament ought to be free. 9. That the freedom of speech, and debates or proceedings in parliament, ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of parliament. 10. That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Daily Assignment What was the purpose of Magna Carta? What is the purpose of the English Bill of Rights? Give examples. How did the rule of George I weaken the English monarchy and strengthen the English parliament?

B. What were the causes and influences on the American Revolution? By 1750, the population of the 13 colonies has reached one million The British parliament controlled the colonies in theory, passing new legislation. In reality, by this point, the colonies have established legislatures that ran the colonies autonomously. Merchants in such cities as Boston, New York, and Charleston had no interest in allowing the British government to run their affairs.

Daily Assignment How might the following enlightened thinkers influenced colonists in the Americas to aim toward rebellion against the English parliament? John Locke Montesquieu Adam Smith

B. What were the causes and influences on the American Revolution? After the Seven Year’s War, British leaders needed a way to cover war costs and pay for future wars. 1765 – Stamp Act – tax on printed documents, violence follows 1766 – Stamp Act repealed December, 1773 – Boston Tea Party January, 1774 – Intolerable Acts in response to British government abolishing Massachusetts autonomy and restricting rights (Coercive Acts). September, 1774 – First Continental Congress created, urge citizens to take up arms and form militias.

American Revolutionary War Timeline April 1775 – 1st battles at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. July 4th 1776 – Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson) approved. 1778 – French increase involvement and funding, recognize U.S. as independent nation. 1781 – Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. 1783 – British sign second Treaty of Paris, recognizing U.S. independence and forfeiting all land from the Atlantic coast to Mississippi River to the United States.

C. What were the effects of the American Revolution? 1781 – Articles of Confederation – established autonomy among the states but created a limited, almost non-existent federal government. 1789 – Ratification and creation of a new constitution and government. The modern three branch presidential democracy was created. Ratified by 9 of the 13 colonies

C. What were the effects of the American Revolution? With the creation of a new constitution, the Bill of Rights (James Madison) were also created. Bill of Rights (1789) – 10 amendments (12) that guaranteed (1)freedom of religion, (2)speech, (3)press, (4)petition, (5)assembly, (6)right to bear arms, (7)protection against unreasonable searches and arrests, (8)right to trial by jury, (9)due process of law, and the (10)protection of property rights. Rejected – keeping number of representatives small in number no matter the increase in population (oligarchy) and the forbidding of Congress to grant themselves pay raises.

D. Why did intellectuals believe the formation of the United States carried out Enlightenment thought? Natural Rights – John Locke Second Treatise of Government 3 branches and separation of power– Montesquieu Spirit of the Law How do those two philosophes influence Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence and James Madison’s Bill of Rights?