A quick recap of the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence!
American Ideas vs. British Control For almost 100 years, American colonial governments enjoyed relative “self -government” from Britain. In 1760, King George III takes the throne and demands more control over America
“ French & Indian War ”
The “ French & Indian War ” ( ) made things worse. The war was extremely expensive for the British government, leading to increased taxes in America. The Proclamation Line kept colonist from expanding west and brought more British troops to the colonies.
“ Stamp Act ” (1765)
The first significant tax was the “ Stamp Act ” of This act required expensive tax stamps on all newspapers and legal documents
“ No Taxation Without Representation ”
“ No Taxation Without Representation ” American colonists resented these new taxes by the British. Since they had no representation in the British Parliament, they felt they should not have to pay taxes.
American Boycotts
In protest, many Americans began to “ boycott ” or refuse to buy British goods. As a result, the British government “ repealed ” or cancelled the act.
“ Townshend Acts ” (1767)
The new “ Townshend Act ” of 1767 replaced other British taxes. This act allowed taxes to be levied on basic goods imported to the colonies from Great Britain (glass, tea, paper, etc.)
“ Tea Act ” (1773) The “ Tea Act ” followed, allowing the British East India Company to bypass colonial government tax requirements. American merchants were outraged. >:/
“ Boston Tea Party ”
“ Coercive ” ( “ Intolerable ” ) Acts To respond to the “ Boston Tea Party ”, the British Parliament instituted the “ Coercive Acts ”. Called the “ Intolerable Acts ” by America, they restricted colonial rights.
First Continental Congress (1774)
In 1774, 12 of the 13 American colonies sent “ delegates ” or representatives to Philadelphia to express their concerns with Britain ’ s new taxes. Georgia did not attend.
First Continental Congress (1774) Congress sent a letter to King George demanding the rights of the colonists be restored. All agreed to meet again within a year if the king did not agree.
King George ’ s Response THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION! The shot that was heard around the world at Lexington and Concord.
Second Continental Congress (1775)
During the second meeting, delegates argued over the best solution. Many did NOT want independence, fearing they could not win a war with Britain.
Thomas Paine & “ Common Sense ” (1776)
Thomas Paine & “ Common Sense ” Paine argued in 1776 that is was only “ common sense ” for America to break with Great Britain. King George was a “ royal brute ” and America had every right to sever ties.
Second Continental Congress (1776) After many months of debate, more than half of the delegates agreed to declare independence from Great Britain. The writings of Paine were very influential.
“ Declaration of Independence ”
Thomas Jefferson detailed the colonies’ reasons for breaking away with Great Britain. His list of complaints are referred to as grievances. Jefferson claimed that the king did not look after the interests of the colonies anymore.
“ Declaration of Independence ” First Section Explains why the Continental Congress drew up this declaration.
“ Declaration of Independence ” Part II: Declaration of Natural Rights This lists the rights of the citizens, explaining that in a “ republic ”, the people form the government to protect their rights. *** This proved that if when the government violates their natural rights, then the people have the right to alter or abolish it!
“ Declaration of Independence ” Part III: List of Grievances (Complaints) This lists the colonists ’ complaints against the British government (singling out King George for the blame).
Uncertain Future??
Benjamin Franklin ’ s drawing from the 1750 ’ s. Franklin stressed that the colonies must be united if they are to prevail against Great Britain.