Chap 2, Sec 2
Prior to the mid 1700’s, the colonies were able to develop on their own-politically Because they were accustomed to this arrangement, they had learned to effectively govern themselves. They did owe allegiance to the monarch and the British government. From Great Britain's point of view, the colonies existed only for the economic benefit of the mother country: Raw materials and a market for British goods.
Two events occurred that caused Great Britain to implement changes to their relationship with the colonies: 1. The French and Indian War-solidified GB’s control over the continent. This created a large war debt that needed to be paid. 2. King George III had differing views about how the colonies should be run.
To deal with the war debt, he imposed a tax on tea, sugar, glass, paper, etc. Stamp Act of 1765 was the first direct tax on the colonies. Legal documents, pamphlets, newspapers, etc. The colonist were angry and began protesting by boycotting British goods. Britain repealed the Stamp Act of 1765, but replaced it with other acts. Further protesting=Boston Tea Party
In retaliation of the protesting, the Coercive Acts(Intolerable Acts) were passed by Parliament. ◦ One of these closed Boston Harbor ◦ One withdrew Massachusetts right to govern itself
Early notions(prior to the French and Indian War)of a unified republic were dismissed. As early as 1754, Ben Franklin proposed such in the Albany Plan of Union. His plan was rejected for technical reasons. By the 1760’s, as Great Britain tightened control, the 13 colonies began to share a sense of community.
nine colonies sent delegates to New York to convene and discuss the plan for opposition. Known as the Stamp Act Congress. Delegates sent a petition to the king, declaring that colonial legislatures were the only ones that could impose taxes like the stamp act did. Committees of Correspondence were formed: their goal was to urge resistance towards the British and keep members informed.
The Intolerable Acts prompted colonies to call a meeting to debate the situation with Great Britain. They imposed an embargo, or agreement prohibiting trade, on England. Also agreed not to use English goods. Britain responded with tighter control. At Lexington and Concord “the shot heard round the world” signaled the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Three weeks after the Revolutionary War started, a second Cont. Congress was convened. They voted John Hancock as President. They voted Washington as the Commander of the Continental Army. The Second Cont. Congress. Acted as the official government of the colonies throughout the entire war. Meanwhile, the independence movement is growing rapidly. Thomas Paine: Common Sense influenced many colonists
Congress created a committee to draft a declaration of independence John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman were on the committee. Thomas Jefferson was asked to author it. July 4, 1776 Congress approved the final draft. It was known as The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America
The document stirred the hearts of the colonists. No other government at that time had been founded on the principals of human liberty and consent of the governed. Would soon influence the French Rev. and over time, many Latin American countries. 3 Parts: 1- Statement of purpose and basic human rights. 2-Specific complaints against King George III. 3- Conclusion
Within a few years after the Declaration, every former colony had a new constitution. Most had a bill of rights.