Causes of the American Revolution H-SS Students will: Analyze the ideological origins of the American Revolution Analyze the Founding Fathers’ philosophy of divinely bestowed unalienable natural rights Analyze the debates on the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, and the addition of the Bill of Rights
Background-Settlement Salutary Neglect- non-interference w/ colonists. British allowed their American colonies to self-rule British had taxes and duties on goods but did not enforce—Smuggling common French Indian War- France and Britain at war for control of N. America. France loses Result of French Indian War -British want colonists to help pay for protection
Salutary Neglect causes colonists to become self-reliant, (like a Parent-Child relationship where parent is never home and child raises his or her self). After French Indian War, British try to enforce taxes and duties to pay for protecting all of N. America. American colonists rebel and boycott British goods
Political Map North America before French-Indian War
Political Map of North America after French-Indian War
Sugar Act (1764)- placed taxes on sugar, coffee, and other products shipped to colonies.
Stamp Act (1765)- colonists had to purchase official stamps for mail, legal documents, etc.
Quartering Act (1765)- British begin to house troops in private homes against their will.
Colonists want to be treated like British subjects not second class citizens They claim “No taxation w/o Representation” in Parliament They feel that if they are going to be taxed they must have members in Parliament who are working for their interests
Colonists rebel- they smuggle goods-leads to British searches w/o warrants- and later the 4th Amendment to protect against Boycotts- not buying taxed products Riots and acts of aggression: Boston Massacre Boston Tea Party
Boston Massacre- Riot where 5 colonists killed
Boston Tea Party – Colonists dressed like Indians board ships and dump 300 chests of tea into harbor
Protest turns to War
We Win!