1. The American Revolution Topic #3
When is War Justified?
The American Revolution
Topic #3

2. Causes of the Revolution
Salutary Neglect
Since the late 1600’s, England had followed a policy of salutary
neglect, allowing the colonies to govern themselves with local self
rule. So, when Parliament tried to levy taxes on the colonies they
objected. The colonist believed, based on past precedent, that only
their own elected officials had that right.
2. New Taxes (British Acts)
Parliament decided the colonists could and should pay more to help the debt of
the Empire. The Stamp Act-required colonists to pay a tax on almost all
printed materials. This was the first time Parliament had imposed a direct tax within
the colonies. In response, the colonial leaders issued the no taxation
without representation argument.

3. 3. Opposition to Taxes
Sons of Liberty-Those who opposed the British taxes called themselves “Patriots”. To lead the popular protests, some men formed associations known as Sons of Liberty headed by Samuel Adams.
Daughters of Liberty-Women whom objected to such taxes by refusing to buy any manufactured British goods.
The Townshend Acts-levied new import duties on everyday items such as glass, paper, paint and TEA.
The Boston Massacre-In response to the Townshend Acts, colonists took to the streets. To suppress the riots, the Crown sent 4,000 troops to occupy Boston. This continued for over a year. One night in March 1770, a group of colonists hurled snowballs at British soldiers. The nervous soldiers fired back. Sam Adams and the Patriots called the killings the Boston Massacre.
The Boston Tea Party-to help the British East India Company and encourage the colonists to pay the tax, Parliament passed a law allowing the company to sell directly to the colonists. This made their tea cheaper than the smuggled tea. Instead of buying cheaper tea, the colonists protested that the British were trying to trick them into paying the tax. On the night of December 16th, 1773, Boston Patriots took matters into their own hands = Boston Tea Party.

4. The First Continental Congress
To punish Boston, Parliament passed the Coercive Acts. Colonists referred to this and other
acts as the Intolerable Acts. In reaction, in 1774, delegates from every colony except
Georgia met in Philadelphia for the First Continental Congress.
Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. He declared
“the distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are
no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American.”
Opposing Views and Military Forces
Patriots (minutemen)-full time farmers, part time soldiers
Loyalists-colonists who remained loyal to British (economic ties)
Continental Army- Led by George Washington
Decision to Declare
In 1776, a short but powerful book Common Sense written by Thomas Paine swung
popular in favor of independence. Many of its ideas would soon appear in the Declaration
of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
The War comes to a conclusion
In 1782, an American delegation including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams negotiated
the Treaty of Paris which recognized American independence.

5. The Impact of the Revolution
Two new nations emerged: the American Republic and the future Dominion of Canada
American Indians were abandoned by the British whom they had sided with.
Women won some respect based on the conception of women as “republican mothers”.
Women like Abigail Adams and Judith Sargent Murray encouraged women to speak out
on issues affecting their ability to raise virtuous children.
Slavery seemed inconsistent with revolutionary ideals. The revolution inspired many
slaves to demand freedom. The revolution led to emancipation in the north where
slavery was not critical to the economy. Emancipation failed in the south.
In France, Enlightenment and revolutionary ideals were inspiring another political
revolution.