1. Britain becomes global power
Good position to control trade
Good for business and commerce (less trade restrictions)
Winning side of European conflicts
Territory expanded closer to home
George III-60 year reign
Wanted to reassert royal power

2. Colonies in mid 1700’s
13 colonies of the new world part of Britain’s empire
Boston, New York, Philadelphia commercial centers
Navigation acts- regulate colonial trade and manufacturing
Not enforced well

3. Discontent
Parliament passed Sugar and Stamp acts to increase taxes from colonists
“No taxation without representation”
Stamp act repealed in 1766
Declaratory Acts passed-complete authority over colonists

4. Colonists Rebel Boston Massacre Boston Tea Party
First Continental Congress
John Adams
George Washington
Most battles ended in British victory

5. Declare independence Colonists were determined to continue to fight
Second Continental Congress
Voted to declare independence from Britain
Thomas Jefferson
Popular sovereignty-people give the gov’t its power

6. French provide support
Americans beat British at Battle of Saratoga
Persuaded France to ally with Americans
Netherlands and Spain added to support
Key moment-other countries recognized America as its own country

7. End of war British army surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia
Treaty of Paris signed ending war
Britain recognized independence of United States of America

8. New Constitution
George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin among other delegates met in Philadelphia
Intent: fix and amend the Articles of Confederation
Result: new Constitution created

9. Impact of the Enlightenment
Used ideas from Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau
Social contract: “We the People of the United States”
Separation of powers: Judicial, executive, legislative
Natural rights: Bill of Rights