1. The American Revolution
Mr. Meester
World History

2. Vocabulary American Revolution Stamp Act Popular Sovereignty
Federal Republic
King George III
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
Treaty of Paris

3. Background to Revolution
The 13 American Colonies were controlled by the English.
The British used the colonies to strengthen their economy.
They regulated trade & forced Americans to buy British goods.
The Americans considered themselves British citizens entitled to British rights.

4. War & Taxes In the 1760’s England & France fought the 7 Years’ War
Many battles occurred in North America
England won the war but was greatly in debt
Imposed taxes like the Stamp Act to help raise money to pay for the war.

5. Protest & Revolt
Colonists protested the Stamp Act and other taxes because they weren’t represented in Parliament.
1770, five protesters were shot by soldiers.
1773, colonists, protesting a tax on tea, threw boxes of tea into Boston Harbor.
1775 the war had begun.
Boston Massacre
Boston Tea Party

6. Declaration of Independence
July 4th 1776 Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was issued.
Used John Locke’s idea that a government needed to protect its people’s rights.
If a government fails to protect its people they can revolt.

7. The War The British won most early battles
The American won at Saratoga proving to the French they could win
France & other nations help the U.S. turn the tide & defeat the British
Last battle at Yorktown ended the fighting
The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris.

8. A New Government
The Articles of Confederation (1st Constitution) was too weak to govern the new nation.
The U.S. Constitution formed a Federal Republic which gave power to both the state & federal levels.
The federal level was based on the separation of powers & checks and balances.

9. Checks and Balances

10. The U.S. Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Added to makes sure the Constitution was ratified by the States.
Guarantees many of the natural rights talked about by the Philosophes.