1. Birth of the American Republic
Geller
World History

2. Reasons for Britain’s Rise to Power
Location (wonderful for trade)
Climate
History of winning wars (French and Indian War and the Seven Years’ War)
Expansion of territory (England acquired Scotland, Wales and Ireland by 1801)

3. Colonists Express Discontent
The Seven Years’ War and the French Indian War cost Britain a lot of money
King George III taxed the colonists to pay for the war
The Sugar Act in 1764
The Stamp Act in 1765
The colonists protested “No taxation without representation”

4. Colonists Rebel Against Britain
The Boston Massacre in 1770
The Boston Tea Party in 1773
In April 1775, the colonists and British declared war in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts
The Continental Army was led by George Washington

5. The Colonists Declare Independence
In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence
Significance of the Declaration of Independence
Gave all people rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Gave people the right to “alter or abolish” unjust governments (idea from Locke)
Established “popular sovereignty”= all government power comes from the people

6. The American Revolution
1777: the colonists won at the Battle of Saratoga
This victory persuaded France to join the war on the side of the colonists
In 1781, France blocked the Chesapeake Bay, and Washington forced the surrender of the British at Yorktown, Virginia
1783: Americans, British and French signed the Treaty of Paris and ended the war