1. Unit 1 Historical Perspectives
pgs

2. Founded on Freedom Freedom established colonies
Mainly religious freedom
Pilgrims and Puritans in Massachusetts
Quakers in Pennsylvania
Catholics in Maryland

3. An “American” Society Independent from each other
Valued equality and opportunity
African slaves
Indentured servants
Governments not completely democratic
Expected more rights and freedoms than England
Thirteen American Colonies:

4. Tightening Controls Colonists prideful of government
Great Britain won French/Indian War
Problems, demands
Proclamation of 1763
Colonists could not settle beyond Appalachian Mountains
Britain imposes taxes
Security
Britain establishes Intolerable Act in 1774
1775 American Revolution began
Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts
Appalachian Mountain Map:

5. Declaring Independence
First Continental Congress in Massachusetts
Six months before first shots
Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia
Shortly after first shots
Colonies declare independence from Great Britain
July 4, 1776

6. Breaking the Bonds Seven years for independence Population
British goal: keep rebellious colonies within British Empire
American colonists: divided
20% loyal to crown
Many uncertain of independence
Population
American colonies: 2.5 million, fighting on home territory
Great Britain: 7.5 million, most powerful army and navy, 3,000 miles away from home
French join war in 1778
Sided with America
Brought military aid, won Yorktown
Treaty of 1783
Brought Revolutionary War to an end

7. Defining Freedoms Structure new government Constitution
Articles of Confederation, 1777
Colonies is one nation
Weakness: each state free to function as its own
Triggered the United States Constitution
Constitution
Not completely satisfied
Bill of Rights
Guarantees individual liberties
Not for enslaved Africans, indentured servants, or women (20%)

8. Motivating Force Freedom Even today
American Flag: