1. The American Revolution
An Enlightened Revolution?

2. Upheaval
The first part of the 18th century saw little change to the fundamental social and political stability of Western societies
In the last quarter of the century, a series of massive upheavals would change this stagnation into revolution
The Thirteen Colonies of Britain were the first to revolt…

3. The Thirteen Colonies
More than 2 million people lived in the Thirteen colonies
The Colonies were part of Great Britain, and were subject to British trade regulations
The Colonies had begun acting against these British regulations
developing patterns of local government
working around mercantilism

4. Commercial Regulations & Taxes
The British felt as if they had defended the Colonies from the French and Natives during the Seven Years’ War and expected to be repaid
They set new trade regulations and taxes (which you will read about today)
The colonists began to protest, boycott and riot over these new restrictions
“NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION”

5. Clashing Ideas
“Americas” used Enlightenment ideas to argue that their fundamental rights were being violated
The believed a fight for independence was therefore justified
The British were against rebellion, and sided with parliamentary sovereignty – argued their demands of the colonies were reasonable

6. First Continental Congress 1774
American political leaders in favour of full independence from Britain meet
Want to persuade Parliament to loosen its grip on the colonies
King George III increases British forces in America saying; “blows must decide whether they are to be subject to the Country or Independent”

7. Revolution Forged in Blood
Fighting between the British and Americans on American soil begins in 1775
July 4th, 1776: Congress issues the Declaration of Independence (mostly written by Thomas Jefferson based on the writings of John Locke and Enlightenment thinkers)
And years later, Nic Cage will steal it

8. France Sides With America
After 1777, the French send money, ships and troops to aid the Americans
Britain was also at war with the Dutch and Spanish – Britain could lose the West Indies, Mediterranean and Indian colonies

9. France Sides With America
1781 – The French defeat the British in Virginia and the British decide the cost outweighs the benefit of keeping America
1783 – The Treaty of Paris recognizes American independence

10. Creating a Nation
1787 – American constitution establishes a central government with a balance of power
The Bill of Rights – protects individual liberties and separates church and state
1/5 of people were still slaves and only property owners could vote
BUT there is: popular control (gov’t of the people, by the people, for the people), personal freedom and formal toleration

11. Effects of the American Revolution
Many in Europe saw the American Revolution as a victory for Enlightenment ideals
The debt that France went into for helping the Americans and the ideas of the American Revolution would become a problem for the French monarchy…

12. Enlightenment Ideas in the Revolution
Freedom and reason = British taxation as unfair
Right to religious freedom
Locke – everyone having freedom of life, liberty and property (this last one replaced by “the pursuit of happiness”) & right to revolt
Montesquieu – balance of power (Federal, Legislative & Judicial branches)
Rousseau – power of democracy and of the consent of the people & social contract
Voltaire – separation of church and state