1. Long Term and Short Term Causes of the American Revolution

2. A. Long term Causes of the American Revolution
The disputes over land, trade and taxes that arose from the French and Indian War.
The Colonists were angry over the tax laws the British passed by Parliament in which they had NO representation. (“Taxation without Representation”)

3. B. Short Term/Immediate Causes of the American Revolution
The Coercive/Intolerable Acts: King George III angered colonists by passing laws that were very harsh and deprived colonists of their civil liberties.

4. B. Short Term/Immediate Causes of the American Revolution
The First Continental Congress: This meeting marked a key step in American history. Although most delegates were not ready to declare Independence, they were determined to uphold colonial rights, but it did plant the seeds of a future independent government.

5. B. Short Term/Immediate Causes of the American Revolution
The Declaration of Independence: The colonists tried to make peace with the Olive Branch Petition but was rejected by King George III. They feared that force and oppression against the colonies would continue so they declared independence.

6. Legacy of the Revolution
The Colonists defeated the most powerful nation in the world at that time: Great Britain.
The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, The United States is officially recognized as a nation.
The United States gained all territory east of the Mississippi River excluding Florida which was returned to Spain.

7. Legacy of the Revolution
The new states were left with the task of creating a new and efficient government.
The former colonists rejected having a monarchy and all noble titles and embraced the ideas of republicanism, democracy and equality.
The Articles of Confederation was the first attempt and was approved in 1781 to coordinate the war effort.

8. Legacy of the Revolution
The Declaration of Independence becomes one of the US’s most important documents of freedom. The ideals of which will be used long after the Revolution to promote freedom for women, African Americans, and Native Americans who were excluded at the time.
The war resulted in very few meaningful changes to American Society, leaving the same elites in charge of the government just without British supervision.