1. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION chapter 5

2. THE CRISIS BEGINS….. George III became king of Great Britain in 1760- and soon ruled an empire much larger than his father’s….and much deeper in debt. King is stubborn. Surrounded himself with government officials who were inexperienced in colonial affairs, and narrow minded. When things go badly, King George replaces them, he will have 5 prime ministers in the 1 st 10 years of his reign – no stability In England’s opinion, the colonies need to pay their fair share to enjoy the benefits of empire, but colonial leaders increasingly see England’s policies as harmful rather than helpful.

3. CONSOLIDATING THE EMPIRE War marks end of Salutary Neglect- Parliament is going to make sure colonies are profitable for England after all, they are 150 million (pounds) in debt, the interest alone took ½ of all annual revenue. Wool Act 1699 Hat Act 1732all forbid manufacture and trade of enumerated goods. Iron Act 1750Plan is to ENFORCE Navigation Acts…. Molasses Act 1732 Colonies strong resented changes- they had been “allies” during the war, now they were being treated like subordinates- a policy strongly supported by British population, who saw colonists as partly responsible for debt, and annoyed that they flouted rules in the 1 st place. Writs of Assistance: general search warrants used to combat smuggling. Allowed customs officials to search any boat, or warehouse, looking for enumerated goods.

4. VIRTUAL REPRESENTATION Colonists would cry out “no taxation w/o representation” but in reality, not all people in England had reps in Parliament. Districts had been set during Middle Ages, the 2 nd and 3 rd largest cities had no members- what were the colonies complaining about? Virtual Representation: the idea that a MP represented the empire, not their home district. If it was good enough for England, why not America? But colonies had grown used to knowing their officials, and a much more local form of gov’t- they didn’t buy it. Colonists began to speak out against “instruments of arbitrary power, destructive to English liberty”, and say that they were not bound by laws that they had no part in making (James Otis 1761- coined phrase)

5. TAXING THE COLONIES Sugar Act 1764: reduced taxes from Molasses Act (which had never been effective) but put much harsher penalties in place for smuggling- including the idea that smugglers would be tried by Admiralty Courts- where there was no jury. Revenue Act 1764: Added new goods to enumerated list Currency Act 1764: Reaffirmed an earlier (often ignored) ban on colonies issuing their own paper $$ Colonists see all of theses as attempts to undermine the colonial economy- which of course they were, as mercantilism doesn’t give a crap about a colonial economy…..

6. THE STAMP ACT CRISIS Stamp Act 1765: Represented a shift in imperial policy. Up to this point, taxes have all been based on trade, the Stamp act is the 1 st Direct Tax. All printed materials must carry a stamp to authorize it. This included newspapers, books, court docs, deeds, marriage certificates, wills etc…. Affected virtually every colonist (earlier acts had not) especially resented by those interested in Enlightenment and engaged in writing and debate (Oh wait, they will become the leaders of the revolution) The arbitrary nature of Act challenged all locally elected colonial leaders- would they enforce a law that they had not made, and seemed contrary to their wishes? This is where colonial discontent begins to shift towards revolution- Colonists insisted that their rights as ENGLISHMEN were being violated, and Parliament refuses to recognize those rights. If colonists aren’t English….what are they?

7. TAXATION AND REPRESENTATION Colonists claim that all who live in any part of the empire are equal citizens. (provided that they are white men) England disagrees, they saw no issue with having different rules for different parts of the empire- If you don’t like it- you don’t have to live there…. Another source of debate was the difference between internal and external taxes. Parliament has the right to make laws for the empire, and those laws MAY include taxes that apply to ALL British citizens (external) such as customs duties and tariffs. But local taxes – those that apply to only one area) are the right of local government (internal) and since the stamp act applied only to the colonies, parliament was violating colonial rights Virginia house of Burgesses was 1 st to approve resolutions which denounced Stamp Act

8. STAMP ACT CONGRESS, LIBERTY AND RESISTANCE October 1765 representatives from 9 colonies met in New York to discuss Virginia resolutions and talk about options Passed their own resolutions reaffirming their “allegiance to Great Britain, and subordination to Parliament”. BUT- they also insisted that they had right to consent to taxation. Organized boycotts to British goods (not just those requiring Stamp) Interesting that for 150 years England has always dealt with colonies individually- it is when THEY lump us together (with taxes) that we begin to unite and work together Defying taxes, and anger at Britain as a whole- came to be invoked as “liberty”. (liberty tree, liberty pole, liberty’s coffin—Ewww) Committees of Correspondence- had been established to discuss discontent with Sugar and Currency Acts… really got going over Stamp Act. Colonies exchanged ideas and techniques for resistance

9. POLITICS IN THE STREETS Sons of Liberty: led the boycotts of British goods. Began in New York – leaders were self made men- popular with working classes, a source of worry to colonial elites. Began to assault offices of tax collectors – and posted threats to collectors themselves. 1766. Boycotts work (if you really want to get someone to change their minds, hit them in the pocketbook) and stamp act is repealed However, Parliament passed the Declaratory Act to save face, saying that parliament had the right to tax colonies in any way they saw fit

10. THE REGULATORS While land was infinitely more available in Colonies than in England, speculators and wealthy often got “best”, while others had to scrape by on margins- and that seemed against ideas of “liberty” - especially to those in backcountry/frontier. Regulators were small landowners in Carolina backcountry who protested their underrepresentation in colonial assemblies, and that colonial gov’t didn’t do enough to protect them from corruption by land officials etc… Took militia (with support by English troops) to suppress, and shows dissatisfaction of “ordinary men” with colonial system.

11. THE TENANT UPRISING New York mid-1760s tenants of land owners stopped paying rent and seized the land they worked. Denounced and repressed by colonial and British Meanwhile- New York landowners are moving into new areas- and their claims conflict with existing grants given by gov of New Hampshire in Green Mountain area (VT). Ethan Allan- leader of “Green Mountain Boys” says land should belong to the man who works it- and called landlords, “slaveowners” Overall, regulators, tenants of NY, and Green Mountain boys scared colonial elite- they worried that “liberty” might get out of hand, which becomes an important element in ideas of revolution as a whole.

12. THE ROAD TO REVOLUTION

13. THE TOWNSHEND CRISIS After letting the Stamp Act die down a bit, the British decide to try again with new taxes created by Chan. Of Exchequer Charles Townshend. eThey are not large, and external paid as customs duties at ports, so Townshend assumes they will not cause problems. Import fee on glass, white lead, paper, paint, silk and tea. Sticky bit is that revenue is used to pay the salaries of royal governors and admiralty judges- which makes them unpopular, and causes colonists to challenge their validity (again), and leads to another round of boycotts against British goods

14. HOMESPUN VIRTUE Reliance on American, rather than British made goods became a symbol of resistance and “virtuous self sacrifice” (after all, British things were nicer….) Women of ALL classes are called upon to make homespun cloth for their family’s clothing. Interesting- there had been a “keeping up with the Jones’s” mentality among wealthy (esp plantation owners) this allowed them to reduce debts w/o “looking” poor. American craftsmen strongly supported boycott, as their goods became more in demand, but city residents worried about another round of chaos and vigilante issues like they had seen during Stamp Act.

15. THE BOSTON MASSACRE Parliament decides it’s time to stop messing around- and the send two regiments to Boston in 1768. Colonists take this as a sign that the British are a threat not only to their liberty, but to their lives. March 5 th 1770 a mob began taunting and threatening British soldiers on patrol. The soldiers “took” the abuse for some time- but eventually fired on the crowd. 5 killed, 6 wounded. (Crispus Attucks, a free Black, the 1 st shot) Colonial propaganda grossly exaggerated the incident. John Adams and Josiah Quincy defended the soldiers in court- 7 acquitted, 2 found guilty of manslaughter. Paul Revere helped popularize incident as a “massacre” with woodcuts of officers firing into an unarmed crowd. As tensions continue, British agree to repeal Townshend Acts, leaving only the tax on Tea as a “symbolic” issue

17. WILKES AND LIBERTY Part of the problem was that Americans were beginning to think of British gov’t as tyrannical, and intent on stamping out long held liberties. Several issues reinforced this view British journalist (and MP) who had been causing a sensation with scandalous articles about king. Expelled from Parliament (limits on free speech) Rumor (untrue) that Anglican church intended to send Bishops to colonies to persecute and stamp out other religious sects

18. THE TEA ACT Repeal of Townshend maintained tax on Tea. In 1773 British East India Co (a very important joint stock company, the king himself was a shareholder, as were numerous MPs) was on brink of bankruptcy British gov’t decides to allow East India Co a monopoly on tea sales in colonies, allowing them to LOWER their prices, and sell off their inventory. Trouble is, there were merchants and smugglers who were getting cut out of the profits. AND colonists found out tax revenue would be used to pay salaries for royal governors and colonial administrators As the tea landed in Philadelphia, New York, Charleston and Boston; colonists attempted to convince governors not to allow it to land (some successful) but when “talking” failed in Boston, Sam Adams led a party of 60 (dressed as Indians) to throw 342 barrels of tea overboard- at cost of $4 mil today’s $$ And now we are talking about destruction of gov’t property, and the government doesn’t think that’s funny….

20. THE INTOLERABLE ACTS Parliament responds with COERCIVE (Intolerable) Acts- closing the port of Boston to all trade (until value of Tea repaid), revoking the Mass charter, forbidding local meetings, and allowing British soldiers to be quartered in private homes. Also said that anyone attacking a British soldier would be tried in England, not colonies To colonists, this seemed like Martial law- and a direct threat to homes and econ freedom

21. QUEBEC ACT Around the same time as Intolerable Acts, Parliament passed Quebec Act- designed to organize the lands taken from the French - setting territorial boundaries and guaranteeing the rights of former French Citizens etc Even THIS makes the colonists mad (showing how high the tension level is) b/c they feel it means the proclamation of 1763 will be permanent, and they will never get the Ohio valley. Also afraid they will lose representative gov’t as Act says new territory won’t have it (which they didn’t under French anyway) Finally, act guaranteed rights of French Catholics, which colonists fear is a plot to make THEM Catholic (which is kind of ridiculous….) All of this pushes the colonies together…. developing a common cause

22. CONTINENTAL CONGRESS & CONTINENTAL ASSOCIATION Colonies decided it was time to talk….Reps from 12 colonies (no GA) meet in Philadelphia during Sept/Oct 1774. (1 st Continental Congress) Debate Suffolk Resolves (from Boston): which call for a boycott British goods, to send an Declaration of Rights to the King, and organize a colonial militia. End up endorsing resolves, and delegates go back to their colonies to create plans to put them in place. Colonies are realizing they have more in common than they thought- beginning to thinking of – and CALLING themselves “Americans” Continental Association called for a halt to all trade to and from Britain (except rice, or SC won’t agree) Committees of Safety: created to take action against “enemies of liberty”. Became training grounds OUTSIDE established colonial governments for people to get involved in political movements- and to think about taking matters into their own hands

23. THE SWEETS OF LIBERTY Colonists were no longer just asking for protection of their rights as Englishmen. They had moved over to the more abstract idea of Natural Rights. Not REALLY looking to overthrow the Gov’t (yet) – but saying there are areas where they gov’t does not have a right to interfere. 2 nd Continental Congress convenes May 1775. Prime Minister declares it an illegal assembly- and says colonies are in rebellion. Blockaded all trade with foreign nations – so now the econ is REALLY tight. Congress appoints G. Washington as commander of continental army- a smart move, as he had been one of highest ranking colonials during Fr/indian war, and was a wealthy Virginian (they will need south, and elite to get things done)

24. Loyalists: did not support the revolution (some even fought for British) Econ was a prime reason, and the wealthier a colonist was, the more likely to want to stay in the empire. (esp those engaged in Atlantic trade, large landowners, or those in backcountry, who need protection from Indians). Conservative, feared rebellion would bring anarchy. Anglican Patriots: More likely to be urban, small merchants (feeling pinch of taxes), and artisans. Congregationalist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist

25. THE OUTBREAK OF WAR 2 nd Congress make us rebels, but “the shot heard round the world” starts the war for independence. April 19 th 1775: 700 British troops sent to confiscate arms/gunpowder from colonials to prevent it being used against them (and arrest leaders Sam Adams and John Hancock). Warned by Paul Revere (and others) “minutemen” are ready- and fire on the British - who move on to Concord. There they are met with by an even larger colonial group- and the Americans take the field. By the end of the day, 73 British casualties, 49 American

27. FORT TICONDEROGA, BREED’S HILL, AND THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS May 1775, Ethan Allen (green mountain boys) and Benedict Arnold forced Ft Ticonderoga (upstate NY) to surrender. The cannons from the fort were taken to Boston- to support a siege against British troops there. After Concord and Lex, the British had returned to Boston- and found a city ready for siege, which they are forced to dislodge in June (bunker’s/breed’s hill) though Americans saw it as a victory, they had surrendered only b/c they were out of ammo. (actually bloodiest battle of war) Will lead King George to send mercenaries: Hessians. When Colonials bring down cannons, British are forced to desert the city (cut down liberty tree to be rude) During all this drama- 2 nd Continental Congress authorizes creation of Continental Army (all been militia up to this point), printed $$ to pay for soldiers and arms, and appointed George Washington commander (vital – NOT from New England, need to bring south into war)

29. INDEPENDENCE? A revolution had begun, but not everyone was on board. Many people feared that revolution would lead to anarchy- especially colonial elites Massachusetts and Virginia were early supporters, but other colonies FAR less sure- especially places like New York and Pennsylvania, which had econs based on trade with England. Olive Branch Petition: sent at same time they were organizing the continental army….. Affirmed colonial loyalty to crown, asked for reconcilialtion

30. COMMON SENSE/PAINE’S IMPACT Jan 1776. Thomas Paine was British- had only been in colonies 2 years. Will define need for independence, and be a vital step in convincing many colonies to support the revolution. Said being a part of the Empire was a burden to America, not a benefit. Said monarchy- (even constitutional monarchy) as wrong- “based in tyranny”. Argued that only in a democratic government, with a written constitution (and Eng don’t really have one) could men find true freedom. Paine also argued that it was silly to think that an Island should govern an continent, especially the idea of limiting the American econ, which if freed would “surely become the most eminent of the world”. Finally- Paine was the 1 st person to outline the idea of America as a great nation, as an example and leader for others, and “an asylum for all mankind”. Wrote for the common man, not the elite Sold 150,000 copies (meaning to 1 in 10 Americans) and Paine gave his profits to Continental army

31. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE On July 2nd 1776 A resolution (Introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia) calling for official “Independence” from Great Britain was approved by the Continental Congress. The Declaration (Thomas Jefferson) was a formal recognition of that idea Longest section is the list of grievances against the king- designed to show Britain that we aren’t being petulant, we have a purpose. (actually fairly effective in our cause sympathetic) But most famous ideas are borrowed from John Locke Natural Rights: “We hold these truths to be self evident…” Consent of the Governed: People have right to voice

32. THE DECLARATION AND AMERICAN FREEDOM, AN ASYLUM FOR ALL MANKIND Jefferson uses “mankind”- liberty as a universal entitlement. Locke had spoken of “Property” – TJ goes with “Pursuit of Happiness”, saying that wealth is not the only goal. The idea that self fulfillment should be protected by the government had NEVER come up before- that is an idea born in the American Revolution, and an essential part of the American Identity. Both Common Sense/Declaration say that America is to be a model for the world, and a refuge for those who flee tyranny. American “Exceptionalism” - that we are special, a beacon of light etc…and that true freedom could only be born here, b/c we don’t have an aristocracy etc.. is also a part of American identity- and a foundation for early nationalism. We saw our revolution as an event of global importance, and that other nations would follow our lead. Which is why the Declaration is not addressed to the citizens of the colonies, but to the world

33. THE GLOBAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE The Declaration did serve (and has continued to serve) as a source of inspiration for people around the world. By the time Jefferson died (July 4 th 1826) more than 20 nations in Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America had used our Declaration as a base for their own…. And today more than ½ of the countries in the world have a similar document. The most abiding idea is that the right to create a government comes from the will of the people being governed- and that if a population does not approve of their system, they have a right to change it (multiple times if you are France…..)

34. SECURING INDEPENDENCE THE BALANCE OF POWER On paper it’s a no brainer….Britain should have been able to kick our tails.- they are by far the most powerful military in the world (just proved it in 7 years war) BUT- things aren’t always as they seem, and Americans weren’t completely w/o skills

35. AMERICAN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES Strengths 1. Outstanding leadership (Washington, B. Franklin) 2. Early economic aid from France 3. Effective defensive military tactics- territory worked to their advantage- forced British to engage them 4. Agriculturally self-sustaining 5. Americans better marksmen (shooting a big part of frontier life) 6. Moral advantage: the “cause” Weaknesses 1. Badly organized and lacking unity- Congress dithered, colonies don’t trust each other 2. Economic difficulties- very little gold/silver for $$, had to print paper $$ which created wild inflation (“Not worth a Continental”) 3. Military challenges- supplies inadequate- troops not always willing to fight far from home- deserted to care for families 4. Morale compromised by profiteers- who provided shoddy goods or sold to the British 5. Supported by only a minority of colonials (perhaps 1/3)

36. BRITISH STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES Strengths 1. Population 7.5 million British vs 2.5 million colonists 2. Economic advantages- England richest country in the world in 1775 3. Best navy in the world 4. 20,000 slaves joined the Brits 5. Allied with many Amerindians (resented colonial expansion) 6. 50,000-man professional army (plus 30,000 Hessians) 7. Support of 50,000 Loyalists Weaknesses 1. Distance between the colonies and England- made communication/strategy difficult 2. America was large to occupy- population dispersed over a massive area 3. Poor military leadership in many cases- Best commanders not sent, Many British regulars had trouble killing people they thought of a s fellow citizens 4. America only needed to tie; Britain needed outright victory 5. France sought to help the U.S. (Revenge) 6. British gov’t was ineffective (George III not a great king)

37. BLACKS IN THE REVOLUTION Originally, African Americans were not allowed in Continental Army (though could be in Militias) 1775 British Commander Lord Dunmore offered freedom to any slave would fight for British- and many tried to run away to do so. (if they could not fight, volunteered as cooks, laundresses etc…) Washington felt compelled to offer similar terms. 5000 blacks served in military (sometimes by agreeing to take the place of their master drafted into the Militia) Fought alongside whites- in only integrated units until after wwii

38. THE FIRST YEARS OF THE WAR British war plan was to “divide and conquer”. Summer 1776 Sent General Sir William Howe to take New York, and isolate New England (which they considered to be the source of trouble) Washington did NOT do well in his 1 st encounters with the British, he lost battles (Brooklyn Heights), had a significant number captured, and was lucky to escape total defeat. British didn’t push too hard, or inflict a decisive defeat, lost their best chance to smush the rebellion early. Still, the Americans were demoralized, and Washington’s army dwindled to 3000. With the British firmly encamped, Washington crossed the Delaware River from PA to Trenton NJ (Battle of Trenton) and surprised 1000 Hessians (sleeping off xmas celebrations- European armies didn’t tend to fight in the winter) who were forced to surrender. Washington had gambled, and won, kept things going- as did Paine’s essay about “the times that try men’s souls” and “summer soldiers and sunshine Patriots”

40. IMPORTANCE OF SARATOGA In the next “campaign season”, 1777; the British army under “gentleman John” Burgoyne came down from Canada to compete division of colonies. 3 armies were to come together in Albany; from the north, west and south….but it becomes a hot mess(Howe decides to go to Philadelphia- he thought capturing the “capital” would end the war), and they never get together. Instead, Horatio Gates holds Burgoyne’s army, defeats them at Saratoga Oct 17 th 1777, and Burgoyne’s army is forced to surrender. Probably the most important military action in the war… Our 1 st major battlefield victory- and it not only gave patriots hope, but made us look plausible- led to recognition and treaties with France and Spain.

41. VALLEY FORGE Howe is in Philadelphia with the main branch of the army (Continental congress had fled to Lancaster PA) and Washington “keeps an eye” on them encamped outside the city- at primitive Valley Forge, where 2000 of his soldiers die of exposure and/or disease But, they use the time well, drilling under Baron Von Steuben, making militia fighters into trained soldiers.

43. WAR IN THE SOUTH Britain’s next move was to focus on the south…figuring there are more loyalists there, and knowing southerners were worried about possible slave uprisings Savannah taken 1778/79. Charleston and the rest of South Carolina captured in 1780 under Lord Cornwallis (who defeated General Gates, the Hero of Saratoga). The loss of Charleston was actually a bigger problem for Americans than Saratoga had been for British. Charleston 4 th largest city in US, and largest port in the south….which needs to sell their crops internationally. To make matters worse…. in 1780 Benedict Arnold betrayed the Americans, and nearly sold out West Point and the Hudson River. Still, Nathanial Greene and Francis Marion (the swamp fox) made S. Carolina too hot to handle for Cornwallis; they “Refused to fight like gentlemen”

44. WAR IN WEST Clashes in the west lasted most of the war Amerindian allies of the British attacked U.S. frontier positions. Iroquois, Joseph “Monster” Brant led Indians on raids. Defeated and forced to sign treaty of Ft. Stanwyck, the first treaty between US and Indians (they lose all their land) Illinois country -- George Rogers Clark seized British forts along the Ohio river. His success justified America’s claim of Ohio territory at the end of the war (it was really part of Canada at the time)

45. VICTORY AT LAST By 1781 Americans have momentum on their side. Daniel Morgan beat nasty Colonel Tarleton (the bad dude in the Patriot) at Cowpens SC (the big battle at end of the Patriot) British head to Virginia to rendezvous with reinforcements, but Washington raced 300 miles south and trapped him on a peninsula at Yorktown- pinning him between his army and the French fleet. (under the Marquis de Lafayette) where Cornwallis surrendered Oct 1781 Fighting actually continued for nearly 2 more years, but British decided to ask for peace negotiations to start. They were tired of an unpopular war

46. TREATY OF PARIS 1783 Signed September 1783. US sent John Adams, Ben Franklin (very popular in Paris) and John Jay. France and US had an alliance, we were supposed to negotiate together. But the LAST thing the British wanted was for us to end up BFFs with France, so they offered generous terms to entice us to sign quickly, and keep our trade. Recognized US independence Gave us all land East of the Mississippi, south of Great Lakes, and North of Florida (which went back to Spain US promised that Loyalists would not be prosecuted or persecuted, and confiscated property would be returned

47. THE REVOLUTION WITHIN Chapter 6

48. DEMOCRATIZING FREEDOM THE DREAM OF EQUALITY We began with an English identity, but our colonial experiences and the Revolution transformed us into a nation where equality and opportunity were intrinsic values (as opposed to hereditary or fixed status) “All men are created equal” may be the most radical statement of the revolution- it certainly didn’t exist in the society we came from. And though it takes us time (ok, we are still working on it) to hit the mark the IDEA of equality before the law, equality of political rights, and equality of opportunity become central to what we are trying to create in our new nation.

49. EXPANDING THE POLITICAL NATION Not everyone (wives, slaves etc) gained rights in the Revolution. But for free men- their opportunities to participate in society, especially politically, rose dramatically. When the founding fathers talked about “democracy” they didn’t mean EVERYONE, but they did mean more than ever before- specifically that gov’t should serve the interests of “the people” rather than just the elite. The military played an important role in having lower classes participate in decision making. Militias chose their own officers, and service in the army (in most states) eliminated the property qualifications for voting.

50. THE REVOLUTION IN PENNSYLVANIA Interesting that in the state which held Philadelphia- the majority of the colonial elite has opposed independence (other states were split, or pro) So the Revolutionary leaders from PA had not necessarily been leaders before, and believed strongly in democratic reform- speaking out often about need for Equality (Thomas Paine lived in PA) In PA’s state constitution they created a unicameral legislature elected annually by all free men over 21 who paid taxes (not owned property). It also abolished position of governor, said that gov’t funded schools must be established in every county, and had clauses guaranteeing freedom of speech, the press and religion Would become a model for what many other states would do

51. THE NEW CONSTITUTIONS Every state establishes a republican gov’t (people choose leaders, leaders make laws) John Adams argued that the unicameral legislature of PA wasn’t the best plan. (“Thoughts on Gov’t 1776) Where he was the 1 st American leader to suggest following the ideas of Montesquieu- and create multi branch gov’t with checks and balances PA, GA, and VT remained unicameral, all other states created bi cameral legislatures (generally an upper house of property owners and a lower house of ordinary men). But only MA created a strong governor to balance- other states wanted power in hands of legislature, still REALLY worried about concept of tyranny.

52. THE RIGHT TO VOTE DEMOCRATIZING GOVERNMENT Many believed that without property, citizens didn’t have a true stake in the workings of the nation. (John Adams) Others wanted eliminate traditional social ranks (Thomas Paine) New Constitutions tried to create a balance between advocates of change and those who feared it. South generally kept highest restrictions- VT was the only state to fully eliminate $$ restrictions (property and taxpaying) The process of Democratization for white men would not really be finished until the Age of Jackson (1830s) but in the period after the revolution, “Freedom” and the right to vote became intertwined. In most states (except VA, MD, and NY) the majority of adult white men could vote. In NJ even WOMEN who owned independent property (mostly widows) could vote until 1807! Every state except SC had annual elections for state legislatures to make sure that representatives would be held accountable to the people.

53. TOWARDS RELIGIOUS TOLERATION CATHOLIC AMERICANS RI and PA have been doing this the whole time- but other states allowed pluralism, not full toleration. Many colonies had an “official” religion, supported with tax $$ and discriminated (voting and officeholding) against others (esp. Catholics and Jews, but Protestant groups as well) Anti – Catholicism was a big thing in Britain in the 17 th and 18 th Century- and that had spilled over to America. After all, one of the reasons we had been angry about the Quebec Act in 1774 was that it guaranteed the rights of Catholics…. But our Alliance with France forced us to re- evaluate…..

54. THE FOUNDERS AND RELIGION SEPARATING CHURCH AND STATE The most common “official” church (outside New England) was the Anglican Church – which had strong ties to the British crown…awkward…..during revolution most states “dis-establish”. While the founding fathers thought religion provided necessary morality- they were heavily influenced by Enlightenment- and viewed religion with skepticism. Jefferson and Franklin were Deists- they believed in a Creator, but not in supernatural interventions in the lives of men. And on the flip side- Evangelicals worried that gov’t would corrupt their faith 7 State constitutions guaranteed free exercise of religion, though exercise did not bring full political rights. 7 states also limited political office holding to protestants, and all states but NY barred Jews from voting or holding office

55. JEFFERSON AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY Jefferson was particularly adamant about separating church and state- seeing it as an example of despotism. Wrote Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom - adopted by VA 1786 (one of the 3 accomplishments TJ wanted on his tombstone, Dec and U of VA are the others) Eliminated religious requirements from voting and officeholding Eliminated gov’t $$ from churches Barred states from adopting a single religious outlook Religious liberty became a part of American “rights” – a private matter which should be kept free of government interference. Reinforced the idea that a “right” restricts the power of the government

56. THE REVOLUTION AND THE CHURCHES CHRISTIAN REPUBLICANISM Separation of Church and state did not end religious influence in America- actually increased it, b/c it increased choices. Some “old” colonial denominations lost numbers, but the early republic saw a number of new denominations grow and thrive. Today there are over 1300 religions practiced in US The merging of religious and secular beliefs to allow for a moral restraint as part of gov’t, without defining it in terms of ONE belief system. Personal virtue is the foundation of a free society – and religious values reinforce the qualities necessary for the republic to prosper. Laws “for the prevention of vice and immorality” remained common If there is no single church to create a defined morality- many states established schools to instruct citizens of the “principles of freedom” and teach the “virtue” of the sacrificing self interest to the public good.

57. DEFINING ECONOMIC FREEDOM TOWARDS FREE LABOR During Colonial era there had been a “spectrum” of labor from Free to Slave- (Indentured Servitude and Apprenticeship both had involuntary aspects). This lack of freedom came to seem incompatible with Republican citizen ship. The terms of apprenticeship would change, and Indentured Servitude (already in sharp decline since Bacon’s Rebellion) would be gone by 1800. Sharper distinction between “Free” labor as base of Northern econ, and Slavery in the South – which very quickly sets up different ways of looking at the world.

58. THE SOUL OF A REPUBLIC When Americans spoke of Equality- they meant equality of opportunity, not equality of condition. Wanted to avoid fixed social classes- hoped every citizen would be able to acquire land (seen as key to idea of personal liberty) which would allow the natural workings of society of produce “Justice, Liberty, and Equality”. Most states abolished (if they had them) the British practices of Entail (inheritance goes only through the male line) and Primogeniture (land automatically goes to eldest son)

59. THE POLITICS OF INFLATION DEBATE OVER FREE TRADE Yet another question for a new nation: How large a role should gov’t take in new econ? (would be a big topic under new constitution w/Alex. Hamilton) During war- Continental Congress had printed $$ like it was going out of style- and created a massive inflation bubble. Lots of price gouging and merchants hording valuable goods- which the public sometimes took into their own hands, confronting and seizing items to be sold at a “just price” Congress urged states to adopt wage and price measures to get inflation under control (had little power to do so themselves) but merchants often disagreed (angrily) over restriction to “Free trade” – after all we were FINALLY free of Navigation acts! Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations in 1776, and his ideas (modern capitalism: a free market econ ruled with the creepy invisible hand) were becoming well known internationally. Advocates of Smith’s theories (then and now) argued that unregulated econ freedom would produce social harmony and public gain….. Eventually.

60. THE LIMITS OF LIBERTY It’s not all fun and games out there……

61. COLONIAL LOYALISTS THE LOYALIST’S PLIGHT Approx 20-25% of Americans were loyalists – nearly 20,000 fought on British side (sometimes more than were fighting for Washington!) Largest #s of Loyalists in NY, PA and the Backcountries of Carolinas and Georgia (want protection from Native Americans – and resent the power of the planter aristocrats) Many sympathized with complaints against England, but feared independence would bring anarchy. Revolution was a civil war - Patriots could get quite fierce with those who did not support their cause. People were arrested, had property seized, were required to take loyalty (test) oaths, even exiled When the war ended, 60,000 loyalists (including 10,000 slaves) either left or were banished. Most end up in Canada, Britain, or the West Indies (so may go to Canada that an entire new province is created) Treaty of Paris contains a provision that Loyalists would not be persecuted, and confiscated property would be returned. Loyalists who stayed were re-integrated into society, property not generally returned…. (we kind of forget to do most of that….)

62. THE INDIAN’S REVOLUTION There were about 200, 000 Native Americans east of the Mississippi in 1790. Many tried to stay neutral in conflict- some helped the British (Iroquois, Choctaw and Creek), a few fought for the Americans (Oneida and some Cherokee) Western Campaign in War designed to pull American resources- and Americans fought back without the “rules of war” Indians also lost the Revolution- in that there had been hope for the British to respect Native American land claims (if only so they didn’t have to deal with issue) Americans WANTED Indian land, and they were going to TAKE it. Kentucky, Western PA, and Ohio Valley became early areas where Native Americans were forced to abandon land claims.

63. WHITE FREEDOM, INDIAN FREEDOM Treaty of Paris is culmination of a century in which Native Americans lost power east of the Mississippi (don’t worry, we’ll spend the next century working on WEST of the Mississippi). Again, we were supposed to honor treaties British made with Native Americans…. And didn’t even try. Some Native American leader throw our own cries for Liberty etc back at us (asking how they had forfeited THEIR “natural rights” etc) But we aren’t listening to anything but the call of the land we want so badly.

64. SLAVERY AND THE REVOLUTION THE LANGUAGE OF SLAVERY AND FREEDOM There were about 500,000 slaves in the US in 1776- representing about 20% of the population. Many African Americans hoped the language of liberty and struggle for freedom would apply to them….. Colonists complaining about the British frequently called themselves “slaves” – referring to denial of the political rights, with “freedom” (political rights) as the desired alternative. What is amazing is that they used the term completely without irony, and newspapers publishing arguments against the Stamp act etc…also contained advertisements for slave auctions or runaways. The British did NOT fail to notice that: “How is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty from the drivers of Negros?”

65. OBSTACLES TO ABOLITION The Right/Wrong of issue seems so clear to us today, it is hard to fully understand issue in context of 18 th, 19 th century. The majority of the “founding fathers” had owned at least one slave at some point- not just the ones from the south (John Adams and Thomas Paine were exceptions, probably b/c they weren’t very successful guys in the $$ sector) Thomas Jefferson owned over 100 when he wrote the Declaration Gotta love the argument that black slavery made white freedom possible b/c their work allowed citizens more opportunities to take part in the political arena- and eliminated the “bulk of the dependant poor” from society.

66. CAUSE OF GENERAL LIBERTY PETITIONS FOR FREEDOM Anti- slavery wasn’t much of a conversation in the colonies before the revolution- although there were occasional voices. Patriot Benjamin Rush called slavery a “national crime” and Thomas Jefferson tired to criticize in Declaration (removed by vote of congress) During the Revolution was the 1 st time slavery became a matter of debate, precisely b/c of the issue of “liberty” While most slaves could not read/write, they could certainly hear, and cries of natural rights and liberty were everywhere. Throughout the revolutionary period petitions, pamphlets, and sermons by blacks expressed astonishment that white patriots failed to realize that principles and rights they were demanding from Britain could apply at home as well From early 1770s until approx 1790 there were a number of “freedom petitions”: arguments for liberty presented in courts (esp in New England) by slaves. Some successful, but most not.

67. LEMUEL HAYES PHILLIS WHEATLEY Lemuel was a free black who served in the militia, then became a minister, and spoke out to call for Americans to “extend their concept of freedom” Phillis Wheatley had been born in Africa, and was brought to Boston in 1761. Against many odds, she learned to read, and became a published poet in the pre and post revolutionary period. Often held up as an example to those who said Africans needed the “protection” of slavery b/c they weren’t smart enough to manage on their own…

68. EMANCIPATORS 5000 slaves fought for the Continental army and earned their freedom….but 100,000 fled to the British (1/4 of all the slaves in SC, 1/3 of those in GA) Largest emancipation until the Civil War Many slaves were recaptured by Continentals as they began to win the war- but at the end, there were 20,000 former slaves with the British. While American leaders asked that they be returned (and some were) more than 15,000 left the country with the British. Went primarily to Nova Scotia, England, or Sierra Leone- though some ended up re enslaved in the Caribbean. The British were supposed to pay compensation for slaves that left (but hey, we were supposed to compensate loyalists too), took until 1827. All the chaos of war disrupted the plantation economy, and in some cases, made it seem not financially viable, esp in Virginia (tobacco less popular in war) A number of prominent VA families voluntarily freed slaves

69. ABOLITION IN THE NORTH Between 1777 (VT) and 1804 (NJ) every state North of Maryland to steps to abolish slavery within their territory. (1 st time in human history emancipation laws had been passed) Generally gradual- did not free all at once, or often, even in a slave’s lifetime. Most common way was to say that the children of slaves would be free- after they had worked a certain # of years It took a long time for slavery to die out in the North. In the 1790 census there were 21,000 slaves in NY and 11,000 in NJ alone. In 1830 there were 3500. Last slaves in Conn freed in 1848, and apparently there were still 18 in NJ in 1860!

70. FREE BLACK COMMUNITIES Between those who had earned freedom, voluntary emancipation, and legal emancipation in the north- the new nation had a large free black community- nearly 200,000 strong (most lived in Maryland, Virginia or Pennsylvania) These people formed vibrant communities, with schools, churches and leaders- but were not often fully integrated into surrounding white society. (referred to as “citizens of color”) However- in all states buy VA, SC, and GA- free Africans who owned property were eligible to vote Slavery survived the revolution, but from that point on, there would always be those who challenged it. Still- with natural increase, the slave population which had been approx 500,000 in 1776, was 700,000 by the time of the 1 st census in 1790

71. DAUGHTER’S OF LIBERTY REVOLUTIONARY WOMEN Women were just as effected by the boycotts, debates and political discussions unleashed by independence, and contributed in a number of ways Deborah Sampson: disguised herself as a man and fought in the Continental Army Esther Reed and Sarah Franklin Bache: Organized a Ladies Association to raise funds for the Continental Army. Abigail Adams: was her husband’s correspondent and confidant all through the war- often gave thoughts and advice Mercy Otis Warren: promoted the revolutionary cause in poems and plays, and published the 1 st history of the revolution

72. GENDER AND POLITICS Women were yet another group for whom full “liberty” would have to wait. The men fighting the revolution had no desire to change established cultural standards. Discussions of women’s roles generally emphasized duties and obligations, not rights. Coverture: The idea that when a woman marries, everything she owned become’s her husband’s instead- she is in fact his legal property Most men considered women to be naturally submissive and irrational- therefore unfit for the responsibilities of citizenship. Instead, their value came from being wives and mothers. Like slaves, there would be women who adopted revolutionary rhetoric for themselves- asking for divorce etc

73. REPUBLICAN MOTHERHOOD Revolution did actually improve status of women in that it created a new ideal, that of “republican motherhood” John Adams said, the “foundation of national morality must be found in families” and since a woman’s place is at home she needed to be able to create the “virtuous citizenry” the country needed To do this, it became accepted that women needed more education – so that they could “instruct their sons in the principles of liberty and government” Revolution also expanded notion of companionate marriage- affection rather than economics (Not “true love” yet- that’s a modern idea)

74. THE ARDUOUS STRUGGLE FOR LIBERTY Political change had been our original goal, but social change came too Good things came: Public participation grew, involuntary labor (for whites) declined, religious tolerance expanded, and people asked questions about established orders. On the other hand, if you were Loyalist, slave, or Native American….your “liberties” diminished rather than grew. American Exceptionalism always said we were special- and we would see our actions inspire others, especially in the colonies of the New World. “We considered ourselves as laying the foundation of a glorious future empire, and acting a part for the contemplation of the ages”.