The American Revolution

Causes of the Revolution Colonies were living the life! Protected by the British. Profited a lot with trade. Same political rights as British subjects overseas. So, what caused rebellion?

Causes of the Rebellion Political Heritage- Colonists believed Britain had the best government on Earth – due process, trial by jury, freedom of press. Also, didn’t have to pay taxes unless levied by their representatives. Did they have reps?

Causes of the Revolution British Model – British had three branches of government. Executive power = monarch. Legislative power = Parliament. Judiciary

Causes of the Revolution In the colonies, it was odd – here’s why: Each colony had a two- house legislature. House 1 = elected assembly. House 2 = prominent councilmen appointed for life by the governor. Governor = appointed by the king/queen. Colonists themselves did not elect members to Parliament.

Causes of the Revolution Differences in the Colonies – The British constitution is not a formal document. It’s a collection of laws and traditions accumulated over centuries. Colonists rights spelled out in charters (Maryland charter, South Carolina charter, etc.)

Causes of the Revolution Two-thirds of colonial men qualified to vote; only one-fourth of British men could. This allowed for increased power in elected assemblies; decreased power in governors. Assemblies would often with hold governor salary if they didn’t like him.

Causes of the Revolution British wanted to change the situation. Their idea?? Tax the people in order to pay the governors salaries. This, of course, annoyed the Colonists because they felt they shouldn’t be taxed without their own elected officials.

New Taxes Upset Colonists The French and Indian War did 2 things to Britain: 1. Caused a huge war debt. 2. Vastly increased the territory. People in Britain paid for most of the debt and territory – so what did Parliament believe the colonists should do?

New Taxes Upset Colonists The Sugar, Quartering, and Stamp Acts – The Sugar Act – Prime Minister George Grenville put this into place. – It actually lowered the duty on molasses. – But, Grenville created courts to stop smuggling (which is how Colonists were getting rich in the first place).

New Taxes Upset Colonists The Quartering Act – 1765 CE – Required colonies to provide housing and supplies to British troops stationed in the colonies. – Colonists complained, but went along with it anyway – why?

New Taxes Upset Colonists The Stamp Act – March 1765 CE – Intended to raise money from the colonies. – Required colonists to pay a tax on almost all printed materials. – Included newspapers, books, court documents, contracts, etc. – First time Parliament imposed a direct tax within the colonies.

New Taxes Upset Colonists Taxation Without Representation!! Colonists hated the Stamp Act. Colonists felt it threatened their prosperity and liberty. Some believed more taxes would follow if they accepted this one. Conspiracy to destroy American liberties??

New Taxes Upset Colonists Parliament was puzzled by Colonists’ arguments against the Stamp Act. Most Britons paid taxes although they couldn’t vote, so what’s the problem, right? Parliament dismissed the idea of representation as selfish and narrow minded. Parliament said they had the right to impose taxes everywhere in the empire – colonists appalled at this!