American Revolution

Britain Becomes a Global Power Good position for trade Settlements in North America and West Indies Welcomed commerce, little restrictions In 1700s Britain was always basically on the winning side of European conflicts Won French and Indian War and gained all of French Canada Monopolized slave trade which brought them enormous wealth Ireland was part of Britain until 1801 Scotland and Wales were under English control in 1707

King George III In 1760 King George began a 60 year reign! Wanted to bring absolute monarchy back to England Wanted to dissolve cabinet (advisors) and put his friends in Parliament

13 Colonies in Mid-1700s Eastern Coast of United States By mid 1700s the colonies were home to diverse religious and ethnic groups Not a clear upper and lower class Free discussion of politics Felt entitled to English rights But some felt they should separate from Europe

Colonists Express Discontent King George III thought colonists should help pay for 7 Years and French and Indian War 1765 Stamp Act- Taxes on paper goods “No Taxation Without Representation” 1766 Stamp Act repealed BUT passed Declaratory Act saying that Parliament had complete authority over the colonists

Colonists Rebel Against Britain Boston Massacre- In 1770 British soldiers in Boston opened fire on a crowd that was pelting them with stones and snowballs Death of 5 colonists

Propaganda

Boston Tea Party December 1773 Boston Tea Party Bostonians threw tea into harbor to protest taxes Colonists punished Tensions increase 1 st Continental Congress Attendees: John Adams and George Washington

Colonists Declare Independence April War starts at Lexington and Concord Revolutionary War or American Revolution July 4, Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson Used Locke’s idea of people should take over government not meeting their needs Popular Sovereignty= People should be able to govern themselves

Some Forefathers George Washington- Leader of American army, 1 st President James Madison- 2 nd Constitutional Convention floor leader, “Father of the Constitution” Benjamin Franklin- Diplomat to France, Philosopher, Scientists and Publisher, Helped get French aid

Revolution Continues Bleak OutlookSome Advantages 1/3 Loyalists to Britain Many refused to get involved Some Native American help Enslaved workers were promised freedom to fight for America On own ground

Thanks France! 1777 Americans wins Battle of Saratoga America forms alliance with France Netherlands and Spain add support 1781 surrender of British 1783 Treaty of Paris- independence of United States of America

New Constitution Articles of Confederation was the first government of the United States nd Continental Convention-wrote today’s Constitution Federal Republic with separation of powers divided by legislative, executive, and judicial powers: An idea borrowed from Montesquieu Bill of Rights- basic rights, enlightenment ideas Other countries start looking at US as a symbol of freedom

Checks and balances &wcsuffix=1732&area=view&x=9&y=11