Chapter 5: Americans revolt EQ: Were the American colonists justified in rebelling against British rule?

Introduction: Important takeaways By 1776, most colonists belonged to 1 of 3 groups: Patriots: wanted independence Loyalists: supported the British government Moderates: in the middle; hoped for a peaceful resolution

5.2 Road to revolution- key points Problems started with the French and Indian War (1754-1763) Also known as the Seven Years War British + Colonists + Indians versus French + Indians VERY EXPENSIVE Britain won but spent a ton of money Colonists could not move west of the Appalachian mountains Colonists should pay Britain back for defending them

5.2 Road to revolution- key points

5.2 Road to revolution- key points Taxes weren’t new but the enforcement was and they started to affect more colonists Patrick Henry: “No taxation without representation!” Colonists believed this was tyranny Tyranny = unjust use of government power Colonists blamed Parliament, not King George Parliament = British legislature

5.2 Road to revolution- key points Colonists were used to Parliament letting the colonies run themselves Colonists believed they could govern themselves Battles of Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775 Kicked off the Revolutionary War 250 British soldiers (“Redcoats”) were killed 90 Colonial soldiers (“Minutemen”) were killed Even at this point, most colonists didn’t want to break with Britain – this was about to change.

Declaration of independence The basic structure 1400 words 400 words split between the opening and closing 1000 words describe King George’s offenses

Declaration of independence Four parts Preamble: states the purpose of the document  Purpose: the American people were declaring independence from Great Britain this is a declaration, not an attempt at persuasion sets the Revolution within the whole “course of human events” “necessary”: fate, beyond human control  Americans “one people” and British “another” less likely to be seen as a civil war necessary to receive foreign assistance

Declaration of independence 2. Statement of Human Rights There are "Self evident truths" Unalienable rights Government is necessary to protect those rights When government doesn't protect those rights, people have a right to overthrow it

Declaration of independence 3. List of 25+ grievances against King George III Notice how each grievance starts  4. Conclusion Formal declaration of independence Lists the rights of the states  The Pledge