British Laws and Colonial Reaction 1765 - 1775

New Policies Include: Proclamation Act of 1763 = don’t go over the Appalachian Mountains More gov’t officials & troops New trade & tax laws (1763 – 1765): Writs of Assistance – British can search all homes and ships Sugar Act Stamp Act – stamp on all printed materials

Effects of New Laws and Changes Many Americans in disagreement about what to do (lack of unity). Americans Protest!!! Speeches/writings Stamp Act Congress – Stamp Act is repealed Boycotts – of British goods Rebel groups formed (Sons of Liberty)

Stamp Act Protest

Effect of American Protests on British Policy? Br. Make some concessions, but continue to exert authority Stamp Act repealed (hooray!!!) Declaratory Act is passed (boo…hiss!!!) Townshend Acts (1767) passed Tax everyday goods: lead, glass, paint and paper

Br. Response to the Building Resistance? Repeal the Townshend Acts (yeahhh!!!) Station more troops in Boston (boooo!!!) March 1770: Boston Massacre Impact? Form Committees of Correspondence, Pamphlets, meetings, newspapers

Engraving: Paul Revere

Sons of Liberty Cartoon

Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party American Response to 1773 Tea Act Br. Response: Coercive Acts Closed Port of Boston Disband Mass. Colonial Legislature Station more troops in Boston American response: First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia

The First Continental Congress

1st Continental Congress September 5, 1774 – October 26, 1774 in Philadelphia. All colonies were represented, but Georgia. Leading delegates George Washington Patrick Henry (from?) John Jay (from?). Goals: determine their response to the Intolerable Acts, discuss how to assert their rights and English subjects wanted to be united in their response Issue “Declaration of American Rights” IT WAS NOT THEIR GOAL TO DISCUSS OR GAIN INDEPENDENCE FROM ENGLAND!

America in April 1775 Divided Loyalists – stay with Britain, laws are not so bad Patriots – want independences, can not take oppression “Fence-Sitters” - undecided

Lexington and Concord http://www.earlyamerica.com/paul_revere.htm

Lexington April 18,1775 the British troops move out of Boston. Headed towards a stockpile of weapons in Concord Paul Revere rides on horseback to warn colonists that the British are coming. 700 British soldiers arrive at Lexington where there are 70 armed minutemen waiting for them. Colonists refuse to move or surrender, shots are fired. Eight Americans are dead, ten are wounded.

Concord The British burn the stockpile of colonial weapons. The British turn to head back to Boston and are ambushed by 4,000 patriots along the road. By the time the British reach Boston, 70 soldiers are dead, 170 are wounded. THE WAR IS UNDERWAY!

“New England colonies are in a state of rebellion…blows must decide whether they are to be subject to this country or independent.” - King George III to Parliament

I Love the Constitution Constitution Day!!! I Love the Constitution

Important Documents “Common Sense” – Jan. 1776 Written by Thomas Paine Make economic sense for Americans to separate from Britain 45 page pamphlet Written in simple language Everyday people can read an understand it Convinces many “fence sitters” to believe in independence Declaration of Independence – 7/4/1776 Written by T. Jefferson U.S. is independent (still have to fight a war to prove it) Gives reasons why U.S. declared independence Free to deal with other nations as they see fit Will inspire independence movements throughout Americas

2nd Continental Congress 2nd Continental Congress - body of representatives from the 13 colonies: Met from May 10, 1775 to March 1, 1781. adopted the Dec. of Ind. and the Articles of Confederation acted as the national government of the U.S. by raising armies directing strategy appointing diplomats making formal treaties during the Rev.

Important Figures/Groups George Washington – commander of the Continental Army Lord Charles Cornwallis – leader of the British Army Marquis de Lafayette – General from France who helps the colonial forces.

British Advantages/Disadvantages Well equipped army Disciplined Trained Strong Navy Help from Loyalists, slaves, and Native Americans Hessian soldiers Disadvantages Low morale in Britain Charged taxes to pay for war Fighting in America Old fashion tactics

American Advantages/Disadvantages Lacked supplies Lacked a stable fighting force (deserters) Poorly trained Advantages Fighting on own land Familiar with British tactics because of the French and Indian War Eventually the French help

The War The U.S. struggles due to lack of supplies, money, and the blockade. U.S. wins few battles but never surrenders or stops fighting. Important Battles Lexington and Concord = 1st shots of the Revolution Saratoga – Turning point of Revolution Yorktown – Final battle

Battle of Yorktown Lafayette moves his American forces north as Washington moves his South from NY. They trap Cornwallis and his men in Virginia. French Navy blocks the British Navy and any idea of escape. Cornwallis surrenders his force to the Washington and his army on Oct. 19, 1781. Treaty of Paris – 1783, ends the war and Britain recognizes the U.S.