Causes of the American Revolution

American colonists who were loyal to the British government Patriots Loyalists American colonists who believed that the colonists had the right to govern themselves. American colonists who were loyal to the British government

Proclamation of 1763 To keep colonists and Native Americans from fighting with each other the British government drew a line down the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. Settlers had to stay east of that line.

Views – Proclamation of 1763 British/Loyalists- Defending the frontier is too expensive. Colonists would have to pay for troops. Patriots- Tyranny! The land was already settled and it was the only place farmers could get new cheap land.

What Happened? Most colonists ignored the new law and stayed put or continued to migrate pass the mountains. The British army sent 7,500 men to keep peace on the frontier

Stamp Act The War debt from French and Indian War had to be paid The law required all colonists to buy a stamp for every piece of paper they used. Wills, licenses, playing cards, newspapers, etc.

How it worked Tax collectors collected money from the colonists Money was divided between Parliament and the King

Views of the Stamp Act British and Loyalists – British citizens have been paying taxes on everything. The colonists are taxed the least, so why shouldn’t they pay off the debt of the French and Indian War Patriots – “ No Taxation without Representation!” Parliament had no right to pass a tax unless the colonists had a voice in Parliament (British Government). It is a violation of Rights!

What happened? Colonists (Patriots and Loyalists) protested by sending petitions and appeals to Parliament or refused to buy the stamp Sons of Liberty- Protest group that took violent action. Attacked tax collectors Stamp Act was repealed, but Quartering Act was issued. Colonies must provide food, shelter, and supplies to British soldiers. Was seen as another tax.

Townshend Acts Parliament passed a duty on certain goods the colonies imported from Britain to pay British debts. These goods included glass, paper, lead, ink, and tea

Views of the Townshend Act Loyalist/British- Believed that the colonists bad behavior made it more important to keep an eye on them. Colonists must pay for the Army sent there to protect them Patriots – Duties were a tax in disguise. They violated colonists rights. “Taxation without Representation”

What Happened? The Sons of Liberty organized a Boycott (refusal to buy British products). Boycotts were peaceful, everybody could support. Women (Daughters of Liberty) used home spun cloth, made tea from pine needles, and bought only American made products Duties were repealed because British merchants were losing money. Only TEA will be taxed

What Happened ? Cont. The Boston Massacre- Mob violence breaks out. Patriots started throwing rocks and snowballs at British troops. British fire on rioters, five die

Views of Boston Massacre British/ Loyalist – It was proof more troops were needed to control Patriot hot heads Patriots – used it as propaganda to stir up the people. It was proof that all troops need to leave colonies

Tea Act After the Townshend Acts were repealed a tax on tea was left. British allowed one British tea company, the East India Company, have a monopoly on tea in the colonies. American merchants could not set their own prices.

Views of the Tea Act British and Loyalists – The British East Indian Tea Company needed to be saved. The boycotts have put it close to bankruptcy Patriots – If they can place a monopoly on tea, what will stop them from doing it to other products

What Happened? Boston Tea Party- The Son’s of Liberty dressed up as Indians and boarded a tea ship. They dumped 90,000 lbs. in Boston Harbor

Intolerable Acts They were designed to punish Massachusetts Boston Harbor is closed Massachusetts government was suspended More troops sent to Boston

Views of the Intolerable Acts British and Loyalists- It is no longer about Taxes it was about British control of her colonies Patriots- If the King could do this to one colony what will stop him from doing it to others.

What Happened? Colonies Unite- Other colonies support Massachusetts by sending aide. Committees of Correspondence- Information of British abuses would be shared between the colonies through newspapers First Continental Congress- Delegates from 12 colonies met to discuss issues. They sent a message to the king and called for another boycott

Events of Lexington & Concord Colonies form Militias (Civilian Armies) King George believes the colonies are in rebellion British troops are sent to destroy militia supplies Paul Revere warns the militias

Events of Lexington & Concord Cont. Minutemen gather in Lexington to deter British- “Shot Heard Around the World”, Minutemen retreat. British go on to Concord. Minutemen engage and hold their ground. The British flee. They are shot the whole way back to Boston. Americans proved they would fight for rights and the Revolutionary War begins.