Causes of the American Revolution SS8H3 The student will analyze the role of Georgia in the American Revolution. a. Explain the immediate and long-term causes of the American Revolution and their impact on Georgia; include the French and Indian War (Seven Years War), Proclamation of 1763, Stamp Act, Intolerable Acts, and the Declaration of Independence.

French and Indian War The French and Indians fought Great Britain over the territory around the Ohio River Valley. Britain won but as a result had accrued a lot of DEBT. With the victory Britain was able to adjust the borders of Georgia. Western – Mississippi River Eastern- Atlantic Ocean Southern- St. Mary’s River Northern – Area around Augusta

Proclamation of 1763 Issued by King George III and Forbade the colonist to settle the Indian territory west of the Appalachian Mountains. Trying to befriend the Native Americans after the French and Indian War Colonists did not like the Proclamation, therefore they ignored it and settled the lands anyway. GA colonists were mostly along the coastline because it was a major trade route. GA gained land and resources by befriending the Spanish and Native Americans to the South, opening new locations to settle.

Stamp Act (Taxes) Due to the war debt, Britain imposed taxes on the colonists to help pay the debt. The colonists were not represented in Parliament (taxation without representation) ,therefore many began to protest. The Stamp Act was the FIRST direct tax placed on paper products such as newspapers, legal documents, licenses, etc… most all colonists used these frequently. Many colonists protested and were violent towards tax officials. The Stamp Act was eventually repealed but others were issued.. (Tea Tax, Sugar Act, etc…)GA’s response was not as violent as other areas. The Liberty Boys was a group established to oppose the Stamp Act.

Intolerable Acts Following the Boston Tea Party, Britain created four laws to punish the colonists. One law closed the port of Boston until the tea was paid for. Colonists could not hold town meetings without approval . The court system was changed so that British officials would be tried for capital crimes in Great Britain. Colonists had to house and feed British soldiers at their own expense. Reps from all the colonies except GA met (First Continental Congress) and decided to stop all trade with Britain (boycott) and to defend Mass. if the British attacked. GA was divided, some supported Britain while other supported the colony.

Declaration of Independence The document officially declaring the colonies independence from Great Britain. Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Written by Thomas JeffersonThree Signers from Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton.Was a legal document that can be broken into 3 parts – Part 1 – Preamble – this part lists the colonists ideas about democracy and self gov’t – Part 2 – List of 27 grievances (complaints) against Great Britain – Part 3 – declared the colonies independent of Great Britain