Origins of the American Revolution Forging a Revolutionary Chain

‘ngland!! By God American pride and loyalty to England were at a peak Idea of independence was inconceivable Colonial protesters said they were demanding their “rights as Englishmen”

The Revolutionary Chain In the 1760s & 70s “chain of events” occur which brings about a desire by many Americans for independence Based on philosophical beliefs Belief develops among the colonists that British actions are aimed at stealing their liberty It wasn’t always what the British were trying to do but what the colonists thought they were trying to do

Philosophical Causes The Enlightenment Classical Republicanism from the ancient Romans Cincinnatus Good gov. is free of corruption Leaders must be selfless believed that leaders should serve out of duty not because of love of power Power corrupts & destroys good gov. Desiring power disqualifies one from holding office

The English Whigs Radical Whigism- English writers who opposed arbitrary power of the monarchy & aristocracy Can do whatever they choose Power should be with elected officials (Parliament) John Locke- Two Treatises on Govern.

Economic Factors Mercantilism limited colonial trade Trade to benefit the mother nation Colonists were heavily in debt to the British who insisted in payment in specie (gold/silver coins) Currency shortage as more specie left the colonies Currency Act (1764) outlawed colonial printing of paper money

Political Reasons England is broke Massive national debt of 140 million pounds Felt colonists should help pay the costs colonists had paid no taxes to England Decide to strictly enforce the Navigations Acts in 1763 to collect tariffs/duties to help pay national debt

Changing 150 yrs. of Policy Combined with the passage of the Proclamation of 1763 these actions mean the End of Salutary Neglect

Enforcing the Navigation Acts British issued Writs of Assistance general search warrants to search anywhere/anytime To stop smuggling and enforce the Navigation Acts & the new Sugar Act (1764) held trials for the accused in Nova Scotia in Admiralty Courts Saw as violation of rights as English subjects

The First Revolutionary James Otis was first to challenge the British Boston lawyer Challenged the Writs in court as violations of English law Were illegal in England Aided by his sister Mercy Otis Warren Later went insane

The Match Parliament imposes the Stamp Act (1765) a tax on official papers first attempt to put a direct tax on the colonies!!!! Purpose to pay for defense of the colonies

The Explosion Massive colonial protests Englishmen can only be taxed by elected representatives colonists argued their elected reps. were in the colonial assemblies not Parliament “taxation w/o representation is not fair”- Otis “Why is an army needed in America?” Saw it as a plot to deny their liberty

The Sons of Liberty Most violent protests in Boston Led by Sons of Liberty Working class group Leaders were Samuel Adams, John Hancock, & James Otis Rioted, vandalized, & attacked British officials Destroyed the house of Lt. Gov. Thomas Hutchinson

Boston Protests Protests in 11 colonies Embargo of stamps No stamps sold All Stamp Agents resigned Colonist institute Non-Importation Agreements or Boycotts Trade evaporates English merchants protest to Parliament

The Stamp Act Congress 9 states sent delegates the Stamp Act Congress in NYC to formulate a national response Issued a statement of rights and grievances Parliament could not pass laws for the colonies because the colonies weren’t represented

British Reaction British shocked British claim Virtual Representation exists all members of Parliament represent all Englishmen the colonies are represented the same as all other Englishmen Repeals the Stamp Act Issues the Declatory Act Parliament has complete sovereignty over the colonies