The American Revolution

What was the Revolution Many international historians will argue, the war was not the revolution… the War was a result of the revolution The real revolution was the ideas of the enlightenment

Britain was the Global Power Sea Power (Colonization) Triangular Trade wealth Banking practices

Causes of the Revolution King George Wanted colonist to help pay for French – Indian War in the Colonies He said “to protect the colonist from the French” What he meant…to protect the colonies (financial gain) for England

Causes of the Revolution Remember Joseph II? A seed of freedom had been planted.... Attempted to enforce old laws that had not been followed for years NAVIGATION ACTS – Controlled all trade in/out of colonies after years of (illegal) free trade by colonists

Causes of the Revolution Sugar Act (1764) – Stamp Act (1765) –

Causes of the Revolution Sugar Act (1764) – Stamp Act (1765) – No taxation without Representation

Causes of the Revolution 1770 - Boston Massacre (5 died) British Troops fire on instigators that are carrying clubs and throwing snow balls – probably with rocks

Causes of the Revolution 1770 - Boston Massacre (5 died) British Troops fire on Snow ball throwers 1773 – Boston Tea Party Rebelled against monopoly of East India Company

The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson Primary author of Declaration of Independence July 2, 1776 Independence was formally declared July 4, 1776 Congress approved the final text of the Declaration. August 2, 1776 Signed until August 2, 1776.

The Declaration of Independence Enlightenment Ideas: John Locke People had the right to abolish government Popular Sovereignty – All government power comes from the people

Led the Continental Army to victory over the British forces George Washington Led the Continental Army to victory over the British forces

Convinced France to join with the thirteen Colonies The Battle of Saratoga Convinced France to join with the thirteen Colonies Marquis de Lafayette French General rides with George Washington

Yorktown, Virginia France blocks the Chesapeake Bay (Virginia) No escape as American and French troops encircle 8000 British - British surrender -

Treaty of Paris Ended the American Revolutionary War September 3, 1783

New Constitution 1789 Social Contract – “We the people…” George Washington Elected President

New Constitution 1789 Social Contract – Federal Republic “We the people…” Federal Republic Power divided between State and Federal governments T. Hobbes – Social Contract Montesquieu – Separation of Powers Locke – Bill of Rights – “Natural Rights”