Origins of the American Revolution Toward Independence Origins of the American Revolution

Self-Government English colonists throughout North America experimented in self-rule. Mayflower Compact laid framework for self- government in New England. First constitution in America Virginia planters established the House of Burgesses as a means setting up legal system. First elected legislature in America

Democratic Foundations Why did most people choose to leave England and risk their lives to come to the New World? British America became and experiment in varying levels, and types, of liberty: Religious, political, economic Colonists brought English beliefs on rights with them. Magna Carta English Bill of Rights

The Enlightenment Other Influences European philosophy that placed emphasis on reason and intellectualism Applied to politics by Englishman John Locke Governments get their power from the people, and the people can take it back. Popular in the American Colonies.

The Age of Enlightenment Enlightenment thought held human reason could be used to combat ignorance and tyranny and to build a better world Many of the intellectual leaders of the American colonies were drawn to the Enlightenment Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson The language of natural law, of inherent freedoms, of self- determination which seeped so deeply into the American grain was the language of the Enlightenment

Inside Influences The Great Awakening - 1730-1755 Evangelical religious revival starts in New England The Enlightenment caused people to think differently about religion Attempt to revitalize the church in America Democratic consequences?

Many argued that they could find God on their own without the church Seeds of Rebellion Using the Enlightenment in Europe, people began to take “control” of their own faith and religion. Many argued that they could find God on their own without the church This questioning of the church leadership led to questioning of other leaders.

Colonial Conflict

The region was already claimed by the French; conflict ensued. French and Indian War The English and the French battled for colonial domination in North America, the Caribbean, and in India. The war began in America as colonists moved into the Ohio River Valley in search of new land. The region was already claimed by the French; conflict ensued.

English officers in America were also widely contemptuous of colonials Course of the War The colonies appealed to the King for permission to raise armies and monies to defend themselves. George II declined their request. English officers in America were also widely contemptuous of colonials George Washington led a force against a French scouting party, killing nearly all of them. Washington pulled back and established Ft. Necessity. French attacked seeking revenge, Washington was forced to surrender, and retreat.

1754 – Albany Plan of Union Ben Franklin – representatives from New England, NY, MD, PA Calls for a colonial militia, inter-colonial representation, inter-colonial Indian Policy, and taxes to fund the war. Colonies refused to accept Albany Plan – did not want to give up power

A Tale of Two Wars From 1755 through 1757, the British and colonists were on the losing side of the war. French waged a guerilla war using Native American tactics to repeatedly defeat the British. From 1757 to 1763, the British changed course British failures led to a change in government, and a change in tactics. British forces used colonial militia and Indian tactics to turn the tide. Roger’s Rangers

British Gains 1758-1761

1763 – Treaty of Paris France --> lost her Canadian possessions, most of her empire in India, and claims to lands east of the Mississippi River. England --> got all French lands in Canada, exclusive rights to Caribbean slave trade, and commercial dominance in India.

North America in 1763

Impact of the War On Britain On America It increased her colonial empire in the Americas. It greatly enlarged England’s debt Britain’s contempt for the colonials created bitter feelings. It united them against a common enemy for the first time. It created a socializing experience for all the colonials who participated. It created bitter feelings towards the British that would only intensify

Postwar Tension After the war, colonists fought against former Native American allies whose land they wanted. Pontiac’s Rebellion Native leader Chief Pontiac leads a rebellion all along the British frontier. Tired of the costs of the war, the British conclude a peace with Pontiac and force colonials out of the valley.

Toward Revolution The French and Indian War as well as Pontiac’s Rebellion were very costly to Britain National debt more than tripled The British decided it was time for the colonies to contribute to the Empire Parliament imposed new taxes on the colonies. After decades of not paying taxes, the British now had enough soldiers in America to collect from the colonists. Colonists protested “taxation without representation.”

Toward Revolution The British taxes, and the colonial response, set both sides on the road to war.