Birth of the American Republic

Britain Become a Global Power In location to control trade Favorable climate On the winning side of conflicts Monopolized slave trade Wales and Scotland added George III was eager to recover power for the crown Set out to reassert royal power Make parliament follow his will

The 13 Colonies Shipyards produced many trade vessels Attempt to export more than import (mercantilism) Navigation Act- regulate colonial trade Not enforced Smuggling common Social distinction blurred Entitled to English citizen rights

Colonists Express Discontent French and Indian war drained Britain's treasury Colonists pay for wars Sugar Act Stamp Act Tea Act Declaratory Act

Colonists Rebel against Britain Boston Massacre Boston Tea Party Congressional Congress

Colonists Declare Independence War in Lexington and Concord Continental Army led by Washington Colonists determined Second Continental Congress wrote Declaration of Independence- Jefferson Popular sovereignty “right to rebel”

The American Revolution Continues British had more soldiers, huge fleet, more resources Geography was colonies advantage British allied with Natives British offered freedom to slaves

France provides Support Battle of Saratoga France allies with Americans Brought ships, supplies and soldiers Valley forge

Treaty of Paris Ends War French Blockade Victory at Yorktown 2 years later treaty ends war America is Independent

American Confederacy Articles of Confederation States Ruled themselves No power for the national government

Enlightenment Ideas have Great Impact Constitutional convention Social contract Elected legislature and president Federal republic Separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial) Bill of Rights

Symbol of Freedom Progressive government Constitution copied and adapted Enlightenment ideals