The Road to Revolution

The Deep Roots 2 Ideas within colonists Republicanism -> society in which all citizens willingly lower their private interests for the common good Radical whigs feared threat to liberty / Rights they Earned -> corruption through monarch and Parliament (patronage/bribes) Colonists become accustomed to running their own affairs DISTANCE WEAKENS AUTHORITY (Motherland vs. Colonial Land)

Mercantilism and Colonial Grievances Georgia only colony formally established by British gov’t Mercantilism -> wealth was power (Britain justified control over colonies) Export more than import = more gold and silver Colonies provide raw materials (limited imports needed) and market for exports (desirable goods) British gov’t to colonies: Colonies expected to give certain products (tobacco, sugar, ships, etc.) Refrain from exporting certain items Buy imported manufactured goods exclusively from Britain Stop beliefs of economic self-sufficiency or self-government Passage of Navigation Laws (everything done through Britain) Began to create a money shortage in colonies (used other things) Britain had right to nullify any legislation passed in colonial assemblies General welfare being sacrificed for Britain’s well-being?

Good/Bad News of Mercantilism Seems selfish and cruel Loosely enforced Navigational Laws Smuggling becomes easy (John Hancock) Colonies gain from British control London wants ship parts Monopoly of tobacco in Britain Protection from the world’s greatest army/navy Burdened by liabilities Lowered economic initiative Colonies begin to feel used

Trouble in Paradise Britain in huge debt after French and Indian War P.M. George Grenville orders Navy to strictly enforce Navigation Laws Passed the Sugar Act Raised tax revenue in the colonies by taxing imported sugar Quartering Act Required colonies to provide food and quarters for British troops Stamp Tax Mandated the use of stamped paper showing the payment of taxes Colonists become angry -> taking away rights and liberties “guilty until proven innocent” in admiralty courts “No taxation without representation” Leads to colonies wanting political independence

Colonies Fight Back Stamp Act Congress Nonimportation agreements Devised plan to repeal legislation Nonimportation agreements Colonists become self-reliant Development of Sons/Daughters of Liberty Constantly heckled stamp agents Britain responds with the Declaratory Act Absolute power of the colonies

Townshend Acts Named after Charles Townshend – leading government minister at time Placed duties on imported goods such as glass, lead, paint, and paper (came from Britain) 3 penny tax on tea (most popular drink) Protests bring slogan “taxation without representation” Boycott of British goods – development of things such as spinning bees by women British seized the Liberty (belonged to John Hancock) Triggered riots = British stationed troops (Redcoats)

The Boston Massacre Competition between colonists and poorly paid soldiers March 5, 1770 Fist fight broke out Mob gathered outside Customs Office and began taunting the guards Shots fired = 5 dead Defenseless citizens were killed Things calmed down for 2 years Rhode island colonists attacked a British patrolman Committees of correspondence = communication network

Boston Tea Party British East India Company was overstocked with tea because of boycotts England imposes the tea act Allowed the company to sell tea free of taxes Cut out colonists; hoped colonists would buy cheaper tea Protested violently December 1773 – colonists dressed as Native Americans took action on 3 British ships Dumped 18,000 pounds of tea into Boston Harbor

Intolerable Acts Multiple laws passed in response to the Boston Tea Party Shut down Boston Harbor Martial Law – rule by military Committees of Correspondence reacted by establishing the 1st Continental Congress 56 Delegates meet in Philadelphia and compose a list of colonial rights

Bloodshed First Continental Congress Response to the Intolerable Acts which included a Declaration of Rights Parliament rejected the “Congress’s” petitions Continued protests against people who were against these ideas Troops go to Lexington and Concord Seize armory Minutemen defended it -> said to be the first shots of Revolutionary War

Imperial Strength and Weakness Britain had the advantage on many levels (population, military, etc.) Also had help from the hessians (hired German mercenaries), Some Native Americans, and American loyalists Britain responsible for watching Ireland France wanting retaliation Whigs fear winning the war would create a tyranny like gov’t Sent second rate generals to lead, poor conditions for soldiers, fighting 3k miles from home Colonies had no urban center to capture

American Strengths Outstanding leadership in the colonies (Ex. -> G.W.) Foreign aid from France Marquis de Lafayette Playing a defending role Self sustained through agriculture

American Weaknesses Poorly organized for war Poorly united leadership Individual pride within each region Economic difficulty Printed money = inflation = increase in prices Lack in military supplies (too dependent on Britain?) Poorly trained militiamen Valley Forge, Pa Soldiers faced a brutal winter with very little food Did not have clothing or shoes

A Thin Line of Heroes Women play role in war Maintained farms/businesses, cooked for armies, etc. Baron von Steuben -> becomes general in colonial army and provides very strict but well-needed training Blacks fight in war for colonies Also serve as cooks, guides, spies, drivers, and road builders American progress hindered by profiteers Put their own profits before the “American Cause”