For almost 100 years, American colonial governments enjoyed relative “self -government” from Britain. In 1760, King George III takes the throne and demands more control over America

Illustrated Timeline Directions: Create a timeline (like the one below). For each spot on the timeline, include the following. The name of the event/act A date A picture that summarizes the significance of the event/act The Declaration of Independence (1776) The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

“French & Indian War” 1754-1763 The British fought with colonists to protect their land from the French. The war was extremely expensive for the British government, leading to increased taxes in America.

Illustrated Timeline The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

Proclamation of 1763 The Proclamation of 1763 kept colonists from expanding west of the Appalachian Mountains and brought more British troops to the colonies.

Illustrated Timeline The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

“Stamp Act” (1765) Before After This act required expensive tax stamps on all newspapers and legal documents

“No Taxation Without Representation” American colonists resented these new taxes by the British. Since they had no representation in the British Parliament (England’s Congress), they felt they should not have to pay taxes.

American Boycotts In protest, many Americans began to “boycott” or refuse to buy British goods. As a result, the British government “repealed” or cancelled the act.

Illustrated Timeline The Quartering Act (1765) The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

“The Quartering Act” (1765) American colonists had to provide for the basic needs of British soldiers stationed in the colonies. Items included bedding, cooking utensils, firewood, beer or cider, and candles.

Illustrated Timeline The Quartering Act (1765) The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) Townshend Acts (1767) The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

“Townshend Acts” (1767) This act allowed taxes to be levied (raised) on basic goods imported to the colonies from Great Britain (glass, tea, paper, paint, etc.)

Illustrated Timeline The Tea Act (1773) The Quartering Act (1765) The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) Townshend Acts (1767) The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

“Tea Act” (1773) The “Tea Act” followed, forcing the colonists to buy tea only from the British East India Company. American merchants were outraged. >:/

Illustrated Timeline The Tea Act (1773) The Quartering Act (1765) The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) Townshend Acts (1767) The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Boston Tea Party (1773) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

“Boston Tea Party” (1773) Disguised as Indians, It took nearly three hours for more than 100 colonists to empty the tea into Boston Harbor. The chests held more than 90,000 lbs. (45 tons) of tea, which would cost nearly $1,000,000 dollars today.

Illustrated Timeline The Tea Act (1773) The Quartering Act (1765) Coercive “Intolerable” Acts (1774) The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) Townshend Acts (1767) The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Boston Tea Party (1773) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

“Coercive” (“Intolerable”) Acts (1774) To respond to the “Boston Tea Party”, the British Parliament instituted the “Coercive Acts”. Called the “Intolerable Acts” by America, they closed down Boston Harbor until colonists could pay back the cost of the destroyed tea.

Illustrated Timeline The Tea Act (1773) The Quartering Act (1765) Coercive “Intolerable” Acts (1774) The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) Townshend Acts (1767) Continental Congress, Revolutionary War, and “Common Sense” 1774-1776 The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Boston Tea Party (1773) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

First Continental Congress (1774) American colonies sent “delegates” or representatives to Philadelphia to express their concerns with Britain’s new taxes. Congress sent a letter to King George demanding the rights of the colonists be restored. All agreed to meet again within a year if the king did not agree.

King George’s Response… I’m coming for your guns… #American Revolution The shot that was heard around the world at Lexington and Concord, just outside of Boston.

Second Continental Congress (1775) During the second meeting, delegates argued over the best solution. Many did NOT want independence, fearing they could not win a war with Britain.

Thomas Paine & “Common Sense” Paine argued in 1776 that is was only “common sense” for America to break with Great Britain. King George was a “royal brute” and America had every right to sever ties.

Second Continental Congress (1776) After many months of debate, more than half of the delegates agreed to declare independence from Great Britain. The writings of Paine were very influential.

Illustrated Timeline The Tea Act (1773) The Quartering Act (1765) Coercive “Intolerable” Acts (1774) The Proclamation of 1763 The Declaration of Independence (1776) Townshend Acts (1767) The Continental Congress, First shots of the Revolutionary War, and “Common Sense” 1774-1776 The French and Indian War (1754-1763) The Stamp Act (1765) Boston Tea Party (1773) Key terms: Boycott, No taxation without representation

“Declaration of Independence”

“Declaration of Independence” Thomas Jefferson detailed the colonies’ reasons for breaking away with Great Britain. His list of complaints are referred to as grievances. Jefferson claimed that the king did not look after the interests of the colonies anymore.

“Declaration of Independence” First Section Explains why the Continental Congress drew up this declaration.

“Declaration of Independence” Part II: Declaration of Natural Rights This lists the rights of the citizens, explaining that in a “republic”, the people form the government to protect their rights. *** This proved that if when the government violates their natural rights, then the people have the right to alter or abolish it!

“Declaration of Independence” Part III: List of Grievances (Complaints) This lists the colonists’ complaints against the British government (singling out King George for the blame).