Ideas help start a revolution The Revolution is coming

AIM/ DO NOW AIM: What lead up to the first military conflicts in the colonies? Does the Olive Branch Petition prove the colonists still wanted to be part of Britain? Do Now: 1)What law put a tax on tea? 2)What was the colonial response? 3)Why would the people of Boston be angry that Lord North, the British Prime Minister, implemented the Tea Act which allowed Britain to sell the tea directly to the colonists tax free (this actually lowered the cost)?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar6cFIfPFW4

The Intolerable Acts King George III was infuriated by this organized destruction of British property, and he pressed Parliament to act. In 1774, Parliament responded by passing a series of measures that colonists called Intolerable Acts. 1)The British called these the Coercive Acts 2)shut down Boston Harbor because colonists refused to pay for the damaged tea Explain perspective in the title of the acts depending on if you are the colonies or Britain.

Quartering Act 1) Authorized British commanders to house soldiers in private homes and other buildings.

Martial Law General Thomas Gage, commander in chief of British forces in North America. Placed Boston under martial law, or rule imposed by military forces.

Colonists respond First Continental Congress - drew up a declaration of colonial rights. 1) run their own affairs. 2) supported the protests 3) British used force, the colonies should fight back

Getting prepared New England towns stepped up military preparations Minutemen (civilian soldiers) - began to quietly stock pile firearms

1775 – Fighting Erupts Word gets out that “The British are coming” 1) British Find out about stockpiled weapons in barns and private homes 2) British here that Samuel Adams and John Hancock are also in Lexington, Mass. 3) British soldiers go to Lexington to get these unruly Sons of Liberty and the guns and gunpowder stockpiles Word gets out that “The British are coming” Paul Revere (Sons of Liberty) - organize a network of riders who would spread the alarm.

Lexington April 19, 1775 70 minutemen lineup to confront the British and refuse to put down muskets 8 minutemen were killed and 10 more were wounded, but only one British soldier was wounded. The Battle of Lexington lasted only 15 minutes.

“Still a Glorious Day for America”

Concord The march home became a slaughter Between 3000 and 4000 minutemen had assembled by now, and they fired on the marching British troops from behind stone walls and trees. British soldiers fell by the dozen. Bloodied and humiliated, the remaining soldiers made their way back to Boston.