American Revolution ESSENTIAL QUESTION: Why are the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights important to American history?

TEKS and Objectives We will… I will.. (1A) analyze and evaluate the Declaration of Independence (1C) explain contributions of Founding Fathers (23C) explain how participation in the democratic process reflects our national ethos, patriotism, and civic responsibility as well as our progress to build a “more perfect union.” Identify important information and contributions about Founding Fathers Analyze text from the Declaration of Independence

Conflict with Great Britain King George III implemented economic/political policies that angered colonists Proclamation of 1763 law prohibited settlement west of Appalachian mountains Mercantilism policy that colonies should support mother country by providing raw materials

Boston Massacre, 1770 Conflict between colonists and British soldiers Troops fired into crowd killing 5 and injuring 6

No Taxation without Representation Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act (1765), Townshend Acts (1767) Tea Act led to Boston Tea Party organized by Samuel Adams (leader of the Sons of Liberty) Intolerable Acts meant to punish those protesters

First Continental Congress - 1774 Philadelphia Delegates from each colony Resolutions Boycott British goods Cease British trade Form militias

Declaration of Independence - 1776 List of Grievances Complaints and solutions Unalienable rights Rights that you are born with Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness Key Philosophical Principles: Equality Unalienable Rights Consent of the Governed

Second Continental Congress Led by George Washington Met to fight the American Revolution

Governors turned Patriots Johnathan Trumball, Sr. of Connecticut Washington’s close friend Supplied army with food, clothing and munitions

Religious Patriots John Peter Muhlenberg “Black Regiment” Protestant Minister Enlisted men to Continental Army at sermons “Black Regiment” ministers who wore black robes while preaching who worked to recruit large numbers of volunteers for war

Signers of the Declaration of Independence John Hancock President of the Continental Congress Benjamin Rush “Father of American Medicine” physician, educator, humanitarian Charles Carroll of Carrollton one of the wealthiest men in colonies helped finance war Catholic John Witherspoon Leading member of Continental Congress founder of Princeton University “was not only ripe for independence, but in danger of rotting for the want of it”

American Revolution (1775-1783) Patriots (rebels) vs. Loyalists (Loyal to the king) Important Battles Lexington & Concord Saratoga Yorktown Ended with Treaty of Paris (1783)

Articles of Confederation - 1781 First form of government in the United States Weak No power to tax No executive branch Only one vote per state No national army No national currency No national court system Unanimous vote required for changes State-first attitude