The Beginning of Revolution

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: How did Colonists feel about the French and Indian War? (5) 2. Notes: Rebellion Begins, Enlightenment ideas move forward (25) 3. Boston Massacre Discussion and Interpretation (15) 4. Enlightenment quotes vs Declaration of Independence (10) 5. Video Clip, Onward to Revolution, Reasons for it. (15) 6. Chart of Intolerable Acts (10) 7. Pass back Tests, Explain Correction Policy. (5) HW: Kahoot on Intolerable acts next class, be ready.

Resisting Britain Parliament began levying taxes on the Colonies to pay for the French and Indian War. 1765- Grenville passes the Stamp Act. Any document must be on paper with the proper stamp. This included legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, and playing cards. Sons of Liberty Begin harassing customs workers (Tarring and Feathering) October, Declaration of Rights and Grievances passed. No taxation without representation in Parliament.

Townshend Acts Additional tax imposed on imported materials, including a 3 cent tax on tea. There is a boycott of all British goods, and even the elite (rich) end up not buying furs, new clothing, or tea.

Tension in Massachusetts March, 1770, Colonists come to the Customs house and taunt the guards. British troops fire on the colonists, and five are killed. Paul Revere calls this the Boston Massacre. Captain Thomas Preston will claim it was self defense. By 1772, the Committees of Correspondence opens between states to alert others about threats to liberty. Boston Tea Party- Lord North begins selling tea to the Colonies from the East India Company, Colonists revolt by throwing the tea in the harbor.

Intolerable Acts Boston Harbor Shut down Authorized British Soldiers to house soldiers in vacant homes in the area. Gage puts Boston under Martial Law.

Lexington and Concord Gage began wondering where munitions were held outside of Boston. Minutemen- civilian soldiers British soldiers moved into Boston under the request of Gage. Paul Revere would run to Lexington and Concord with William Dawes to warn the minutemen that Soldiers were coming. Element of surprise ruined for the British, and the arrive to empty munitions at Concord. As they move back to Boston, they are surrounded by minutemen, and nearly wiped out.

Second Continental Congress King George Readies his country for War, and the Second Continental Congress attempts to create a government. John Adams- Colony sets up individual governments, and Congress declares them independent. Minutemen are named part of the Continental Army, and George Washington takes control of the forces.

Breed’s Hill (Bunker Hill), June 1775 Gage redirects British forces to attack militiamen at Breed’s Hill. Militia waited until British nearly reached the top of the hill before firing. British had to launch assaults three times to overrun the Colonists, losing many troops in the process.

Last Chance for Peace This was a last chance effort to prevent war. An Olive Branch Petition was sent to George III, and he promptly denied it. Thomas Paine creates “Common Sense”, a pamphlet attacking the ideas of George III, independence would create a better society.

Common Sense and Independence Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson, outlining the reasons for abolishing relationship with Britain. Utilizes the ideas of John Locke in the document. July 4th, 1776, the declaration is adopted, and the United States is born.

Life for the Colonists Loyalists Most were ordinary men and women that did not realize the impact of revolution. Some believed Britain would win the war. Some slaves were loyalists, because the British promised freedom to those who fought. Patriots Patrick Henry “Give me Liberty or give me death!” Stated at the Virginia Convention (approving troops to aid in the war against Britain) People seeking economic opportunity German colonists also joined. Nearly 50% of population were Patriots.