The Birth of a New Nation
Warm-up – Translate this paragraph into your own words “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government,…….” Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence
The French and Indian War (1754-1763) England and France go to war over colonial territories The Navigation Acts – laws that gave England control of colonial trade
British Victory in French and Indian War Britain (England) wins but is heavily in debt. Expects the colonies to help pay cost in the form of increased taxes. Colonist begin revolt.
The Albany Plan of Union (1754) Plan proposed by Ben Franklin for the colonies to unite for mutual defense Rejected but shows that the colonies are considering unifying.
Proclamation Line of 1763 No colonial settlements beyond the Appalachian Mtns. Prevents conflict w/ Native Americans but enrages farmers who wish to have more land.
Stamp Act (1765) British tax on newspapers and legal documents First tax on colonies by Parliament “No taxation without representation” – becomes slogan of revolution Boycott - Colonists refuse to buy British products
Declaratory Act (1767) Parliament ‘declares’ it has the right to make decisions for and tax the colonies “in all cases”
Townshend Acts (1766) Set of laws that further restricted colonial rights Writs of Assistance general warrants to search any property at any time without cause, can seize property from colonists
The Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770) British soldiers shoot into angry crowd and kill 5 colonists Became propaganda (a cause) for those who wanted revolution with the British
The Tea Act (1773) Made British East India Tea exempt from taxes and cheaper than colonial tea. Gives British a business advantage.
The Boston Tea Party (1773) Colonists dump English tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea act.
The Coercive/Intolerable Acts (1774) Took away colonists civil rights, including trial by jury
The First Continental Congress (1774) 12 Colonies send delegates (representatives) to Philadelphia to address concerns. Send request to king demanding rights be restored
The Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 1775) British soldiers and colonists fight first battles of Revolution. “The shot heard round the world” – influenced independence movements around the world
The 2nd Continental Congress (1775-1776) Delegates returned to Philadelphia to determine next step Eventually decide to fight for independence
The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 Document declaring the colonies free from British control American Revolution lasts from 1775 to 1783 United States Constitution is ratified by 1789