The American Revolution A Unique Transition to Modern Democracy

Problems in the Colonies Taxation without Representation -In 1763, England began taxing the colonists on various goods to pay for the wars against France and the American Indians Quartering of British Soldiers -The Quartering Act required colonist to house and feed troops Limited Freedom in a Free World -The colonists were living in a new world far from the English government. They had developed their own cultural, political, and economic systems independent of England

Enlightenment Ideals in the Colonies The 13 colonies had their own form of representative government. Example: The First Continental Congress Each state tolerated political freedom Thomas Paine writes Common Sense, challenging the English government The colonists were prepared to write a social contract and declare independence John Locke’s ideas influenced our founding fathers ambition to declare independence from England

Political Factions Develop Patriots supported the revolution -believed in the Enlightenment ideals -lawyers, business owners, public officials -willing to fight against the English army Loyalists supported the King of England -believed in Constitutional Monarchy -farmers, recent immigrants, older people -willing to fight along side the English army Neutrals refused to support either side of the revolution -believed in political freedom but did not support a revolution -farmers, American Indians, slaves -not willing fight either side because they would still be under the control of a government

Road to Revolution March 5, 1770, an unruly mob is fired upon by English troops in Boston Harbor -Boston Massacre England continues to tax the colonists without allowing them representation December 16, 1773, The Boston Tea Party is a direct revolt against the tea tax In response, England passes the Coercive Acts shutting down Boston harbor until the colonists pay their taxes

Road to Revolution September 1774, The First Continental Congress representing every colony meets to discuss the abuses of England -colonists should not obey the Coercive Acts -States should create their own militias April 1775, England enforces Coercive Acts and begins suppressing open rebellion On April 19th 1775, a Massachusetts Militia encounters the English Army An unordered gun shot begins the American Revolution

Declaring Independence As war across America spread, the Continental Congress began writing a formal declaration of independence Colonies formed their own bicameral legislatures and writing state constitutions They all supported a formal break from England

The Declaration of Independence Equality -”That all men are created equal…” Unalienable Rights -”…are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights….life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Consent of the Governed -”…governments are instituted among men, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed…” Limited Government -”…such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former government systems…”

The End of Revolution On Feb 4, 1783, England ceases hostilities in America In April the new US Congress declares the end of the Revolutionary War Loyalists leave America for Canada or to go back to England The Treaty of Paris is signed by the US and England officially declaring the independence of the new American republic

A Unique Revolution The colonists were still subjects under English Law but lived very far away from the Government It created a whole new nation instead of changing the political system within a country The colonies did not have a unified army and beat the largest army in the world at the time The organization and foundation of US government was directly influenced by Enlightenment Philosophy