The American Revolution

Causes of the French and Indian War France’s fur trade expands into the Mississippi Valley Relies on Natives to capture animals Everyone wants the Ohio River Valley! King William’s War leads to border conflicts with French and Spanish Britain wins Canada Tension between French and British leads the French to built forts along borders Are the French preparing for war? British send a young Colonel George Washington to challenge French forts, and is defeated at Fort Necessity

The French and Indian War (1754-1763) Three phases: British attempt to stop France from reinforcing Canada while colonists fight of Indian attacks War expands to Europe, so PM William Pitt issues orders to colonists, military recruitment, seizure of colonial supplies Relaxing of policies against colonists, control to colonial assemblies, fort Quebec attacked and defeated by British forces

Effects of French and Indian War Peace of Paris Ascension of King George III to throne France surrenders British gain parts of West Indies, Canada, New Orleans (which is given to Spain) Drain of British treasury Colonists had worked together against common enemy Frustration with British government for impressment, seizure, quartering Proclamation of 1763 To appease Natives, British government forbids colonists from spreading west of Appalachians

British-Colonist Tensions Taxes increased to pay off French-Indian War Stamp Act, Tea Act, etc. Salutary neglect “Taxation without Representation” Quartering of Troops Boston Massacre Boston Tea Party

Independence! Enlightenment ideas to justify independence Demand same rights as people in England King refused Justified in rebelling against tyrant who had broken social contract July 4, 1776: Second Continental Congress issues Declaration of Independence (written by Jefferson) Based on ideas of Locke (life, liberty, property and responsibility to rebel against unjust ruler)

American Revolution “Patriot” forces led by General George Washington against “Lobsterbacks” or “Redcoats” Reasons the patriots won: Defending their homeland Know the terrain Britain is overconfident War was expensive for British France aids the Americans (enemy of England) After being weakened at Guilford Courthouse, Cornwallis flees to Yorktown, where he is defeated

The Republic of America Necessity of a central government “Articles of Confederation” recognize government by representatives, weak central government Creation of Constitution to allow stronger central government (1787) Based on ideas of Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau Checks and balances Bill of Rights Part of Constitution that protects individual rights Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly