The American Revolution Mr. White’s World History 1

Big Questions After this section, we should be able to answer this question: How did the American colonists win the war of independence and create a new nation and form of government?

After Lexington The Battle of Lexington makes many American colonists think that… War is very likely It is time to declare independence from Great Britain However, not all agree with this Second Continental Congress decides to send one last attempt at peace to King George of England – Olive Branch Petition The British government ignores this letter to King George

Thomas Paine’s Influence Thomas Paine gives some of the best persuasion for independence Writes a pamphlet called, “Common Sense” Explains all the reasons that the colonies should separate from Great Britain Circulates among the American colonies, and convinces many Americans that independence is the way to go Congress decides to draft a declaration of independence

The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson personally writes the American Declaration of Independence, explaining the American colonies’ reasons for separating from Great Britain Jefferson was a fan of John Locke, and incorporated many of his ideas in the Declaration Individuals have basic natural rights that cannot be taken away by government Governments were created by an agreement between the rulers and the ruled If the ruler loses the support of the people, the people have the right to change the government through rebellion Declaration is adopted on July 4th, 1776

The Revolutionary War The war for independence was long and bitter Americans lacked a strong army – lose most of the battlefield engagements Washington – main strategy was to keep the army alive and fighting The Americans were able to get the French to help them win independence from Britain, but not until late in the war

British Strategy British strategy was to fight the war like a typical war, with… Battlefield victories Capture cities and blockade ports The British had the disadvantages of a long-distance war Also had to conquer the entire country to win With French help, the Americans capture the main British army at Yorktown, effectively ending the war

American Government British recognized American independence in 1783 At first, the United States was a confederation, a loose union of independent states under the Articles of Confederation Government was too weak to deal with national problems 1787 – Nation’s leaders wrote, then ratified the Constitution of the United States, forming a stronger national government, and a “more perfect union.”

The Constitution The Constitution set up a federal system Political authority is divided between the national and state governments Powers of the government are separated into three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial Checks and balances limit the power of all three branches

The Constitution, Part 2 President elected, instead of a hereditary monarch Voting allowed only by white males with certain property qualifications Bill of Rights – document outlining rights laid aside for the people that the government must protect – freedom of religion, speech, press, right to private property, trial by jury

Impact of the American Revolution The Constitution and the United States proved that Enlightenment ideas could work in practice This independence inspired many other countries around the world to declare independence The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are still used as templates for other countries that want a similar form of government