US History-American Revolution US History Unit 2

Albany Plan An attempt to unify the colonies prior to the American Revolution. It was an attempt to further the colonies goals by combining their influence, political clout and power.

French & Indian War Causes: Effects: France and England both claimed the rights to the Ohio River. Both began to build forts in the area and trade with the native American tribes in the region. Effects: The war was costly to both France and England. England now controlled the Ohio river but did not allow the colonist to move into the region. England began to tax the colonist to pay off their debt.

Salutary Neglect Prior to the American Revolution, the British monarchy avoided the enforcement of laws to keep the British colonies loyal to the English King. Following the French & Indian War, the British empire was in debt and began to tax the colonist. The colonist were angered by the increasing British presence and taxes. Many began to cry “taxation without representation”. The colonist did not have a representative in the British parliament.

Causes of the American Revolution French and Indian War-the British government began increasing the taxes placed on the colonists. This increase in taxes caused the colonists level of frustration to increase because of their lack of representation in Parliament. Proclamation of 1763- Stopped westward settlements of lands west of the Appalachian mountains Sugar Act- Taxes on sugar and molasses Stamp Act- tax on all paper goods Quartering Act- Required the colonist to house British troops Boston Massacre- Clash between colonist protesters and British troops. Tea Act- tax on tea which led to the Boston Tea Party Boston Tea Party- An act of civil disobedience where colonist threw tea into the Boston harbor. Intolerable Acts- Punishment of colonist after the Boston Tea Party. 1. closed Boston’s port 2. deprived Massachusetts of self-government 3. allowed British officials to be tried in England 4. issued a stronger Quartering Act Olive Branch petition- Last attempt at peace. King George III never read it.

Civil Disobedience It is a refusal to obey a law we think is unjust. Colonist participated in protests to oppose British policies. A primary example of this, was the Boston Massacre.

Major Events of the American Revolution Declaration of Independence – The Second Continental Congress declared the colony’s independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. It was based on the listed grievances against the King and the belief found in the Magna Carta that the people have a right to overthrow a government not protecting the people’s rights. Articles of Confederation – First American Constitution written by the Second Continental Congress. It centered around a weak central government. It was a temporary governing document for the United States during the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord – 1st battles of the war (“The shot heard ‘round the world”) Valley Forge – harsh winter used to train troops; lack of food, supplies Saratoga – Turning point of the war; France joined the Colonists after this victory, tipping the scale and boosting American spirits Yorktown – The surrender of Cornwallis brought end to the fighting and beginning of negotiating for a treaty to end the war. Treaty of Paris – This treaty recognized the independence of the United States by Britain. Boundaries of the United States set at Canada in the North, the Mississippi River in the West, and Florida in the South

Significant Individuals of the American Revolution Abigail Adams – Abigail’s letters, supported the patriot causes King George III – King of England during Revolution; referred to as a “tyrant” and a “royal brute” John Adams – Delegate to Second Continental Congress, Committee to write Declaration of Independence Haym Saloman – Jewish merchant/banker – helped finance the American Revolution Wentworth Cheswell – Helped alert Paul Revere at Portsmouth Patrick Henry – “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Samuel Adams – Sons of Liberty, organized the Boston Tea Party Thomas Jefferson – author of Declaration of Independence Mercy Otis Warren – Propaganda (wrote poems and plays making fun of British officials) Marquis de Lafayette – trusted aid to Washington; French nobleman who helped train Continental soldiers at Valley Forge James Armistead – spy who helped save Yorktown Thomas Paine – wrote “Common Sense” and “The Crisis” which convinced many Americans to support independence Benjamin Franklin – obtained help from France and Albany Plan of Union George Washington – Commander-in-chief of Continental Army Bernado Galvez – Spanish governor of Louisiana who aided us during Am. Rev. John Paul Jones – Father of the American navy – “I have not yet begun to fight!” Crispus Attucks – African American member of Sons of Liberty killed in Boston Massacre

Declaration of Independence List of Grievances Addressed in the Constitution Credit: Humble ISD