Birth of the American Republic Geller World History

Reasons for Britain’s Rise to Power Location (wonderful for trade) Climate History of winning wars (French and Indian War and the Seven Years’ War) Expansion of territory (England acquired Scotland, Wales and Ireland by 1801)

Colonists Express Discontent The Seven Years’ War and the French Indian War cost Britain a lot of money King George III taxed the colonists to pay for the war The Sugar Act in 1764 The Stamp Act in 1765 The colonists protested “No taxation without representation”

Colonists Rebel Against Britain The Boston Massacre in 1770 The Boston Tea Party in 1773 In April 1775, the colonists and British declared war in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts The Continental Army was led by George Washington

The Colonists Declare Independence In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence Significance of the Declaration of Independence Gave all people rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness Gave people the right to “alter or abolish” unjust governments (idea from Locke) Established “popular sovereignty”= all government power comes from the people

The American Revolution 1777: the colonists won at the Battle of Saratoga This victory persuaded France to join the war on the side of the colonists In 1781, France blocked the Chesapeake Bay, and Washington forced the surrender of the British at Yorktown, Virginia 1783: Americans, British and French signed the Treaty of Paris and ended the war