Revolutionary War

New tax on paper products like newspapers Stamp act - 1765 New tax on paper products like newspapers Because of this the colonists started the slogan “No taxation without representation!”

Boston massacre - 1770 Because there were more taxes, Britain sent soldiers to control the colonies A group of colonists gathered to protest the taxes in Boston They threw rocks and snowballs at the British soldiers 5 colonists died Colonists newspapers called this a massacre Colonial court declared British soldiers “not guilty”

Boston tea party - 1773 Tea Act: tax on tea Tea was the most popular drink so the colonists were angry Ships carrying British tea were docked in Boston Harbor Some colonists disguised themselves as Native Americans and dumped the tea overboard Effects: It helped join the colonists together It made Parliament angry

Causes of the revolution posters With your group, complete a poster about your word Your poster must: Definition – write BIG and clear Picture in color

First continental Congress - 1774 Leaders from all of the colonies met in Philadelphia in 1774 Group said that the colonies had a right to have a say in their laws If Britain used force, colonists would fight back

Common sense by thomas paine Book written by Thomas Paine who was an Englishman He made the argument that the colonies should be independent based on common sense points Ex: The idea of kings is silly because the only thing that makes a king is that he’s born one Effect: it made colonists angry enough to start a war with the British

Battles of Lexington and concord - 1775 Beginning of the American Revolution The fighting was between the minutemen (the colonists who were ready to be soldiers) and the redcoats (British soldiers) They fought in the Lexington and Concord Massachusetts

Patriot Army British Army Name The Continental Army The British Army Leaders Washington, Lafayette Cornwallis Skills Untrained, did not behave like soldiers Well trained, followed orders well Supplies Badly lacked guns, food, and unfirms Had excellent weapons, supplies, and uniforms Location Fighting in their own land so home court advantage Fighting far away from home Purpose To get freedom To do their duty to their government Strengths Fighting for a cause – angry at Britain Well trained soldiers, best navy in the world, more money, more soldiers Weaknesses Less soldiers and they had little training Fighting in unfamiliar land

Patriot, loyalist, or neutral? Patriot: colonist who wanted independent from Britain Loyalist: colonist who wanted to remain a colony with Britain Neutral: did not have an opinion for either side

Let’s argue! With our words… Pick whether you are an American OR British solider Write a letter to your friend who is on the opposite side. You are trying to convince them to join your side using specific strengths from your side and pointing out weaknesses from the other side

Declaration of independence - 1776 Document written at the Second Continental Congress that said the colonies were officially separating from Britain Written by Thomas Jefferson Approved by Congress July 4, 1776

Important ideas in the declaration Using the Declaration of Independence, find an example for each of the following big ideas. List the line numbers where you find these ideas in the text 1. All people are created equal 2. People (men!) have rights that come from God; these can’t be taken away 3. People have the right to live, to be free, and to seek happiness 4. Governments get their power from the people 5. People have the right to get rid of an unfair government