Enlightenment to a New Constitution American Revolution Enlightenment to a New Constitution

Causes of American Revolution Seven Years War -England and France were at war in Europe, India and America (French and Indian War). Fought for control of Ohio River Valley. Brit. Wins Canada and East of Miss. R. Costly war led Parliament to tax colonists. Stamp Act-taxed all printed items, newspapers, books, etc. Colonist opposed. Navigation Acts-Restricted trade to British companies.

Tension grows Though Stamp Act was repealed, Parliament passed Declaratory Act -stated Parliament had right to tax and make all decisions for colonies. “No taxation without representation” rally cry Boston Massacre kills five colonists (1770) Tea Act leads to Boston Tea Party (1773) Coercive Act (aka Intolerable Act) violated many rights given to English citizens

Reaction to British Colonists form First Continental Congress-asked King George III and Parliament to repeal all 13 acts since 1763. More British troops arrived in Boston. Colonists had organized militias to fight British. 1775, British troops try to seize supplies in Concord, met militias in Lexington & Concord. 99 Brits. Killed, 174 wounded. Word spread. 2nd Cont. Congress voted to form army under George Washington. Draw at Bunker Hill.

War Unavoidable Loyalists-colonist who want to remain British Patriots-colonists calling for independence Thomas Paine writes Common Sense. It circulates throughout colonies and convinced people the King and Parliament were acting like tyrants.

Independence Declared Thomas Jefferson wrote the Dec. of Ind. On July 4, 1776, 2nd Cont. Cong. approved it. Stated that natural rights should be protected. British saw it as a declaration of war. Geographic disadvantage helped colonists. Britain had to ship soldiers and supplies and fight on strange land. Colonist get $ and help from France primarily and Spanish and Dutch.

Victory for Colonies War lasts seven years ‘til 1783 when English troops under Cornwallis surrender to Washington’s army at Yorktown (1781). Treaty of Paris (1783) recognized America’s independence and ceded western territory to the Mississippi River. New nation under Articles of Confederation. Lacked power of central gov., gave all to states. Led to Constitutional Convention 1789.

The Constitution Constitution creates Federal System where power is shared by state and central govs. Main frame=3 branches (Montesquieu) Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances. Bill of Rights (1st ten amendments) to ensure rights that were taken away by King George III Would become a model of democracy for French (1789) and Latin America early 1800s and Africa and Asia in 20th century.