Unit 1 Historical Perspectives 1750-1800 pgs. 12-15
Founded on Freedom Freedom established colonies Mainly religious freedom Pilgrims and Puritans in Massachusetts Quakers in Pennsylvania Catholics in Maryland
An “American” Society Independent from each other Valued equality and opportunity African slaves Indentured servants Governments not completely democratic Expected more rights and freedoms than England Thirteen American Colonies: http://www.ducksters.com/history/colonial_america/thirteen_colonies.jpg
Tightening Controls Colonists prideful of government Great Britain won French/Indian War Problems, demands Proclamation of 1763 Colonists could not settle beyond Appalachian Mountains Britain imposes taxes Security Britain establishes Intolerable Act in 1774 1775 American Revolution began Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts Appalachian Mountain Map: http://geography.name/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/89843-004-DBECEB58.gif
Declaring Independence First Continental Congress in Massachusetts Six months before first shots Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia Shortly after first shots Colonies declare independence from Great Britain July 4, 1776
Breaking the Bonds Seven years for independence Population British goal: keep rebellious colonies within British Empire American colonists: divided 20% loyal to crown Many uncertain of independence Population American colonies: 2.5 million, fighting on home territory Great Britain: 7.5 million, most powerful army and navy, 3,000 miles away from home French join war in 1778 Sided with America Brought military aid, won Yorktown Treaty of 1783 Brought Revolutionary War to an end
Defining Freedoms Structure new government Constitution Articles of Confederation, 1777 Colonies is one nation Weakness: each state free to function as its own Triggered the United States Constitution Constitution Not completely satisfied Bill of Rights Guarantees individual liberties Not for enslaved Africans, indentured servants, or women (20%)
Motivating Force Freedom Even today American Flag: http://cdn.history.com/sites/2/2015/04/John-Birch-Society-American-Flag-hero-E.jpeg