The American Revolution

The American Colonies 1607- 1750s Colonies prosper when left alone Three ways colonies are tied to England/ Great Britain Economy- Trade Mercantilism and the Navigation Acts Culture- Enlightenment and Great Awakening Militarily- expansion/ frontier wars Protection from French and Natives

The French and Indian War Causes: Control of the Ohio Valley Course: 1756- 1763 (‘54- ’60?!) The French were winning most of the time Fought mostly in New York and Penn. PM Pitt turned European front over to the Prussians and sent more troops to North America The British won after Battle of Quebec

The French and Indian War Results: Treaty of Paris (1763) British got Ohio British got Canada British got the Miss. River (except N.O) British most powerful country in the world!!!! Proclamation of 1763: British DEBT How resolve the debt? Pay for protection??

British and colonial relations worsen Sugar Act: Stamp Act 1765: Tea Act Townshend Acts 1767 Intolerable Acts

Colonial response to the Acts Protests Committees of Correspondence Boston Tea Party Boston Massacre Continental Congress

Fighting the American Revolution British Strengths British Weaknesses American Strengths American Weaknesses

Fighting the American Revolution April, 1775 Lexington and Concord British troops sent to seize colonial weapons August, 1775 George III declared COLONIES in rebellion War official British were winning at most of the time Control of major cities Continentals/ guerillas won’t surrender countryside Americans win after Yorktown! Treaty of Paris (1783)

Fighting the American Revolution African Americans- 1775- not enlisted, at first 1778- GW approves enlistment of free blacks Got ~5,000 Why- opportunity to show self-worth Mostly for labor, guides, or as spies 1775/9- British freed all slaves who joined them ~500 Native Americans- most side with the British to protect their lands

Fighting the American Revolution Women Mostly behind the scenes Running their home/ farm/ business Raise money/ supplies Sewing Melting lead Nurses Spies

Common Sense Thomas Paine calls for separation from GB Speaking out about independence Signals a change in public opinion

The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson To explain why we fight No new ideas, lots of “cut and paste” Main points: Life, liberty, property Abuses by King George III Parl. hasn’t fixed the problems Sooooooo, we declare independence

Articles of Confederation An alliance of independent states Weak central government One branch legislature No power to tax, get supplies, or men to fight Shay’s Rebellion shows weaknesses 1787- Convention to revise Articles … Constitution