Road to Revolution

Roots of Revolution Political: Americans became protective of their rights Republicanism – Citizens sacrifice for the common good Radical Whigs – Feared Monarch & ministers unchecked power Economical Mercantilism – Wealth was power and wealth is measured in gold & silver More exports (selling) than imports (buying) = more wealth America provides the natural resources and the market Passed laws (ex. Navigation Laws) to protect English business No currency of their own – Bought so much, not enough $$ left Legal Royal Veto – The right to nullify any law passed by colonies

Mercantilism Good Bad English bought American ship parts Tobacco monopoly Free military protection Stifled American businesses at the expense of British biz Left Americans dependent on English credit & biz Felt used; an unappreciated economy

British Laws anger Americans Start to enforce Navigation Laws Sugar Act (1764) Higher taxes on foreign sugar; reduced after uproar Quartering Act (1765) Colonies required to provide food and shelter for soldiers Stamp Act (1765) Mandated the use of stamped paper certifying payment of tax

Stamp Act Uproar No taxation without representation Taxation vs. Legislation Parliament can legislate but only colonies can tax Colonial responses: Stamp Act Congress NY meeting of top colonists requests repeal First meeting of colonial leaders  dissolving differences Nonimportation agreements Boycotts of British made goods Sons & Daughters of Liberty Tarred & feathered Burned effigies

Repeal England hard hit by boycott America bought ¼ of all British export Merchants & manufacturers lay off workers Britain pays 2/3rds of taxes to protect Colonies 1766 – Stamp Act Repealed 1766 – Declaratory Act Parliament has right to bind colonies in all cases whatsoever