The American Revolution

Focus of the Lecture The thirteen colonies developed independently, but united against Britain after the French and Indian War. The war left Britain in debt, and determined to increase its control over the colonies. Tensions resulting from this led to conflict, and a Declaration of Independence. The colonies rebelled and after eight years of fighting, American gained independence.

Study Questions What were the main sources of tension between Britain and the American colonies that led to the American Revolution? What were the strengths and weaknesses of each side in the Revolutionary War? Why did Britain lose?

Terms French and Indian War Intolerable Acts Continental Congress Thomas Paine Patriots versus Loyalists

French and Indian War Result of colonial rivalry between Britain and France, lasted from 1756-1763 War went badly for Britain until the British began to use their navy to blockade France, cutting off Canada and sent 20,000 troops to America. War ended in 1763 with Peace of Paris, giving Britain French lands in North America.

Border Changes after the Seven Years War

Results of the French and Indian War England had massive debt, and felt that the colonists should pay some of the cost of colonial defense. More important, the British ended their policy of “benevolent neglect,” and increased their control over the colonies. They decided that: a. colonists’ taxes would increase b. colonists would pay for British troops stationed in North America

“Benevolent Neglect” For most of the 1600s, the British government focused on domestic problems—whether king or Parliament would be the main power. The colonies developed on their own with little supervision from England. Colonies usually had an elected assembly, and developed freedom of the press. Britain’s main concern was economic, and passed acts requiring all goods going to or from the colonies to travel on English ships or through English ports (to be taxed).

Taxes To pay for the war and for troops, Britain put taxes on colonists. Similar taxes had been in place in England for many years. Two examples: Stamp Act (1765): first direct tax imposed by Parliament upon the colonies; tax on all legal documents, newspapers, playing cards; repealed in 1766 due to massive protest. Tea Act (1773):actually made tea cheaper, but legitimized Parliament’s right to impose taxes; let to Boston Tea Party

Cities with Stamp Act Protests

“Intolerable” Acts, 1774 Closed port of Boston until tea paid for Reduced powers of Massachusetts legislative, and gave governor the power of a dictator Required citizens to quarter (house) British soldiers

First Continental Congress As a result of the Intolerable Acts, twelve colonies (not GA) sent representatives to the First Continental Congress, which met in Philadelphia in 1774. The Congress agreed: (1) to boycott English goods, (2) requested the king to lift the Intolerable Acts, & (3) decided to meet again if the king refused to do so.

Reasons for the American Revolution 1. “No taxation without representation!” The colonists living in America paid taxes, but had no one representing the colonies in Parliament. 2. Permanent British troops in America Colonists brought the English distrust of standing armies with them Colonists had to pay for English soldiers British soldiers prevented settlers from moving from moving further west French threat no longer existed

April 1775: Fighting Begins British troops march on Concord,(Mass.) to capture guns militia stored there. Militia warned of this, and mobilized. Brief skirmish at Lexington; militia flee British march to Concord, retreat after fight at Concord Bridge British troops fired upon from woods on march back toward Boston

Thomas Paine, Common Sense Born in England, came to America in 1774 Pamphlet Common Sense published in 1776 Stated that “a government of our own is our natural right” Argued that England had no right to control America Criticized hereditary monarchy Called for a new democratic system Common Sense was helpful in explaining complex ideas to common people

Second Continental Congress Met in Philadelphia shortly after Lexington-Concord Created the Continental Army to fight Britain, under command of George Washington Took on all functions of a government July 4, 1776 issued Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government…”

Comparison Great Britain 13 Colonies Population 11 million 2.5 million Resources World Empire few Government Centralized Weak, loose Military Professional Part-time Army 50,000 None Navy 270 ships None

American Strengths and British Weaknesses Knew the land where the war was fought America allied with France, Spain, & Netherlands Fought for a cause they believed in Weaknesses: Never had more than 32,000 soldiers in America Had to occupy huge area with hostile population British had to fight far from their home country

A Civil War

The War Despite initial defeats, the American won a big victory at Saratoga (NY) in 1777, where over 7,000 British soldiers were killed or captured. British captured Philadelphia, forcing Americans to spend a terrible winter at Valley Forge.

The War, 1778-1781 In 1778, France (and later Spain and Netherlands) allied with the United States against Britain. Britain switched to fight in the South, and captured Charleston in 1780 and won several battles. At Cowpens and Yorktown in 1781 Americans won decisive victories.

Treaty of Paris, 1783, ends war United States gained its independence US gained all land east of the Mississippi and south of the Great Lakes (except Florida returned to Spain) American merchants for the first time could trade with anyone, anywhere in the world

Losses to the United States