Unit 2 Revolution!

War Approaches Proclamation of 1763- King George III said settlers could not claim land west of the Appalachian Mountains. Sugar Act- raised taxes on imports of sugar Stamp Act- taxed all printed material Non-importation agreement- merchants refused to buy British goods until they repealed the stamp act.

Townshend Acts- Harsh regulations and taxes Writs of assistance- general search warrants to find traces of smuggling. Patriots- Want freedom from England Loyalists- want to stay part of Britain Sons of Liberty- group that demonstrated violence and demonstration to intimidate the tax collectors. Committee of correspondence- Secret line of communication between the 13 colonies about British activities.

The British cross the line… Boston Massacre- shooting of a crowd of protestors killing 5 total Boston Tea Party- raiding of British Tea Ships in Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Tax Act; dressed as Native Americans, rebels dumped 342 chests of Tea into the harbor. Britain responded-closed the port; banned town meetings; officials appointed by Britain only; tried British troops and officials in Britain only; required locals to give British troops quarter.

Don’t Hate the Playas…. George Washington- General of the Continental army and first U.S. President Thomas Paine- Wrote Common Sense; a pamphlet that attacked King George III as an enemy of free people in America. Thomas Jefferson- Main writer of the Declaration of Independence; speaker and leader in the Constitutional Convention

The Major Events 1st Continental Congress: arm against and defy British tyranny; 2nd Continental Congress: Appoint George Washington and prepare defense. Lexington and Concord battles were the opening shots of the war in April 1775. Bunker Hill built American confidence by winning July 4th 1776 signed Declaration of Independence Valley Forge settlement kills around 2500 continentals due to cold and hunger. Battle of Saratoga victory over British was a turning point in the war. Treaty of Paris Sept. 3, 1783 war ends; America begins.

What were the causes? Britain increased taxes to pay for their wars. Britain puts limitations on what the colonists can do. Rights are violated by British officials. Taxes and regulations anger merchants. Coercive Acts make things worse. Britain ignores compromises Shots fired at Lexington and Concord; Declaration of Independence signed and war begins.

What were the effects? U.S.A. is a new nation Bloody war; French ally themselves with U.S.A Republic constitutions are written in U.S.A. New American government based on republic Loyalists flee and Slaves get freed in the North. Voter rights expand.