Revolutionary Change in the Atlantic World, 1750-1850 Chapter 23

I. Prelude to Revolution, The Eighteenth-Century Crisis A. Colonial Wars and Fiscal Crises Newly independent Netherlands attacked American and Asian colonies of Spain and Portugal in the 1600s Great Britain (a rising sea power) checked Dutch power, ended Dutch monopoly of African slave trade Britain and France struggled for dominance and territory. War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) French and Indian War/Seven Years War (1756-1763) British victory led to control of North America east of Miss. River, France surrendered holdings in India Traditional taxes couldn’t pay off huge war debts.

II. The American Revolution, 1775-1800 A. Frontiers and Taxes After the French and Indian War, Britain tried to limit settler pressure on Amerindian lands and get colonists to shoulder more of the costs of the empire. British didn’t treat natives as well as the French did; potential for new violence existed all along frontier (Pontiac’s Rebellion) Proclamation of 1763: limited colonial expansion to Appalachian mountains, ineffective Series of tax laws angered colonists (Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townsend Duties, etc.) Boycotts of British goods (Sons of Liberty), some violent protests Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770): British troops opened fire on angry Boston crowd, killed 5 Parliament repealed some taxes but insisted on its right to tax colonists Colonists disagreed: no taxation without representation!

B. The Course of Revolution, 1775-1783 Patriot leaders began creating new governments, militias Continental Congress (1775) 56 delegates (rich, white guys) met in Philadelphia Boycott British goods, called for colonial militias, appealed to king asking for understanding Organized army led by George Washington Battles at Lexington and Concord between patriots and British troops Kicked off the Revolutionary War, 1775 Common Sense by Thomas Paine, 1776 Pamphlet written in a simple, direct style urged the colonists to break from Britain Declaration of Independence, 1776 Delegates from the 1st Continental Congress met again. A committee prepared reasons for the separation; Thomas Jefferson drafted it. Influenced by the Enlightenment (science and reason), especially John Locke

Increase in British troops did not calm colonists. Amerindians (Iroquois Confederacy) fought on both sides. American victory at Saratoga (Oct. 17, 1777): biggest American victory; turning point in the war Convinced France that America had a chance to win, Spain followed Gen. Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. Washington in the Battle of Yorktown (1781) The Treaty of Paris (1783): Peace treaty that formally ended the war Great Britain recognized American independence. Borders set Britain agreed to withdraw troops Congress recommended that no action be taken against Loyalists, would repay war debts

C. The Construction of Republican Institutions, to 1800 News states drafted constitutions, voted on for ratification Articles of Confederations: first constitution of the U.S. Americans feared a strong central government, so the national government had limited powers. One-house legislature, each state gets one vote, 9 votes needed for major laws No president, no power to tax (only states could) Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in May 1787 to draft new constitution 3 branches of government Great Compromise: bicameral legislature House of Representatives based on state’s population, equal representation in the Senate Slavery continued; three-fifths compromise Women helped in all areas of the war, denied political rights after