Road to Revolution The Lead up to Revolt

Seven Years’ War Battle raged across numerous continents French vs. British, and all others they could bring in Losses significant, initially very high for British Solution for King George II – Bring in William Pitt – Strategy and focus changes – More Money

Cont…. James Wolfe leads British to victories, with a cost Treaty of Paris – Signed 1763 – Signifies end of war – Draws boundaries, Great Britain gets new territory British have won, but what did they win?

Relationship Put to Test Tensions mount after war Stories of disloyal colonists surface – Poor soldiers – Trading activities with French Indies during war Proclamation of 1763 – Keep standing army present – Form of protection against Native American population and French – Keep colonists from expanding beyond Appalachian Frontier

Victory Has a Price Great Britain struggling to pay off wartime debts George Grenville has a plan – Sugar Act: 1764 goal was to reduce the amount of smuggling taking place and allow for Great Britain to increase revenue. – Currency Act: 1764 did not allow colonies to make own paper money or currency. – Quartering Act: 1765/1775 stated that colonist were to provide appropriate accommodations to British troops sent over. – Stamp Act: All printed material and commercial documents were to be taxed and had to carry a special stamp.

Resistance Brings Unity Boycotts implemented against British goods Assemblies protest Newspapers get involved, on both sides Tax collectors feel the heat English start to feel effects Taxation without Representation unacceptable

An Intolerable Act Plan B: Townshend’s Acts – Increase revenue – Decrease amount of American authority Greater form of resistance felt Resentment felt throughout the colonies Organizations in opposition sprouting up

Forms of Resistance Son’s of Liberty: highly informed on British activities worldwide, inspired own fight Boston Massacre: Bostonians vs. Redcoats, 5 killed Samuel Adams: constructs committees of correspondence to unite colonies, led Boston Tea Party activity, 1773

First Continental Congress American liberties at risk Declaration of Rights and Grievances adopted in 1774, colonies not Parliament had rights to tax and legislate Demands not radical, repeal of Coercive Acts key Stronger form of unification developing

Common Sense Pride in being English begins to deteriorate Movement against British authority taking hold Boston center for resistance activity – General Gage plays key role – First battle, 1775