PRECONDITIONS The Road to the Revolution

“What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from , in the course of fifteen years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.” John Adams August 24, 1815 Question: Explain in your own words what Adams is saying in this passage.

Benjamin Rush Consider Benjamin Rush’s attitude in this diary entry. What emotions are displayed? How would you characterize Rush’s behavior?

The Road to the Revolution In many ways, the American Revolution was unpredicted Colonists were the most loyal subjects to the British Crown Colonists were immensely proud to be British Reluctant Revolutionaries

Underlying Strains Salutary Neglect The Enlightenment The Great Awakening

Salutary Neglect Britain passed few laws to govern the colonies  Remain loyal to Britain  Trade only with Britain (Mercantilism) The Colonies left on their own to develop  Benefitted both Britain and the colonies

The Enlightenment Movement built on Reason  Shed superstition in the face of Reason and logic  Embrace science rather than tradition  Applied reason to ideas of government (Locke)

The Great Awakening 1740s were a period of religious revival New religions sprouted Stressed ‘democratic’ ministry Stressed looking out for one’s neighbors

The French and Indian War Brought out the strains in the relationship Seven year war against the French and their allies Ended in a British victory  Britain took all of Canada from France  Britain took control of North America east of the Mississippi

However, Doubled the British Debt Removed the French from North America Gave Britain a world empire to control

Helped create trouble Parliament felt colonies had to be kept in line Concerns arose over conflict between colonists and Native Americans Britain had to pay down its debt