Aim: How did Colonial discontent lead to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War? Do Now: Why were the colonists so upset? Based on this account, does it seem like a “party”? Why do you think it was labeled like that?

The Boston Tea Party (1773) In early 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act, which made the British East India Company the only official seller of tea in the colonies (cutting Colonial Merchants out of the loop). In response, on December 16, 1773, a group of Colonists, some dressed as Native Americans, boarded a group of ships in Boston Harbor and dumped the tea into the water, destroying it.

The Intolerable Acts The Americans have tarred and feathered your subjects, plundered your merchants, burnt your ships, denied all obedience to your laws and authority; yet so clement and so long forbearing has our conduct been that it is incumbent on us now to take a different course. Whatever may be the consequences, we must risk something; if we do not, all is over.- British Prime Minister North, April Based on this quote, what are the British likely to begin doing in regards to the colonists?

The Intolerable Acts Boston Port Act: Closes Boston Harbor until the British East India Company is repaid for the destroyed tea Massachusetts Government Act: Brought the government of Colonial Massachusetts under the control of Parliament Administration of Justice Act: Allowed people accused of crimes in the Colonies to be tried anywhere in the British Empire. Quartering Act: Expanded the powers of the British Military to quarter soldiers in Colonial housing.

The First Continental Congress Upset over the Intolerable Acts, the First Continental Congress was called on September 5, 1774 in Philadelphia. Members were sent from 12 colonies, all except Georgia (who still hoped for a peaceful resolution) The Colonists demanded a repeal of the Intolerable Acts or they would boycott all British goods and cut off trade with Britain entirely. Do you think the establishment of this new unified government was a turning point in Colonial history? Why?

Lexington and Concord In order to help resist the British, the Massachusetts government began stockpiling weapons in violation of British law. The British learn of this, and send a group of soldiers to confiscate the weapons and arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere learns of this plan and seeks to warn the colonists of the coming British. What do you know about Paul Revere and this event?

Lexington and Concord The British arrive at Lexington and scatter the Colonial militia who flee to Concord There, joined by a group of Minutemen (American militia who would quickly assemble to fight threats), the Colonists beat back the British soldiers, forcing them on a humiliating retreat back to Boston. With shots now officially fired, do you think there’s any hope of a peaceful solution?