Causes of the American Revolution 1) Imperialism: Great Britain and the colonists have different goals. Method of rule in the colonies begins to change as a result.

Causes of the American Revolution 2) Enlightenment: a) Social Contract Theory of John Locke b) Natural rights c) Duty of government: d) Challenge authority

Causes of the American Revolution 3) Great Awakening: a) Widespread b) passionate belief c) Sense of equality d) willingness to challenge authority

Causes of the American Revolution 3) French-Indian War: a) GB is broke. b) Increased taxes and control c) Colonist resist taxes and control. d) Tension exists and increased over time

Causes of the American Revolution 4) Virtual Representation: The House of Commons represented all British subjects wherever they were. George Grenville

Causes of the American Revolution 5) Right to Self-Tax: According to British Law taxation could not exist without consent. Self imposed taxes were customary in the colonies.

Taxes External Taxes: imposed to regulate trade. Parliament Internal Taxes: imposed to raise revenue. Colonial legislatures

Consent of the Governed A condition urged by many as a requirement for legitimate government: that the authority of a government should depend on the consent of the people, as expressed by votes in elections. See Declaration of Independence, democracy, and John Locke.)legitimate governmentDeclaration of IndependencedemocracyLocke

Rights Where do natural or inalienable rights come from? How do we know? What are they? How can they be known? How can they be protected?

Acts and Laws that cause tension Declaratory Act: Parliament has the right to legislate for the colonies in all cases whatsoever. ◦ (mercantilism, imperialism) What is good for England is policy!

Acts and Laws that cause tension Townsend Duties Taxes paid by importer and pass on to the consumer. ◦ Glass, tea, lead, paper, paint

Acts and Laws that cause tension Quartering Act: ◦ Required colonies to furnish shelter and provisions for British troops. ◦ Later expanded to putting soldiers into private homes.

Acts and Laws that cause tension Proclamation of 1763: No settlers West of Appalachian Mts. GB is trying to avoid Indian Wars. Increased unrest in the colonies

Boycotts, Activism, Tension Nonconsumption: Boycott of British goods. Treatment of tax collectors: Mob rule: Tar and feathering:

Boston Massacre: March 5, dead 11 wounded 9 soldiers tried for murder in Boston 7 acquitted 2 convicted of manslaughter John Adams, Josiah Quincey

Boston Tea Party Dec. 16, men Dump Tea into Boston Harbor Leads to the Coercive Acts

Committees of Correspondence System of communication put in place to link the colonies, cities and towns to news and events.

Acts and Laws that cause tension Coercive Acts ◦ Port of Boston closed ◦ Parliaments supremacy enhanced ◦ Power of Royal Gov. expanded ◦ Councils are now appointed ◦ Representation is gone ◦ Trials of capital crimes in England or Canada. ◦ Military Rule

First Continental Congress Organized through committees of correspondence to respond to British actions. Not elected positions Not recognized by GB

First Continental Congress Declaration of Rights: ◦ Peace ◦ Liberty ◦ Security ◦ Representation ◦ Acknowledge GB regulation of trade ◦ Self-taxation

First Continental Congress Committees of Public Safety: Created by Continental Congress to enforce the boycott of British goods that they organized.

Legitimacy??? Committees of Correspondence Committees of Public Safety Continental Congress ◦ British view: ◦ Patriot view:

Battle of Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775 “Shot Heard Around the World” First Fighting of the War American Victory

Terms: Liberty Tyranny Militia Virtual Representation Consent of the governed External Taxes Internal Taxes Convicted Acquittal Manslaughter Citizen Subject Inalienable rights Common Law Constitution Parliament Enlightenment Despotism Absolutism