American Revolution

Events that led to the American Revolution Stamp Act – taxes on all stamps and paper products Tea Act – stated the colonies could only buy tea from the British Boston Tea Party – a rebellion where the colonists dumb tea into the Boston Harbor to rebel against the tea act Boston Massacre – a rebellion of colonists against British soldiers ◦5 Colonists were killed by the British

Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson Declared the 13 Colonies were independent from Great Britain The declaration stated… ◦All men were created equal ◦Citizens inalienable rights = life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Revolutionary War George Washington was the commanding general Treaty of Paris – an official acknowledgement from Great Britain that the United States were, in fact, an independent country ◦Signed in a neutral place – Paris ◦Ended the Revolutionary War between the US and Great Britain

Articles of Confederation First written constitution of the United States of America States remained sovereign and independent Weak central/national government ◦Couldn’t tax citizens Didn’t work for reasons above ^

Constitution Written by James Madison Signed September 17, 1787 Supreme law of the land Established a federal system – National government with reserved powers for the states Established a checks and balances systems to prevent the national government from abusing its power Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the constitution Protect the basic human rights of all citizens Limits government power

Impact on the World News of the colonies successful revolution had an impact on many other governments ◦France specifically ◦France’s government was much like Great Britain’s ◦Merciless and heavy taxing on the people ◦Led to French Revolution