Tensions Leading to War, The Declaration, and the Effects of the War on Society Chapter 4 Review

British Acts: Stamp & Townshend March, 1765: George Grenville persuades Parliament to pass the Stamp Act. This act requires colonists to purchase special stamped paper for every legal document, license, newspaper, pamphlet, and almanac. The special “duties” were also imposed on dice and playing cards. This was a direct tax, which colonists reacted to with boycotts and violence against customs officials. Tarring and feathering were common. Although the British repealed the Stamp Act, they issued the Declaratory Act which asserted that Parliament had the right to create laws in the colonies. the Townshend Act was indirect. It taxed materials such as glass, lead, paint and paper. It also placed a three-penny tax on tea. Colonists would again boycott British goods by making their own tea, clothing, and forgoing the purchase of British luxuries.

Key Points Question #1 Stamp Act = Direct Tax /Townshend Act = Indirect Tax Colonists rebelled against taxes by beating up officials and refusing to pay. They also boycotted British goods. Although Britain repealed each tax that colonists resisted, they passed one after another: Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Act, Declaratory Act These interactions eventually escalate into war.

The Declaration of Independence The Declaration stated that people had “natural, unalienable” rights. Jefferson called these rights “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Jefferson also declared that the government derived its power from the consent of the governed. This also meant that people had the right to alter or abolish a government they felt was encroaching on their rights. Jefferson took these ideals from John Locke’s essays which came from the Enlightenment. Locke argued that life, liberty, and private property should be under the protection of the government elected by the people. Unfortunately, the marginalized population was left out of the Declarations clauses. These were the women, Native Americans, and African-Americans (free and enslaved). The Revolutionary promise only applied to the white males in the colonies, and this contradicted the “all men are created equal,” statement.

Key Points Question #2 “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” – DOI Stated American Independence from Britain Used ideals of John Locke (Life, Liberty, Property) as well as Locke’s beliefs in a government “of the people” These egalitarian ideals only applied to white males

The Effect of the American Revolution on Society The revolution effected all levels of society, especially the economy. The Congress ran out of gold and silver and had to borrow money through selling bonds to investors and foreign governments. They printed paper money, called Continentals, to pay troops. But massive amounts of paper money being printed without gold to back it led to inflation. Equipment was also in short supply due to the naval blockade, and some agencies engaged in profiteering. This was the sale of goods of poor quality for a profit. Congress appointed Robert Morris as superintendent of finance and he, with the help of Haym Salomon, raised money from a variety of sources to pay the troops in specie (gold coin). Society was also impacted by the loss of workforce since males went to war, as well as the southern loss of over 100,000 slaves that escaped during this time. Women in particular, felt the effects of war.

Key Points Question #3 Economic Effects = Inflation & Profiteering Social Effects = Loss of workforce & Women’s roles Congress appoints Morris & Salomon who work to finance the war using foreign bonds.

Roles of the “Other,” in the War Wives were left at home to manage farms, businesses, and raise children. Women also volunteered their services by mending and washing clothes, and making ammunition out of silverware. And some brave women went to war to support their husbands. The most famous was “Molly Pitcher” who was a noncommissioned officer. Many African Americans escaped to freedom, while others joined the fight. They generally joined the side that offered freedom, and some became famous. James Armistead was one such African American who acted as a double spy and aided our victory at Yorktown. Native Americans remained neutral for the most part, while some fought for the British. They feared the colonial advancement into their territories if the British lost the war.

Key Points Question #4 Women: Ran the home front and some would go to war Black Americans: Fought for whomever offered freedom Native Americans: Remained neutral or joined British An enemy 3000 miles a way is far less a threat then one 300 miles away.

Essay Tips Create an argument for the question, “Was war with Britain inevitable [unavoidable]?” Find evidence to support why you think the war was or wasn’t inevitable. Write 5 paragraphs and complete it BEFORE the test!

Essay: An Inevitable War? Following the Seven Years’ War, Britain began to heavily tax the colonists. The Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts were attempts to reduce the national debt in Britain. Colonial reactions to the increase in taxes (i.e. boycotts and violent protests) led to the influx of British troops entering the colonies, which led to some crucial events such as the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and the rise of the Sons of Liberty and committees of correspondence. It can be argued that America was unfairly treated since they were not given representation in British Parliament and many of the policies passed were oppressive to the residents of America. It can also be argued that American’s reacted poorly to British taxes even though British citizens paid 4 times higher taxes in England. What argument do you believe or stand behind?