The American Revolution

Do Now 1. List three things that angered the American colonists. 2. What was the response of the colonists to the injustices of England? 3. What did the Coercive Acts of 1774 do?

DNWTD Most people thought of fighting the British for the purpose of defending their rights Most rejected fighting for independence

First Continental Congress (1774) 55 delegates from 12 colonies Agenda  How to respond to the Coercive Acts, intolerable acts, etc..? Decide to use boycotts and other protests

The War Begins April 19, 1775 war erupted in Lexington and Concord (West of Boston) British troops were attacked when they tried to arrest people for stockpiling weapons Militia (patriots) killed 200 British soldiers

A call to Arms

The Second Continental Congress (1775) Announced the decision to declare Independence!! Thomas Jefferson was the main author

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Independence Hall

Reasons for the Declaration of Independence Governments must be: Representative of the people Limited in power by recognition of human rights When a government abuses its power, the people have a right to overthrow it

Grievances against the King Dissolving colonial assemblies Keeping British troops in the colonies Imposing taxes without consent

Loyalists vs. Patriots Loyalists- Colonists who were loyal to the British Crown 1/5 of the colonists remained loyal Most were wealthy elitists

Thomas Paine: Common Sense

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” Set forth arguments for American Independence Said it made no sense for a small island kingdom like G.B. to rule a larger America