The Road to Lexington and Concord

Militia –a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency. Minutemen –A member of the Massachusetts colony militia who could quickly be ready to fight the British Sons of liberty –A secret society that was formed to protect the rights of the colonists and to take to the streets against the abuses of the British government. Patriot –A colonist against British rule Loyalist –A colonist who supported the British monarch and laws Key Vocabulary

What Really Happened At The Boston Massacre? Click the link above. This will open Discovery Education. Your login is the same as your normal computer log in, however, you will add the following after your log in then use your normal password. After you have logged in, view “Boston Massacre: Facts and Fiction.” After you have viewed the video, return to this assignment and go to the next slide.

Aftermath of Boston Massacre? Soldiers acquitted-self defense John Adams-lawyer defended soldiers 1770 Parliament repealed the Townshend Acts-kept tea tax Tea Act in 1773-a law that gave one company…THE EAST INDIA COMPANY the exclusive right to sell tea.

The Boston Tea Party Click the link above to view video on The Boston Tea Party

British reaction: King George was infuriated….. Passed a series of laws called the “Intolerable acts” A direct attack on colonists rights and liberties.

Intolerable Acts Closed the port of Boston until colonists paid for the destroyed tea. Altered the Mass. Charter to ban town meetings. Replaced elected council with an appointed one. Increased governor's power. Protected British officials accused of crimes in the colonies from being tried by the colonist. Allowed British officers to house troops in private dwellings.

First Continental Congress Delegates from all colonies except Georgia met in Philadelphia. Ban all trade with Britain Have each colony train troops. Click the link above to view video on The First Continental Congress

The Reactions British Stood firm The colonist forced unelected officials to resign. Colonists were ready to fight….Patrick Henry speech. They believed that it would be a short fight with Britain and Britain would change their policies. Click the link below to hear a clip of the Patrick Henry speech then return to presentation and go on to next slip. Patrick Henry Speech

British/Colonist Both had spies keeping track of one another. British learned that the Mass. Militia was storing arms and ammunition. General Gage ordered troops to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock and destroy supplies

The Midnight Ride Sons of liberty were prepared for this. Paul Revere went to spread the news about the British troop movements. Had a system to alert colonists. Click the link above to hear The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Lexington and Concord First battles of The American Revolution Americans would have to choose sides….. a PATRIOT or a LOYALIST. Battle Lexington Click the link below. View the first video at the top of the list