The American Revolution Why did the colonists in America revolt against the British government?

British Government vs. the Colonists Many Enlightenment Philosophers felt that the British government was the most progressive in Europe – colonists disagree Colonists felt the British King George III was a tyrant Britain’s colonies were prosperous causing the American population to grow The British-American possessions were divided into 13 colonies Each colony had its own government but still had to obey British law Example: the colonies could not sell their materials to any country except for Britain and had to pay a tax on goods that came from other countries In 1754, war broke out between France & Britain Britain & its colonies were victorious – Britain gains new wealth! Britain had run up a huge debt to fight this war King & Parliament expect colonists to pay for war – fought in America You guys pay for this war!!

Colonists were furious since Parliament voted for them to pay for the war Causes of the American Revolution Cause: British Parliament passes a stamp tax to help pay for the war. Colonists think no taxation w/o representation is a violation of their natural rights. They boycott British goods. Cause: Sugar and currency acts. Tax on sugar & British no longer allow colonists to print or use their own money.

Cause: The Boston Massacre - British troops open fire on colonists who are protesting the new taxes Cause: Tea Tax – Boston Tea Party occurs - colonists dump British tea into Boston Harbor in protest. This angers King George who closes Boston Harbor and has Parliament pass new taxes Cause: The Intolerable Acts - Quartering Act forces citizens to house British troops. Administration of Justice Act –Boston Massacre trial Moved to Britain

Effect: 7/4/1776: The Declaration of Independence is signed & the American Revolution Begins!