Chapter 2, Section 4 The Birth of a Democratic Nation (pages 51-56)

Main Idea: Britain tightened control of colonists after the colonists finally started running their own affairs. They resisted, and eventually declared their independence.

I. Colonial Resistance and Rebellion(51-53) A. The British government began to tighten its grip on colonies. B. George III adopted to the policy of mercantilism to hurt the colonists… 1. Mercantilism- The theory a country should sell more goods to other countries than it buys. ***British wanted to buy American raw materials at low prices and in return, sell the colonist’s British products at high prices!!!***

C. Britain won land in North America from France in the French and Indian War. 1. However, to prevent conflict with Native Americans colonists could not go west of Appalachian Mtns. 2. England had war debts 3.To pay off debts, British overtaxed Americans. D. Colonists refused these taxes stating “No Taxation Without Representation.”

British Debt from the French and Indian War (1:33)

8 Responses to Mass Taxation! 1. In protest, many colonists decided to boycott. Boycott- Refusal to buy 2. As a result, Parliament agreed to repeal the Stamp Act and other taxes. Repeal- To cancel 3. However, Parliament soon replaced old taxes with new taxes.

4. The Parliament then created Declaratory Act. - Declaratory Act- British said they had right to tax and make decisions for the colonies, at ALL costs! 5. Colonists again boycotted!

6. The Tea Act allowed the British East India Company to bypass colonial merchants and sell tea directly to shopkeepers at low prices without paying the taxes usually placed on tea 7. The Boston Tea Party ***In response, colonists blocked all ports, except in Boston. They dressed up as Native Americans and dumped the British tea into the harbor….***

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8. Parliament responded again, this time with Coercive Acts, which again restricted colonists rights…. (also called the Intolerable Acts) ***The Massachusetts Government Act made almost all positions in colonial government appointed by the Governor or the King.*** ***The Administration of Justice Act, to afford a fair trial despite prejudices of local juries against royal officials, authorized a change of venue for any trial of an official accused of misconduct.*** ***The Boston Port Act effectively closed the Port of Boston until damages for the Boston Tea Party were paid (however, they never were).*** ***The Quartering Act required that troops be housed not only in commercial and empty buildings but in occupied dwellings as well.***

II. Movement Toward Independence (54-56) A. Colonists sent delegates to a meeting in Philadelphia, known as the First Continental Congress. ***Colonists demanded King George III restore their rights! He responded with force!*** B. This led to the Revolutionary War. 1st battles were in Lexington and Concord (Mass.)

C. Colonists began questioning their loyalties to England. What is a revolution?? D. Colonists started thinking about independence. 1. Independence- Self-reliance or freedom from outside control E. At the Second Continental Congress, some delegates wanted independence. Some still felt loyal to England… (1:55)

F. Thomas Paine- Wrote pamphlet called Common Sense… 1. Pamphlet swayed the public toward independence. 2. Finally, Second Continental Congress agreed. Thomas Paine Common Sense

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III. The Declaration of Independence (36-38) A. Declaration was written mostly by Thomas Jefferson. ***It explained why the United States should be a free nation.*** B. DOI…Argued that British government did not look after the best interests of the colonists. ***Listed many abuses of the King.*** C. Said the purpose of government was to protect the rights of people, not to exploit them! ***Government should be based on the consent of the people, if not, people should overthrow it.***

D. John Locke- political philosopher that influenced Jefferson. 1.Locke saw government as a contract between the people and the rulers. 2. People give up certain freedoms to obtain certain protections.

E. Finally, The Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration on July 4, 1776. ***True freedom began when Britain recognized the Declaration at the war’s end.***

Mini Quiz!!! The Beatles- “Revolution” 1. What was the meeting of delegates in Philadelphia called? 2. Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence. 3. “A refusal to buy”? 4. The war between the Colonists and British was known as? 5. How did John Locke view government? 6. Who wrote “Common Sense” and why did it matter?