1. Origins of the American Revolution
Forging a Revolutionary Chain

2. ‘ngland!! By God American pride and loyalty to England were at a peak
Idea of independence was inconceivable
Colonial protesters said they were demanding their “rights as Englishmen”

3. The Revolutionary Chain
In the 1760s & 70s “chain of events” occur which brings about a desire by many Americans for independence
Based on philosophical beliefs
Belief develops among the colonists that British actions are aimed at stealing their liberty
It wasn’t always what the British were trying to do but what the colonists thought they were trying to do

4. Philosophical Causes The Enlightenment Classical Republicanism
from the ancient Romans
Cincinnatus
Good gov. is free of corruption
Leaders must be selfless
believed that leaders should serve out of duty not because of love of power
Power corrupts & destroys good gov.
Desiring power disqualifies one from holding office

5. The English Whigs
Radical Whigism- English writers who opposed arbitrary power of the monarchy & aristocracy
Can do whatever they choose
Power should be with elected officials (Parliament)
John Locke- Two Treatises on Govern.

6. Economic Factors Mercantilism limited colonial trade
Trade to benefit the mother nation
Colonists were heavily in debt to the British who insisted in payment in specie (gold/silver coins)
Currency shortage as more specie left the colonies
Currency Act (1764) outlawed colonial printing of paper money

7. Political Reasons England is broke
Massive national debt of 140 million pounds
Felt colonists should help pay the costs
colonists had paid no taxes to England
Decide to strictly enforce the Navigations Acts in 1763
to collect tariffs/duties to help pay national debt

8. Changing 150 yrs. of Policy
Combined with the passage of the Proclamation of 1763 these actions mean the End of Salutary Neglect

9. Enforcing the Navigation Acts
British issued Writs of Assistance
general search warrants to search anywhere/anytime
To stop smuggling and enforce the Navigation Acts & the new Sugar Act (1764)
held trials for the accused in Nova Scotia in Admiralty Courts
Saw as violation of rights as English subjects

10. The First Revolutionary
James Otis was first to challenge the British
Boston lawyer
Challenged the Writs in court as violations of English law
Were illegal in England
Aided by his sister Mercy Otis Warren
Later went insane

11. The Match
Parliament imposes the Stamp Act (1765) a tax on official papers
first attempt to put a direct tax on the colonies!!!!
Purpose to pay for defense of the colonies

12. The Explosion Massive colonial protests
Englishmen can only be taxed by elected representatives
colonists argued their elected reps. were in the colonial assemblies not Parliament
“taxation w/o representation is not fair”- Otis
“Why is an army needed in America?”
Saw it as a plot to deny their liberty

13. The Sons of Liberty Most violent protests in Boston
Led by Sons of Liberty
Working class group
Leaders were Samuel Adams, John Hancock, & James Otis
Rioted, vandalized, & attacked British officials
Destroyed the house of Lt. Gov. Thomas Hutchinson

15. Boston Protests Protests in 11 colonies
Embargo of stamps
No stamps sold
All Stamp Agents resigned
Colonist institute Non-Importation Agreements or Boycotts
Trade evaporates
English merchants protest to Parliament

16. The Stamp Act Congress
9 states sent delegates the Stamp Act Congress in NYC to formulate a national response
Issued a statement of rights and grievances
Parliament could not pass laws for the colonies because the colonies weren’t represented

17. British Reaction British shocked
British claim Virtual Representation exists
all members of Parliament represent all Englishmen
the colonies are represented the same as all other Englishmen
Repeals the Stamp Act
Issues the Declatory Act
Parliament has complete sovereignty over the colonies