1. The American Revolution

2. What was the Revolution
Many international historians will argue, the war was not the revolution…
the War was a result of the revolution
The real revolution was the ideas of the enlightenment

3. Britain was the Global Power
Sea Power (Colonization)
Triangular Trade wealth
Banking practices

4. Causes of the Revolution
King George
Wanted colonist to help pay for
French – Indian War in the Colonies
He said “to protect the colonist from the French”
What he meant…to protect the colonies (financial gain) for England

5. Causes of the Revolution
Remember Joseph II? A seed of freedom had been planted....
Attempted to enforce old laws that had not been followed for years
NAVIGATION ACTS –
Controlled all trade in/out of colonies after years of (illegal) free trade by colonists

6. Causes of the Revolution
Sugar Act (1764) –
Stamp Act (1765) –

7. Causes of the Revolution
Sugar Act (1764) –
Stamp Act (1765) –
No taxation without Representation

8. Causes of the Revolution
Boston Massacre (5 died)
British Troops fire on instigators that are carrying
clubs and throwing snow balls – probably with rocks

9. Causes of the Revolution
Boston Massacre (5 died)
British Troops fire on Snow ball throwers
1773 – Boston Tea Party
Rebelled against monopoly of East India Company

10. The Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
Primary author of Declaration of Independence
July 2, 1776
Independence was formally declared
July 4, 1776
Congress approved the final text of the Declaration.
August 2, 1776
Signed until August 2, 1776.

11. The Declaration of Independence
Enlightenment Ideas: John Locke
People had the right to abolish government
Popular Sovereignty –
All government power comes from the people

12. Led the Continental Army to victory over the British forces
George Washington
Led the Continental Army to victory over the British forces

13. Convinced France to join with the thirteen Colonies
The Battle of Saratoga
Convinced France to join with the thirteen Colonies
Marquis de Lafayette
French General rides with George Washington

14. Yorktown, Virginia France blocks the Chesapeake Bay (Virginia)
No escape as American and French troops encircle 8000 British
- British surrender -

15. Treaty of Paris
Ended the American Revolutionary War
September 3, 1783

16. New Constitution 1789 Social Contract – “We the people…”
George Washington Elected President

17. New Constitution 1789 Social Contract – Federal Republic
“We the people…”
Federal Republic
Power divided between State and Federal governments
T. Hobbes – Social Contract
Montesquieu – Separation of Powers
Locke – Bill of Rights – “Natural Rights”