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Chapter 7 The Road to Revolution
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How did the Seven Years War change the relationship between Britain and its colonies?
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The Deep Roots of Revolution
Two ideas took root in the minds of American colonists by mid 18th c. (not mutually exclusive) Republicanism – all citizens work towards the common good, which trumps their private interests opposed authoritarian institutions Radical Whigs – was a group of British political commentators who criticized the monarchy’s corruption and encouraged citizens to be vigilant against attempts to take away liberty
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Mercantilism and Colonial Grievances
System in which the crown expected the colonies to export raw materials and import manufactured goods from Britain Georgia was only colony to be formally created by Britain Britain saw colonists as “tenants” Navigation Laws of 1650 – all goods coming out of colonies had to use British vessels Aimed at hurting Dutch shippers Laws not strictly enforced Benefitted the colonies in some ways But, most did not like the laws
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The Era of Taxes Seven Years War = British debt
1763 – P.M. Grenville – ordered Navy to enforce Navigation Acts 1764 – Parliament passes the Sugar Act Duty on foreign sugar imported from the West Indies 1765 Quartering Act – provide food/quarters for British troops Stamp Act – use stamped paper to certify payment of taxes on goods (newspapers, legal documents, diplomas) Raise $ for new military force Colonists begin to rebel taxes go against their liberties
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Repeal of Stamp Act Stamp Act Congress, 1765
27 delegates from 9 colonies met in NYC Drew up statement of rights and grievances Requested King and Parliament to repeal Meeting and request ignored 1st step toward intercolonial unity Nonimportation agreements – colonists agree to not import British goods Sons and Daughters of Liberty 1766 – Stamp Act repealed Declaratory Act – reaffirmed England’s right to rule absolutely over the American colonies
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BOSTON! 1767 – Townshend Acts
Tax on glass, white lead, paper, paint, tea Colonists begin to rebel Britain sent troops to create order (1768) March 5, 1770, Boston Massacre 60 towns people/10 red coats 11 killed/wounded Lord North, P.M. of Britain, forced to convince Parliament to repeal the Townshend Acts
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Committees of Correspondence
Created by American colonies in order to maintain communication Samuel Adams – head of Sons of Liberty, created first committee of correspondence in MA (1772) 1773 – House of Burgesses Propose that each colonial legislature appoint a standing committee for intercolonial correspondence 1 year, nearly all had joined
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BOSTON 2! “Tea Tax” – 1773 – British East India Company
Surplus of tea if company went under, London would lose millions London gave them exclusive right to sell tea in America at a discount Angered colonists who feared new tax, so they boycotted the tea December 16, 1773 – Boston Tea Party
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Intolerable Acts 1774 – Parliament passed acts
Restricted town meetings Officials who killed colonists did not have to be tried in colonial courts Close Boston Port until damages paid Other events – Quebec Act – angered anti- Catholics
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1st Continental Congress
1774 – 12 of 13 colonies met in Philadelphia Convention more than a Congress After several weeks created several papers and decision Declaration of Rights – lists rights and appeals to other British Americans, the king, and other British people The Association – called for complete boycott of British goods April 1775 – Lexington and Concord First shots fired War vs. rebellion 1781 – Articles of Confederation (2nd Cont. Congress)
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British Strengths and Weaknesses
3 times as large pop. Stronger economy and navy Promised enslaved blacks their freedom if they fought for the British Fighting multiple wars Ireland and France Provisions were short Officers not well trained Far from home base Americans not fighting from one single spot
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American Strengths and Weaknesses
Good leadership George Washington Marquis de Lafayette Defensive war Help from allies Marquis de Lafayette, French Baron von Steuben, German Poorly organized Weak economy Printed “Continentals” Limited food and military supplies (Valley Forge, )
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