1. American Revolution

2. American Discontent The 13 Colonies
Boston, New York, & Philadelphia
Britain wanted the colonies to pay taxes
Colonists cried “No Taxation, Without Representation”

3. American Discontent Violence
Boston Massacre – British soldiers killed 5 protesters
Boston Tea Party – Colonists threw tea into the harbor

4. American Discontent
Congress set up a Continental Army led by George Washington
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence
It declared popular sovereignty

5. American Discontent
July 4, 1776 – America becomes independent

6. The American Revolution Begins
The British had professional soldiers, a huge fleet of ships, and lots of money
1/3 of the Colonists were Loyalist

7. The Long Struggle to Victory
The Colonies had little money
But they were fighting for their land!

8. The Long Struggle to Victory
Colonies had France, Spain and the Netherlands as Allies
1781 – The Treaty of Paris was signed and the war ended

9. A New Constitution 1787 – The Constitution was created
Created a federal republic
Power divided between national and state government

10. A New Constitution Three branches of government
Legislative, executive, and judicial
Bill of Rights – first 10 Amendments in the constitutions

11. A New Constitution
These include – freedom of religion, speech and press