1. The American Revolution
A Unique Transition to Modern Democracy

5. Problems in the Colonies
Taxation without Representation
-In 1763, England began taxing the colonists on various goods to pay for the wars against France and the American Indians
Quartering of British Soldiers
-The Quartering Act required colonist to house and feed troops
Limited Freedom in a Free World
-The colonists were living in a new world far from the English government. They had developed their own cultural, political, and economic systems independent of England

7. Enlightenment Ideals in the Colonies
The 13 colonies had their own form of representative government.
Example: The First Continental Congress
Each state tolerated political freedom
Thomas Paine writes Common Sense, challenging the English government
The colonists were prepared to write a social contract and declare independence
John Locke’s ideas influenced our founding fathers ambition to declare independence from England

8. Political Factions Develop
Patriots supported the revolution
-believed in the Enlightenment ideals
-lawyers, business owners, public officials
-willing to fight against the English army
Loyalists supported the King of England
-believed in Constitutional Monarchy
-farmers, recent immigrants, older people
-willing to fight along side the English army
Neutrals refused to support either side of the revolution
-believed in political freedom but did not support a revolution
-farmers, American Indians, slaves
-not willing fight either side because they would still be under the control of a government

9. Road to Revolution
March 5, 1770, an unruly mob is fired upon by English troops in Boston Harbor -Boston Massacre
England continues to tax the colonists without allowing them representation
December 16, 1773, The Boston Tea Party is a direct revolt against the tea tax
In response, England passes the Coercive Acts shutting down Boston harbor until the colonists pay their taxes

12. Road to Revolution
September 1774, The First Continental Congress representing every colony meets to discuss the abuses of England
-colonists should not obey the Coercive Acts
-States should create their own militias
April 1775, England enforces Coercive Acts and begins suppressing open rebellion
On April 19th 1775, a Massachusetts Militia encounters the English Army
An unordered gun shot begins the American Revolution

14. Declaring Independence
As war across America spread, the Continental Congress began writing a formal declaration of independence
Colonies formed their own bicameral legislatures and writing state constitutions
They all supported a formal break from England

19. The Declaration of Independence
Equality
-”That all men are created equal…”
Unalienable Rights
-”…are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights….life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Consent of the Governed
-”…governments are instituted among men, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed…”
Limited Government
-”…such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former government systems…”

23. The End of Revolution
On Feb 4, 1783, England ceases hostilities in America
In April the new US Congress declares the end of the Revolutionary War
Loyalists leave America for Canada or to go back to England
The Treaty of Paris is signed by the US and England officially declaring the independence of the new American republic

24. A Unique Revolution
The colonists were still subjects under English Law but lived very far away from the Government
It created a whole new nation instead of changing the political system within a country
The colonies did not have a unified army and beat the largest army in the world at the time
The organization and foundation of US government was directly influenced by Enlightenment Philosophy