1. September 18, 2017
U.S. History Agenda:
DO NOW: “The Declaration of Independence”
NOTES #3: Why did the American colonies declare independence from Britain?
FILM: “The Patriot”

2. Why did the American colonies declare independence from Britain
Why did the American colonies declare independence from Britain? Notes #3

3. During the 1700s, Britain’s policy of salutary neglect caused the American colonies to develop independent colonial practices.

4. House of Burgesses meeting (1619)
This resulted in the colonies taking steps toward self-government, with examples including the House of Burgesses or Mayflower Compact.
Signing the
Mayflower Compact (1620)
House of Burgesses meeting (1619)

5. The colonies also opposed Britain’s system of mercantilism because it placed restrictions on trading.
King George III

6. Protests against Britain’s colonial policies gradually resulted in the colonies’ demands for independence.
Boston Massacre
(March 5, 1770)
Boston Tea Party
(December 16, 1773)
Battle of Lexington and
Concord (April 19, 1775) 

7. Independence Hall; Philadelphia, PA
The colonies officially declared their independence when they adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Independence Hall; Philadelphia, PA

8. Declaration of Independence
This document argued that: (1) Britain deprived Americans of their natural rights, (2) a government’s main purpose is to protect those rights, . . .
Thomas Jefferson;
Primary author of the
Declaration of Independence

9. Declaration of Independence signed (July 4, 1776)
. . . and (3) based on John Locke’s social contract theory, people should revolt against a government that does not protect their rights.
John Locke
Declaration of Independence signed (July 4, 1776)