1. The American Revolution

2. "Yesterday the greatest question was decided
"Yesterday the greatest question was decided... and a greater question perhaps never was nor will be decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." -John Adams, Letter to his wife, Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776

3. Why It Happened
During the 17th and 18th century, England and France became very powerful and wealthy because of the territories they discovered and colonized. The settlers became angry that they the mother countries held all the power.

4. 7 Years’ War
Britain and France fought for seven years over the territories they colonized. In the end, Britain gained control of most of it. They had an advantage because the original 13 colonies were so close to the water.

5. As new immigrants came from Europe and slaves were brought to work the plantations, the colonies got stronger and more independent.

6. The Control Continues
Although they had needed the protection from Britain from French attacks before, they no longer did.
Even though the 13 colonies were governing themselves and requiring little from Britain, they were still having to pay a lot of taxes to them to pay for their debts.

7. As Britain gained more power, they increased their control over the colonies. Their control was political, economic and in their military ruling.

8. The settlers in colonies were not going to accept the high taxes, few rights, little freedom and lack of control much longer. They decided that it was time to fight back.

9. The Enlightenment Philosophers
Like the humanists of the Renaissance period, there were philosophers in the 1700s who wanted more rights and freedoms for the people. This inspired people to revolt.

10. Taxes Angered Colonists
The Sugar Act-1764 (tax on sugar)
The Stamp Act-1765 (taxes on newspapers and legal documents)
The Quartering Act (billet British soldiers)
In 1766, after protests, they abolished the Stamp Act but introduced The Declaratory Act (colonists needed to obey all British laws)
In 1765, they started taxing lead, glass, paper, and tea.

11. The Boston Massacre
Many American boycotted buying British goods that they were taxed on. They even started drinking coffee instead of tea.
In 1770, a mob attacked British guards in Boston. Troops fired back and killed 5 people. This was known as “The Boston Massacre”.

12. The Boston Tea Party
After the massacre, the British government removed all taxes, except the one on tea.
During one night in 1773, men disguised as natives boarded ships in the Boston Harbor and threw boxes of tea overboard.
This caused fury with the authorities from Britain. The port was closed and Britain took control over everything again.

13. The Revolution Continues…
Not all colonists wanted complete separation from the monarchy at first.
Patriots were anti-British
Loyalists were pro-British
As time went on, more people wanted independence for the colonies.

14. The American War of Independence
In April, 1775, British troops tried to seize weapons. The patriots started firing at them. War began that day.

15. As the war went on, the Patriots knew that they needed a strong army with excellent leadership. George Washington became the army’s general.

16. American vs British Army
Untrained and poorly equipped
Shortage of food and weapons
Little money
Used ambushes and skirmishes
Well trained and experienced in battles
Great artillery
Better equipment
More money

17. The Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, 1776, congress issued the Declaration of Independence, giving the Americans the freedom of their own government. They were no longer ruled by Britain.

18. Until 1781, the war between America and Britain continued
Until 1781, the war between America and Britain continued. France, Spain and Holland joined forces with the Americans. Both sides had several wins and defeats.
This shows that they declared their own independence before they were actually given their independence.

19. The Treaty of Versailles
Signed in 1783, this officially ended the war.

20. The Constitution
After the treaty was signed, the colonies agreed that each should be governed differently. Each one set up their own laws with its own government and became a state.
Together, they became
“The United States of America”