1. The American Revolution
Mr. White’s World History 1

2. Big Questions
After this section, we should be able to answer this question:
How did the American colonists win the war of independence and create a new nation and form of government?

3. After Lexington
The Battle of Lexington makes many American colonists think that…
War is very likely
It is time to declare independence from Great Britain
However, not all agree with this
Second Continental Congress decides to send one last attempt at peace to King George of England – Olive Branch Petition
The British government ignores this letter to King George

4. Thomas Paine’s Influence
Thomas Paine gives some of the best persuasion for independence
Writes a pamphlet called, “Common Sense”
Explains all the reasons that the colonies should separate from Great Britain
Circulates among the American colonies, and convinces many Americans that independence is the way to go
Congress decides to draft a declaration of independence

5. The Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson personally writes the American Declaration of Independence, explaining the American colonies’ reasons for separating from Great Britain
Jefferson was a fan of John Locke, and incorporated many of his ideas in the Declaration
Individuals have basic natural rights that cannot be taken away by government
Governments were created by an agreement between the rulers and the ruled
If the ruler loses the support of the people, the people have the right to change the government through rebellion
Declaration is adopted on July 4th, 1776

6. The Revolutionary War The war for independence was long and bitter
Americans lacked a strong army – lose most of the battlefield engagements
Washington – main strategy was to keep the army alive and fighting
The Americans were able to get the French to help them win independence from Britain, but not until late in the war

7. British Strategy
British strategy was to fight the war like a typical war, with…
Battlefield victories
Capture cities and blockade ports
The British had the disadvantages of a long-distance war
Also had to conquer the entire country to win
With French help, the Americans capture the main British army at Yorktown, effectively ending the war

8. American Government British recognized American independence in 1783
At first, the United States was a confederation, a loose union of independent states under the Articles of Confederation
Government was too weak to deal with national problems
1787 – Nation’s leaders wrote, then ratified the Constitution of the United States, forming a stronger national government, and a “more perfect union.”

9. The Constitution The Constitution set up a federal system
Political authority is divided between the national and state governments
Powers of the government are separated into three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial
Checks and balances limit the power of all three branches

10. The Constitution, Part 2
President elected, instead of a hereditary monarch
Voting allowed only by white males with certain property qualifications
Bill of Rights – document outlining rights laid aside for the people that the government must protect – freedom of religion, speech, press, right to private property, trial by jury

11. Impact of the American Revolution
The Constitution and the United States proved that Enlightenment ideas could work in practice
This independence inspired many other countries around the world to declare independence
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are still used as templates for other countries that want a similar form of government