1. What were the causes of the American Revolution?

2. England Controlled the Colonies ($$$)
Colonists felt little connection to Britain, but were still under their rule
1651 Britain passes the first Navigation Act.
Colonists can only sell their most valuable goods England to ensure England received the benefit ($$$) of the colonies.
Charged colonists a large tax on imported French and Dutch goods so they would buy only British goods.
This meant the Colonists natural rights to choose was limited as they could not sell/import products as they wanted.

3. French and Indian War leads to Taxes
Many people forget that the French also settled North America
Lots of friction between England and France
1750’s and 1760’s the Colonists and British Government fought a war against the French (supported by the Native American tribes)
England won French territory but had MASSIVE debt and wanted the Colonists to pay

4. Taxation without Representation!!!
1765 England passes the Stamp Act.
Charges a tax on all paper goods. (can you think of what would be taxed?)
The Colonists are outraged because they have never paid taxes directly to England before.
They could do NOTHING because they did not have a representative in the House of Commons!!!
Influenced by Locke, the Colonists claimed Taxation without Representation violated their Natural Rights (what else does this sound like?)

5. Tea Party Rebellion to Intolerable Acts
1773 England taxes tea
Colonists protest by dumping tea in the harbor
Intolerable Acts - King George responds by closing the port of Boston and taking away any self- governance Mass. had
Some colonists start thinking of independence………

6. First Continental Congress Sets the Stage
In 1774 First Continental Congress is called so they can send a list of grievances to King George. (taxes, closing of Boston Harbor)
He ignores them again and again.
War Breaks out in 1775
They hold the Second Continental Congress to discuss how to respond.
Their response changes the world.

7. Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776 Second Continental Congress
Declaration of Independence declares that the Colonies are free of British Rule
First step towards forming the US

8. Preamble of the Declaration of Independence
The preamble (or introduction) to the Declaration of Independence is the most important part of the document.
It says why the Colonists felt that they had no option but to declare their independence.
We are going to read the pre-amble.
As we read, think about what we learned in the last Unit about John Locke and see if you can make the connection between his philosophy and the preamble.