1. Revolutionary War

2. New tax on paper products like newspapers
Stamp act
New tax on paper products like newspapers
Because of this the colonists started the slogan “No taxation without representation!”

3. Boston massacre
Because there were more taxes, Britain sent soldiers to control the colonies
A group of colonists gathered to protest the taxes in Boston
They threw rocks and snowballs at the British soldiers
5 colonists died
Colonists newspapers called this a massacre
Colonial court declared British soldiers “not guilty”

4. Boston tea party - 1773 Tea Act: tax on tea
Tea was the most popular drink so the colonists were angry
Ships carrying British tea were docked in Boston Harbor
Some colonists disguised themselves as Native Americans and dumped the tea overboard
Effects:
It helped join the colonists together
It made Parliament angry

7. Causes of the revolution posters
With your group, complete a poster about your word
Your poster must:
Definition – write BIG and clear
Picture in color

8. First continental Congress - 1774
Leaders from all of the colonies met in Philadelphia in 1774
Group said that the colonies had a right to have a say in their laws
If Britain used force, colonists would fight back

9. Common sense by thomas paine
Book written by Thomas Paine who was an Englishman
He made the argument that the colonies should be independent based on common sense points
Ex: The idea of kings is silly because the only thing that makes a king is that he’s born one
Effect: it made colonists angry enough to start a war with the British

10. Battles of Lexington and concord - 1775
Beginning of the American Revolution
The fighting was between the minutemen (the colonists who were ready to be soldiers) and the redcoats (British soldiers)
They fought in the Lexington and Concord Massachusetts

11. Patriot Army
British Army
Name
The Continental Army
The British Army
Leaders
Washington, Lafayette
Cornwallis
Skills
Untrained, did not behave like soldiers
Well trained, followed orders well
Supplies
Badly lacked guns, food, and unfirms
Had excellent weapons, supplies, and uniforms
Location
Fighting in their own land so home court advantage
Fighting far away from home
Purpose
To get freedom
To do their duty to their government
Strengths
Fighting for a cause – angry at Britain
Well trained soldiers, best navy in the world, more money, more soldiers
Weaknesses
Less soldiers and they had little training
Fighting in unfamiliar land

12. Patriot, loyalist, or neutral?
Patriot: colonist who wanted independent from Britain
Loyalist: colonist who wanted to remain a colony with Britain
Neutral: did not have an opinion for either side

13. Let’s argue! With our words…
Pick whether you are an American OR British solider
Write a letter to your friend who is on the opposite side.
You are trying to convince them to join your side using specific strengths from your side and pointing out weaknesses from the other side

14. Declaration of independence - 1776
Document written at the Second Continental Congress that said the colonies were officially separating from Britain
Written by Thomas Jefferson
Approved by Congress July 4, 1776

15. Important ideas in the declaration
Using the Declaration of Independence, find an example for each of the following big ideas.
List the line numbers where you find these ideas in the text
1. All people are created equal
2. People (men!) have rights that come from God; these can’t be taken away
3. People have the right to live, to be free, and to seek happiness
4. Governments get their power from the people
5. People have the right to get rid of an unfair government