1. The Road to Independence
Chapter 2 Section 1
The Road to Independence

2. The French and Indian War
British and American colonists fight French and Indian allies, 1754
Capture of Quebec – turning point in war
Treaty of Paris – 1763 ended the war
France gave east of Miss. River to Britain, except for New Orleans.
British returned Cuba to Spain in exchange for Florida.
Britain got New France (Canada)

3. Problems caused by French and Indian War
Expensive
Brits complained Americans didn’t offer enough support
Colonists complained that British military tactics weak
Colonist felt they could prosper without British help.

4. Causes of American Revolution!
British needed cash to help pay for cost of French and Indian War - TAXES
Sugar Act 1764
Quartering Act 1765-provide housing for British troops.
Stamp Act 1765-tax on newspapers and most printed material.
Stamp Act Congress – “no taxation without
Representation!”
Boycott (not buy) British goods

5. More Tension
Declaratory Act-Parliament could make laws in all cases, what so ever.
Townshend Acts, 1767-tax on glass and tea.
Boston Massacre, 1770
Committees of Correspondence – 1772, Samuel Adams (Colonists discuss grievances and solutions)
Tea Act, 1773
Intolerable Acts

6. First Continental Congress
Colonists decide to…
Boycott English goods
Arm themselves

7. Revolutionary War Battles of Lexington and Concord
(began the war-”shot heard round the world”)
King George called colonists “rebels” – but colonists called themselves “Patriots”.
Colonists gathered guns and ammo.

8. Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson
Signed on July 4, 1776
Listed reasons why colonies wanted independence from England.

9. British Strengths in Revolutionary War
Army well-equipped and trained
World’s finest navy
1/3 of colonists fought for British
(Tories or Loyalists)
Some slaves and Native Americans fought for British

10. British Weaknesses British citizens didn’t want to pay for the war
Fought in hostile, new territory
Battle tactics not effective

11. American Strengths Fought on own territory
Officers knew tactics that worked
More African Americans served with Americans than with British

12. American Weaknesses Not enough supplies, money, troops but…
Help came from France….

13. Battles Battle of Saratoga – turning point of war
Battle of Yorktown – fatal blow to British-Cornwallis surrendered to Washington.

14. Treaty of Paris, 1783 Ends the Revolutionary War.
Great Britain recognizes independence of United States.
Set the northern border between US and British Canada.
Mississippi River would be the border between Spain and US.
Spain took back Florida.

15. Patriotism
The Revolution inspired Americans’ love of their country-PATRIOTISM.