1. The American Revolution

2. Questions Why was there a revolution? Why did it succeed? What were its consequences for Britain?

3. Causes Colonies tended toward independence French threat gone Enforcement of old laws Constitutional arguments inconsistent Focus on Parliament

4. Two Parliamentary Ideas British: Parliament of whole empire (virtual representation) America: Colonial legislatures separate

5. Economic Factors Primary

6. Timing Peace of Paris 1760s politically unstable in Britain

7. Why America Won British military disadvantages –America huge –American army wouldn’t engage –Supply train –No clear military objective –Franco-American alliance (1778)

8. Why America Won, part 2 British political disunity –Not necessarily pro-American –Distaste for fighting fellow subjects

9. Consequences Independence French gain territory Spanish get Florida and Minorca British lose prestige Imperialism now needs non-economic justification

10. Effects in Britain King’s power begins to decline Economic Reform Act (1782) Spirit of reform