1. Chap 2, Sec 2

2.  Prior to the mid 1700’s, the colonies were able to develop on their own-politically  Because they were accustomed to this arrangement, they had learned to effectively govern themselves.  They did owe allegiance to the monarch and the British government.  From Great Britain's point of view, the colonies existed only for the economic benefit of the mother country: Raw materials and a market for British goods.

3.  Two events occurred that caused Great Britain to implement changes to their relationship with the colonies: 1. The French and Indian War-solidified GB’s control over the continent. This created a large war debt that needed to be paid. 2. King George III had differing views about how the colonies should be run.

4.  To deal with the war debt, he imposed a tax on tea, sugar, glass, paper, etc.  Stamp Act of 1765 was the first direct tax on the colonies. Legal documents, pamphlets, newspapers, etc.  The colonist were angry and began protesting by boycotting British goods.  Britain repealed the Stamp Act of 1765, but replaced it with other acts.  Further protesting=Boston Tea Party

5.  In retaliation of the protesting, the Coercive Acts(Intolerable Acts) were passed by Parliament. ◦ One of these closed Boston Harbor ◦ One withdrew Massachusetts right to govern itself

6.  Early notions(prior to the French and Indian War)of a unified republic were dismissed.  As early as 1754, Ben Franklin proposed such in the Albany Plan of Union.  His plan was rejected for technical reasons.  By the 1760’s, as Great Britain tightened control, the 13 colonies began to share a sense of community.

7.  1765- nine colonies sent delegates to New York to convene and discuss the plan for opposition. Known as the Stamp Act Congress.  Delegates sent a petition to the king, declaring that colonial legislatures were the only ones that could impose taxes like the stamp act did.  Committees of Correspondence were formed: their goal was to urge resistance towards the British and keep members informed.

8.  The Intolerable Acts prompted colonies to call a meeting to debate the situation with Great Britain.  They imposed an embargo, or agreement prohibiting trade, on England. Also agreed not to use English goods.  Britain responded with tighter control.  At Lexington and Concord “the shot heard round the world” signaled the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

9.  Three weeks after the Revolutionary War started, a second Cont. Congress was convened.  They voted John Hancock as President.  They voted Washington as the Commander of the Continental Army.  The Second Cont. Congress. Acted as the official government of the colonies throughout the entire war.  Meanwhile, the independence movement is growing rapidly.  Thomas Paine: Common Sense influenced many colonists

10.  Congress created a committee to draft a declaration of independence  John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman were on the committee.  Thomas Jefferson was asked to author it.  July 4, 1776 Congress approved the final draft.  It was known as The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America

11.  The document stirred the hearts of the colonists.  No other government at that time had been founded on the principals of human liberty and consent of the governed.  Would soon influence the French Rev. and over time, many Latin American countries.  3 Parts:  1- Statement of purpose and basic human rights.  2-Specific complaints against King George III.  3- Conclusion

12.  Within a few years after the Declaration, every former colony had a new constitution.  Most had a bill of rights.