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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
AN ENLIGHTENMENT INSPIRATION!
Before George Washington
• America was known as the 13 Colonies and was part of BRITAIN
• After the French and Indian War (1754-1763) the British began to ENFORCE taxes on the colonists.
• The Colonists felt less and less British and more “American”, they began to plan for a Revolution.
Causes to the American Revolution
• Britain gained large debt from protecting the colonies
• Felt colonies should pay taxes to cover the cost of protection.
• Passed Proclamation of 1763 banning colonists from traveling past the Appalachian Mountains—angered colonists.
The French and Indian
War
• American colonists felt less and less British.
• Resented rule from a King who did not know or understand the colonies.
American Identity was developing.
• Americans boycotted British goods and taxes.
• Boston Massacre• Boston Tea Party• Intolerable Acts• Declaration of
Independence• Battles of
Lexington and Concord.
Short Term Causes
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
AMERICAN COLONISTS• DISADVANTAGES:
– Disorganized– People loyal to states
rather than nation.– No standing military– Little money
• ADVANTAGES:– Home-Field Advantage– DESIRE TO FIGHT!!!– Support from France
BRITISH LOYALISTS• DISADVANTAGES:
– Far away from home– Didn’t care if colonies
were part of Britain or not– Hired German
Mercenaries--Hessians
• ADVANTAGES:– Largest Navy in the World– Established/organized
military– Experienced
Generals
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
• Fought between the British and the Colonists
• George Washington led the American Army
• Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence
• The Colonists won and the United States of America was established.
IMPACT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
• American republic became a symbol of freedom, democracy and end of tyranny.
• Inspired French Revolution and Latin American Independence Movements
• Constitution became an example to many other countries.
• Challenge to Absolute • Monarchs