The American Revolution

A (very) Brief Intro. to American War for Independence and the beginnings of the United States

PSSSSSSSSSST: You will learn sooooooo much more about this topic in the eighth grade.

THE REVOLUTION: Enlightenment ideas helped spur the American colonies to shed British rule and create a new nation.

The revolution created a republic, the United States of America, that became a model for many nations of the world.

Scientific Revolution EnlightenmentExploration &

ColonizationSpread of

Ideas

Philosophes such as Voltaire considered England’s government the most progressive in Europe. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 had given England a constitutional monarchy. In essence, this meant that various laws limited the power of the English king. Despite the view of the philosophes, however, a growing number of England’s colonists (England established colonies after 16th century exploration) in North America accused England of tyrannical rule. Emboldened by Enlightenment ideas, they would attempt to overthrow what was then the mightiest power on earth and create their own nation. Awwwwww SNAP! Look at all of that vocabulary from the last 10 weeks of school!

Scientific Revolution EnlightenmentExploration &

ColonizationSpread of

Ideas

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

- Declaration of Independence

“When in the Course of human events,

it becomes necessary for one people to

dissolve the political bands which have

connected them with another, and to

assume among the powers of the earth,

the separate and equal station to which

the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God

entitle them, a decent respect to the

opinions of mankind requires that they

should declare the causes which impel

them to the separation.

- Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal, that they

are endowed by their Creator with

certain unalienable Rights, that among

these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of

Happiness. - That to secure these

rights, Governments are instituted

among Men, deriving their just powers

from the consent of the governed...

- Declaration of Independence

... consent of the governed, - That

whenever any Form of Government

becomes destructive of these ends, it is

the Right of the People to alter or to

abolish it, and to institute new

Government, laying its foundation on

such principles and organizing its

powers in such form, as to them shall

seem most likely to effect their Safety

and Happiness.”

- Declaration of Independence

Fou

nd

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Fat

her

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Founding Fathers (& Mothers)• British colonies began in 1608 and

thrived along the current United States Atlantic coast.

• Men, women, and children colonists developed a similar but separate culture from that of native British citizens

• When George III became king of Great Britain in 1760, the American colonies soared from a population of about 250,000 in 1700 to 2,150,000 in 1770, a nearly ninefold increase.

• Economically, the colonies thrived on trade with the nations of Europe.

Founding Fathers (& Mothers)• Along with increasing population and

prosperity, a new sense of identity was growing in the colonists’ minds.

• By the mid-1700s, colonists had been living in America for nearly 150 years.

• Each of the 13 colonies had its own government, and people were used to a great degree of independence.

• Colonists saw themselves less as British and more as Virginians or Pennsylvanians.

• However, they were still British subjects and were expected to obey British law.

But how did the American colonists get to that point... what caused citizens of the colonies to rebel, turn against their home country, and move from enlightened words to outright violence?

Causes of the American RevolutionThe Enlightenment:•What: emphasis on logic and rights•Effect: new political ideas spread throughout the colonies –

especially the ideas of John Locke

French and Indian War (7 years War) •What: Britain and France argued over colonial territory and

expansion.  •Effect: Bitterness between the British and the Colonists over money

and taxes

Proclamation of 1763:•What: A King George III policy that colonists could not move to the

new territory in the west. •Effect: Colonists were angry that their opportunities for expansion

were taken away

But possibly the #1 cause...

Causes of the American Revolution

“Taxation without Representation”

Colonists had to pay new, high taxes on goods and felt that these taxes were unfair because their voices on taxation and government were NOT being heard... if they were British citizens AND being taxed, they wanted a say. Now. No joke. Seriously. #realtalk

Colonists were outraged that they had to pay taxes on goods covered under the “Intolerable Acts”... and they were ready to do something about it.

Approach of Conflict (Or “From Causes to Triggers”)Intolerable Acts: a series of acts (rules/laws) that upset the colonists

Boston Massacre: 1770; a mob formed in Boston to protest many of King George III’s acts.  Soldiers - there to protect the King's men shot at the crowd – fueled tension between the crown and the colonists.

Boston Tea Party: 1773; a planned protest to destroy tea put together by the Sons of Liberty - a Patriot group

The “Intolerable Acts”The Sugar Act (1764)

•three-cent tax on sugar other goods. •Only certain members of colonial population were affected.

The Stamp Act (1765) •the first to affect the entire population.• All publications (newspapers, pamphlets, legal documents) had to have a Stamp.

Townshend Acts (1767) •taxes on lead, paints, glass, paper and tea.

The phrase heard throughout the colonies: “No taxation without representation.”

Boston Massacre• WHEN: March 5, 1770

• WHO: Protesting colonists vs. British Soldiers

• WHAT:

• Five colonists were shot, one killed

• Both sides at fault

• WHY CARE: Lead to further mistrust of British military

Boston Tea Party•This was a particularly heated protest of the tax on tea.

• On December 16, 1773, colonists known as the “Sons of Liberty” and dressed as Mohawk Indians dumped 342 crates of tea from English ships into the harbor.

•Similar protests followed in other locations, and eventually tea was boycotted by patriot colonists across the colonies

• Was this a good or bad protest?

• How did the Sons of Liberty treat Native Americans?

• Was the motive worth the destruction?

BIG QUESTIONS

Boston Tea Party

"Another attempt was made to save a little tea from the ruins of the cargo by a tall, aged man who wore a large cocked hat and white wig, which was fashionable at that time. He had sleightly slipped a little into his pocket, but being detected, they seized him and, taking his hat and wig from his head, threw them, together with the tea, of which they had emptied his pockets, into the water. In consideration of his advanced age, he was permitted to escape, with now and then a slight kick. “

FIRST HAND ACCOUNT

KEY FIGURES OF THE AMERICAN

REVOLUTION

Key Players in the War : Sons of Liberty

•The “Sons of Liberty” was a secret political protest group that was formed in response to British government abuse. •They took to the streets with their

protest.

Key Players in the War : Continental Congress

•A convention of delegates called together from the 13 colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution.

convention - large meeting or conference, esp. of a political party or a professiondelegate - a person sent to represent others (ex: an elected representative sent to a conference) or a member of a committee.

•Leader of the American military during the Revolutionary War. •Despite having little experience,

he was a capable & strong leader. •Becomes the first President of the

United States after the American Revolution.

Key Players in the War : George Washington

Key Players in the War : Thomas Jefferson

•Never fought in the war as a soldier, but he used his powerful words to fight for independence. •Had strong views on

independence. •He believed that people

could govern themselves.

Key Players in the War : Benjamin Franklin

•One of the “Founding Fathers” of the United States and in many ways was "the First American". •Franklin was an author, printer, political theorist, politician,

postmaster, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. •FUN FACTS: As an inventor, he is known for the lightning

rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions.

http://www.biography.com/people/benjamin-franklin-9301234#synopsis

Key Players in the War : John Locke

•Enlightenment thinker who inspired political thought before and during the American Revolution.•His idea of Natural Rights

influenced the Declaration of Independence and the founding of America.

MAJOR BATTLES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Lexington & ConcordWhat happened?•American colonists stockpiled (stored) weapons in Concord, Massachusetts• The British want to take the weapons away from the colonists and 800 British troops marched through Lexington on the way to Concord• During this travel through, the militia in Lexington stopped the British and shots are fired.

Significance & Effect:• It is now clear that war will happen and it inspires other

countries to rebel around the world • These first shots in Lexington & Concord Massachusetts

become known as “the shot(s) heard round the world”.

Battle of Bunker HillWhat happened?• First official battle of the war.• The British won. The British found out that the war was going to be hard because the colonists were so dedicated and determined• Costliest battle for British during whole war (1,054 dead)

Significance & Effect:•The British start to take the colonists seriously as an opponent• Washington takes command of the army two weeks after the battle

Battle of TrentonWhat happened?•Washington sailed across the icy Delaware River to New Jersey and marched to Trenton to defeat the British on December 26, 1776 •Surprise attack the day after Christmas•Approximately 1000 German soldiers fighting for the British were captured

Significance & Effect:• Made George Washington famous - an American Hero

Battle of SaratogaWhat happened?•The turning point of the war •The biggest American victory at the time•Approximately 5,000 British surrender to Washington

Significance & Effect:• Success in the battle convinces other nations to ally with colonists and allies join the fight against the British.• Feb. 1778 France and American formed an alliance

• France declared war on Britain the next month•Spain declared war in 1779

• Bernardo de Galvez chased British troops out of Louisiana and Florida

“Common Sense”• A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine for support of the war

WHY write something like this?• To convince people to join the patriot cause and rebellion.• Spread enlightenment ideas

What ideas from the enlightenment does he share?• Democracy• Natural rights• Social contract

Confederation& The Articles of Confederation

A confederation is a group of governments that are separate and equal

The Articles of Confederation was a written plan for the first American government... but it failed.

WHY was The Articles of Confederation lousy for America?• The A.O.C. failed because they did not give the national government enough power. The new USA just fought a war to end tyrannical rule of a strong government that overpowered local government and the leaders of the U.S. feared a powerful central government.

“The Federalist Papers”

• The Federalist (later known as The Federalist Papers) is a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution. • Seventy-seven were published serially in The Independent Journal and The New York Packet between October of 1787 and August 1788.

The United States Constitution outlines the way in which the new American government will function.

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments (changes) made/added to the new Constitution.

Founding Fathers (& Mothers)

New Ideas & Restlessness

Rising Problems

The “Patriotic” Revolution

Approach of Conflict

French and Indian War

Intolerable Acts

Boston Massacre

Boston Tea Party

Key Players in the War

Major Events

Lexington and Concord

Declaration of Independence

Battle of Trenton

Treaty of Paris

War on the Homefront

Minorities

Loyalists

Outline of Topics

Fou

nd

ing

Fat

her

s

Founding Fathers (& Mothers)• British colonies began in 1608 and

thrived along the current United States Atlantic coast.

• Men, women, and children colonists developed a similar but separate culture from that of native British citizens

• When George III became king of Great Britain in 1760, the American colonies soared from a population of about 250,000 in 1700 to 2,150,000 in 1770, a nearly ninefold increase.

• Economically, the colonies thrived on trade with the nations of Europe.

Founding Fathers (& Mothers)• Along with increasing population and

prosperity, a new sense of identity was growing in the colonists’ minds.

• By the mid-1700s, colonists had been living in America for nearly 150 years.

• Each of the 13 colonies had its own government, and people were used to a great degree of independence.

• Colonists saw themselves less as British and more as Virginians or Pennsylvanians.

• However, they were still British subjects and were expected to obey British law.

Again, how did the American colonists get to that point... what caused citizens of the colonies to rebel, turn against their home country, and move from enlightened words to outright violence?

Let’s find out...

Voices from the Past

• Read each primary source and answer the corresponding question in complete sentence(s).

• You should complete the questions on a piece of notebook paper... which we WILL staple/glue into our notebook.

Problem with the Patriotic View:Often we look at the American Revolution through a patriotic perspective. We celebrate our countries first victories and heroes.

By viewing our history only through the eyes of the revolutionaries, we are biased to the other sides of this point in history.

Every war and history has multiple viewpoints.

To learn and understand the war, we need to look at all perspectives, not just that of our victorious founders.

The Approach of Conflict

• Much had been going on to build up to the outbreak of war. The following are a couple of key events you may want to take note of

The French and Indian War

! 1754 to 1763! French and Native American allies VS English and their Native American

allies.! main conflict over control of land! Colonists fought alongside the British.! Many historic figures of the revolution got their experience in this war.

Including George Washington.

S. Johnson. Retrieved from http://www.writingfix.com/WAC/HistoryFix/AmericanRevolution_Heroes1.htm

Series of “Intolerable Acts”

! The Sugar Act " 1764 " three-cent tax on sugar other goods. " Only certain members of colonial

population were effected. ! The Stamp Act

" 1765 " the first to effect the entire population." All publications (newspapers, pamphlets,

legal documents) had to have a Stamp. ! Townshend Acts

" 1767 " taxes on lead, paints, glass, paper and tea.

! “No taxation without representation.”Author Unknown. Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/

resources/online/2006/grade10/ss/10socialstudies.htm

Boston Massacre! March 5, 1770 ! protesting colonist VS British Soldiers ! 5 colonist shot, one dead.! Both sides at fault! lead to further mistrust of British military

Author Unknown. Retrieved from http://legacy.owensboro.kctcs.edu/mmaltby/his108/revolution.htm

Boston Tea Party

! This was a particularly heated protest of the tax on tea. On December 16, 1773 Colonist know as the “Sons of Liberty”. Dressed as Mohawk Indians and dumped 342 crates of tea from English ships into the harbor.

! Similar protest followed in other locations, and eventually tea was boycotted by patriot colonist across the 13 colonies

! Was this a good or bad protest?" How did the Sons of Liberty treat

Native Americans?" Was the motive worth the

destruction?

Retrieved from http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/5600/5624/boston_tea_party_1.htm

First HandAccount of Boston Tea

Party

"Another attempt was made to save a little tea from the ruins of the cargo by a tall, aged man who wore a large cocked hat and white wig, which was fashionable at that time. He had sleightly slipped a little into his pocket, but being detected, they seized him and, taking his hat and wig from his head, threw them, together with the tea, of which they had emptied his pockets, into the water. In consideration of his advanced age,

Author unknown, Retrieved from http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2005_winter_spring/

boston_tea_party.htm

Key Players in the War

• Patriots

Neutralist

PatriotsLoyalistNeutral

! Avoided taking sides

! About 50% of population

! Pacifism, Lack of Understanding or status as immigrant were all factors

Major Events

Lexington and Concord

! “The Shot Heard Round the World”

! April 19th 1775! British's planed to attack

Concord’s arms depot.! Paul Revere! Americans lose at

Lexington but win at Cord

Author Unknown. Retrieved from http://qwickstep.com/search/what-caused-the-battle-of-lexington-and-concord.html

Retrieved from http://www.earlyamerica.com/

review/winter96/

enlargement.html

CLICK FOR FUN VIDEO!

Battle of Bunker Hill

! British attack the American occupied “Breed’s Hill”

! 1775! Ran out of ammunition! “Don’t shoot till you see

the white of their eyes”.! Now renamed “Bunker

Hill”

Moshu, V. Retrieved from http://dumpendebat.net/2008/01/31/the-shrill-cry-of-internet-bugles/

Declaration of Independence

! July 4, 1776! USA declared free from

Brittan! Written by Thomas

Jefferson! Great Brittan responded

by continuing the war

Author Unknown. Retrieved from http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/07/the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence-did-so-on-august-2nd-1776-

not-july-4th/

Battle of Trenton

! December 26, 1776! Preceded by many defeats! Three groups of American

soldiers cross Delaware River and attack Hessians

! Huge victory and moral boost

Ketchum, R. The Winter Soldiers: The Battles for Trenton and Princeton

Treaty of Paris! September 3, 1783! Ben Franklin, John Adams and John Jay signed in Paris! Brittan forced to recognize USA as independent nation! US borders established! America agrees to stop persecution of loyalists.

Retrieved from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/IbL_c0clUg0/National+Archives+Previews+Display+Treaty

War on the Home Front

Minorities

! Native Americans" Torn on which side would support their cause" Many joined British" Viewed as “Savage” villains by patriots

! African Americans" Hope of freedom" British offered escaped slaves emancipation" Continental Army promised freedom" Still, freedom was more a hope than a reality " Hypocrisy

! Women" Took on roles abandon by men" Often became impoverished" Flocked to army camps

J A M E S _ A R M I S T E A DP a t r i o t _ S p y

Author Unknown. Retrieved from http://africanamericanempowerment.blogspot.com/2009/05/unsung-african-american-heroes.html

Life for Loyalist! Men often tarred & feathered, beaten, or killed! If they joined militia, property and possessions were

confiscated" Women and children impoverished and homeless

! 20% forced to flee

Original Author unknown Retrieved from http://www.historum.com/showthread.php?t=13813&page=14

First Hand LoyalistAccount

“We never sit down either to dinner or supper, but the least noise immediately spreads a general alarm and prevents us from enjoying the comfort of our meals. The very appetite proceeding from labour and peace of mind is gone; we eat just enough to keep up alive: our sleep is disturbed by the most frightful dreams; sometimes I start awake, as if the great hour of danger was come; at other times the howling of our dogs seems to announce the arrival of the enemy: we leap out of bed and run to arms; my poor wife with panting bosom and silent tears, takes leave of me, as if we were to see each other no more; she snatches the youngest children from their beds, who, suddenly awakened, increase by their innocent questions the horror of the dreadful moment. She tries to hide them in the cellar, as if our cellar was inaccessible to the fire. I place all my servants at the windows, and myself at the door, where I am determined to perish.”

Author unknown, Retrieved from http://africanamericanempowerment.blogspot.com/2009/05/

unsung-african-american-heroes.html