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