American Revolution!1776-1781

The Shot heard round the world!

Colonial Economies…• Colonial Assemblies grow and expand throughout the

1600’s to include laws and provisions for :– Taxes

– Appointment of Local Officials

– Setting the Governor’s Salary!

Life in the American Colonies• A Battleground between France & England from

1689-1763.• French lost territory in America because of French

& Indian War. • 1763-1st Spring of Peace in colonies in 100 years.• Publicly support the Government of England.• Prime Minister of England-George Grenville faced

with a major dilemma!

Colonial Assembly• Meet Twice per year.• Conduct business of Colony.• Qualifications to vote:

– White– Male– Own Land– Adult– Religious Faith– Citizenship

• Most colonies had laws against Jews, Catholics, etc....

Parliamentary Attempts at Control• Navigation Act (1651/1660/1696) – Eliminate Competition in

American Colonies for Trade.• Staple Act (1663) – Goods to be sold in Africa/Asia/Europe

from America must first land in England!• Plantation Duty Act (1673) – Ship captains must sign oath

that says they will deliver goods to England or suffer financial penalties.

• Woolens Act (1699) Prohibited colonial export of Woolen cloth from American colonies to England!

• Hat Act (1732) – Prohibited export of colonial produced hats!• Molasses Act (1733) – Non English molasses received a

heavy tax burden.• Sugar Act (1764) – Combines duties on several goods.

People are taxed twice on same goods!

George Grenville• Prime Minister of

England• Problems:

– Debt from Wars– Defense- not enough

troops to defend new Ohio Valley territories.

– Needs Money to run Government of England

– Must do all of this while keeping the King happy

• King George III is a moron!

Grenville’s plan for colonies• Control & defend Western boundaries of America.

– Indian tribes in Ohio Valley territory went to war in 1763 (Pontiac’s rebellion)

– Proclamation of 1763-states no western expansion beyond settlement of Pittsburgh, PA.

– Enforcement by British soldiers! (Only 1000 in entire 13 colonies!)

• Raise revenue from American colonies to pay for soldiers, protection that defense will require.– Revenue Act of 1764-import/export taxes will be

lowered then collected on a regular basis by colonial governor

Two views on Revenue Act of 1764

British Government• Tax had never been

enforced even though it’s on books for years!

• They are lowering it!• Tax on molasses goes

from 6 cents /gallon to 3 cents/gallon!

• Revenue created will pay for extra expense required by Military presence!

American Colonists• Tax is being tripled!• Goes from 0 cents to 3

cents!• Taxes are already paid

on a variety of other goods in the colonies!

• How much more do they need?

• Creates much dissension among colonists!

The English colonies!• Harsh taxes imposed by

mother country on colonists!

• Sugar Act- tax on sugar

• Currency Act- no colony can issue it’s own money.

• Quartering Act- soldiers can stay in colonists homes

• Stamp Act- all goods must have a stamp on them (TAX)

“No Taxation without Representation”• Colonists main battle cry!

They had no “Vote” in Parliament to decide legislation that affected their lives!

• Thomas Paine writes a pamphlet called “Common Sense”– stresses belief in Natural

Law, Social Contracts and division of powers.

– A series of events leads colonists to believe they have no other choice!….

REVOLUTION!!

Patrick Henry• Born May 29, 1736 in Hanover

County, Virginia • Protested British tyranny • Symbol of American struggle

for liberty • Served in the Virginia House

of Burgesses and the Continental Congress

• Three-time governor of Virginia

• Died June 6, 1799 at Red Hill Plantation, Virginia

• Henry is credited as the first revolutionary to raise his voice against the Crown!

Reaction to Stamp Act• May 1765-Colonial Assembly

meets in Williamsburg, VA• Patrick Henry 1st time

delegate to House of Burgesses.– Wife is mentally deranged.– Life is in chaos– Wants to make a name for

himself!• Henry travels to local bar.• Persuaded to give Speech

against Stamp Act of 1765!• He actually did not care!• Was a total publicity stunt!

Virginia Resolves-May 1765• He attacks the Stamp Act in a

fiery speech• Claims that it is a plot or

conspiracy by English Government to destroy the rights & liberties of all English colonial subjects!

• End of Speech is met with rounds of applause!

• At Colonial Assembly, Virginia resolves are passed.

• Resolve #5 says citizens should be prepared to arm themselves to protect their rights!

Looks like Virginia wants a War

Colonial Assembly abolished the

Virginia Resolves at

the end of the summer!

Papers along east Coast incorrectly printed that they

were passed!

Henry becomes Voice of Revolution

Henry's was the first voice raised against England in her attempt to impose taxation without representation. 

….He rose to his full stature in attacking the infamous Stamp Act, which was hotly debated at the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg in 1765. 

The other delegates quailed when Henry hurled defiance at George III with the challenge, "If this be treason, make the most of it.“

During the second Virginia Convention, his most famous speech was delivered in 1775 at St. John's Church in Richmond.  His words became the clarion call that led the colonies into the Revolution. 

With courage and elegance, he cried, "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.“

Boston

• Had long been a hotbed of controversy in American Colonies.

• Political divisions sometimes resulted in violence!• Became a battle between Colonial Governor and

city political leaders.• Two in particular are noteworthy:

– Samuel Adams -most powerful man in the city! Leader of the Caucus Club

– John Hancock -provided money for Adams political club

• 1765 is election year for Colonial Assembly!

Political Turmoil• Governor’s candidates win

election to Assembly.• Adams/Hancock now need

an issue to unite colonists against Governor so they can gain control!

• June 1765-news of Virginia Resolves reaches Boston.

• Adams & Hancock devise a plan to use news media to make Governor & others look like conspirators!

Newspaper called the BOSTON GAZETTE

continually prints stories accusing Governor of

conspiring to impose the Stamp Act.

Some articles even go so far as to say that money collected will go directly

into his pockets!

People believe what they read whether or

not it is TRUE!

August 14, 1765:Stamp Act Riots

• Governor & Sheriff come to Boston Common.

• Hanging on a tree are two effigies of Governor & Stamp Act collector.

• Governor tells sheriff to cut them down.

• Sheriff refuses, he knows he will be beaten by the mob!

• Mob mentality takes over!

People of Boston• Go Nuts! Start destroying anything & everything that

resembles British Authority.• Burn Governor’s house to the ground!• Night of August 16th-more violence, looting, etc.,.• Governor issues call for Colonial Militia to help!• No response because drummers used to sound

emergency call were in the mob!• Asks British soldiers at Boston Harbor to take control!• Chaos reigns supreme for three days.• Local Boston Stamp sellers all quit! People have won!

July 1766

• Stamp Act repealed by Parliament!

• Fall 1766-New Prime Minister (Townshend) goes to Ben Franklin and asks him what kinds of taxes would American Colonists accept?

• Franklin doesn’t really know, so he makes something up!

People will accept two kinds of taxes:

• Internal- money raised & spent in the colonies.

• External- custom duties, import/export taxes!

•Townshend decides there will only be External taxes imposed upon American Colonies.

Townshend Duties

• 1767-Parliament passes the Duties which will collect tax on Goods produced in the colonies.

• Items include lead, glass, paper, paint, tea…• Townshend believes it is good idea because none

of the money returns to England.• He says that it will be used to pay for salaries of

Royal Colonial Officials. Believes he is giving Americans what they want!

• Colonists see them as attack on their lifestyle!

Reaction of Colonists

• 1767-68- Riots/Protests throughout Colonies.

• More people involved then with Stamp Act crisis!

• 1769-Tension is at a fever pitch.

• New Prime Minister advises King to send troops to Boston!

1768-69

• George III sends 1,000 soldiers to Boston to stop the violence!

• March 1770-All of the Townshend Duties are repealed except for the tax on TEA!

• TEA TAX -symbolized for Parliament that they still have the power!

Boston Massacre 1770• Some colonists were upset

over British troops being housed in colonists homes

• Protesting in square of Boston

• Colonists throw snowballs and eggs at troops.

• Somehow, a gun is fired, or…misfires, and disaster!

• British troops open fire!• Five people die.• 1st symbol of American

Revolution!

The Boston Massacre The Boston Massacre ((March 5,1770March 5,1770))

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The Gaspee Incident The Gaspee Incident (1772)(1772)

Providence, RI coastProvidence, RI coast

What happened?• Citizens of Rhode Island had burned two British ships.• Gaspee, commanded by Lt. Dudingston was sent to

replace them.• June 9, 1772 – the Gaspee ran aground near Providence,

RI.• June 10 – Colonists boarded the boat and wounded the

Lieutenant.– Boat was Burned.– Dudingston was arrested for illegal seizure of merchant ships by

the local sheriff.– He stood trial three times and lost all three.– Eventually the Royal Navy held a Court Martial against him!

Tea Act of 1773• British East India Co. asks

for monopoly on tea.• It needs money to keep

from going bankrupt.• Parliament passes Tea Act

for American Colonies.• Forgot that there is still a

tax on Tea from Townshend duties!

• Colonists outraged by actions of British

•Gave them a Monopoly Gave them a Monopoly on British tea on British tea

imports.imports.•Many members of Many members of

Parliament held shares.Parliament held shares.•Permitted the Co. to Permitted the Co. to

sell tea directly to sell tea directly to colonies without colonial colonies without colonial

middlemen middlemen (cheaper tea!)(cheaper tea!)

•North expected the North expected the colonies to eagerly choose colonies to eagerly choose

the cheaper tea.the cheaper tea.

November 1773• Tea ships arrive in Boston. Dock workers refuse

to unload them

• Governor of Massachusetts issues ultimatum-

unload tea by Dec 17th or else he will use force!

• Dec. 16th 1773-60-80 men marched through

streets on way to wharf.

• Destroyed 300 chests of tea as a symbol of

rebellion against English colonial rule in colonies.

Boston Tea Party Boston Tea Party (1773)(1773)

SONS OF LIBERTY• Revolutionary group

funded by John Hancock in Boston.

• Leader of the Group was Samuel Adams.

• GOAL:– Create Anarchy– Create Sympathy– Create Problems

for British!

British Reaction• They see this as a challenge to British authority!• January of 1774-George III decides to punish the

city of Boston for Tea Party disaster!• Massachusetts Acts passed

– Closes Boston Harbor– Punish conspirators/ Prevent another occurrence– Governor has authority to use troops when needed.– Colony charter revoked! Military Governor put in

place. Boston is now a POLICE STATE!

September 1774• 1st Continental Congress

meets.• Philadelphia, PA.• Most reps argued about the

merits of liberty & rights of colonists.

• Protested presence of British Army.

• They meet through late fall of 1774.

• Seed of rebellion planted!• Olive Branch Petition signed!

Intolerable Acts -1774• Passed by Parliament to punish Massachusetts and specifically

citizens of Boston.• There were four separate acts:

1. Boston Port Bill – Close Boston Harbor2. Massachusetts Government Act – eliminated elected assembly

and gave Governor control. It forbid communities from holding more than one town meeting per year. Governor was General Thomas Gage

3. Administration of Justice Act (Murder Act) – person charged with murder while enforcing royal authority would be tried in Britain or other colonies.

4. New Quartering Act – requisition empty private buildings for the safe housing of troops.

Actions of Parliament...• Quebec Act – Actually was

designed to finally settle the questions of what to do with territory gained from French & Indian War.

• Provisions:– Retain Catholic Religion throughout

the region.– Retain old customs and institutions

of conquered people.– Extend boundaries all the way to

Ohio River. (p. 133)• The people of America are now filled

with fear.• If they can do this to Massachusetts,

then they can do it to anyone!• Colonial newspapers start to print

calls for a meeting of colonial reps.• Decision is made to meet in

Philadelphia, PA.

"I cannot but lament . . . the impending Calamities Britain and her Colonies are about to suffer, from great Imprudencies on both Sides -- Passion governs, and she never governs wisely -- Anxiety begins to disturb my Rest . . .

Benjamin Franklin -- Feb. 5, 1775

"The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution." John Adams -- 1818

December of 1774

• Government in England now must choose what to do!

• Their decision is to inform General Gage to send troops into Massachusetts countryside and seize rebellion leaders!

• Use any means necessary to stop the rebels

January 1775

• Letter to Gage sent by Parliament.

• Stipulations:1. Seek & Destroy Mission

2. Use force to crush the rebellion in colonies

3. Take no prisoners!

• Gage does not receive letter until April of 1775.

• This allowed rebels to stock up for the war!

American Spy Network• American colonists had a vast

spy network in place.• They knew every move the

British were making!• Paul Revere was leader of

American Intelligence network!

• Creation of Minutemen result of this network of spies.

April 18, 1775

• British Troops march into countryside on mission

• British soldiers are lost!

• It’s dark, they are confused!

• Paul Revere makes his famous ride to warn the citizens of Lexington & Concorde.

• He is captured early in the night!

The British Are Coming . . .The British Are Coming . . .

Paul Revere & William DawesPaul Revere & William Dawes make their make their midnight ride to warn themidnight ride to warn the MinutemenMinutemen of of

approaching British soldiers.approaching British soldiers.

Minutemen were waiting• By Dawn on April 19th, 60

minutemen are waiting in Lexington for the British arrival.

• British Major General Pitcairn is in charge of British soldiers.

• He rides up to minutemen and orders them to “lay down your arms, you dirty rebels!”

When some of the rebels throw down their guns, they misfire. The British soldiers open fire on the minutemen!

• Chaos now ensues!• Minutemen now open fire

on British soldiers and charge them.

• A running battle takes place between Lexington & Concorde.

• Americans have just attacked British soldiers!

• This is the 1st Battle of Revolution--lasts 3-4 hours.

•Americans use guerilla warfare to attack the British as they try to

retreat along the road to Concorde.

15 minutes of Blood & Death

The Shot Heard ’Round the World!The Shot Heard ’Round the World!

Lexington & Concord – April Lexington & Concord – April 18,177518,1775

British Army loses about 70 casualties in ambush attacks by American Colonists.

British Army returns to Boston that night and never venture out into countryside

again. Rebels own it!

Thomas Paine: Thomas Paine: Common SenseCommon Sense

Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence (1776)(1776)

British Assumptions

• They believe this will be a quick war, quick victory …just a matter of time!

• Limited War-just in New England, won’t spread!

• Rebels are cowards, can’t fight like regular soldiers!

• If it lasts a longtime, then the French will get involved!

New New National National SymbolsSymbols

Chronology of EventsFrench/ Indian War

1754-63

Proclamation Line of 1763

Sugar Act

1764

Quartering and

Stamp Act 1765

Declaratory Act

1766

Townsend Acts

1767

Boston Massacre

1770

Boston Tea

Party 1773

Committees of Correspondenc

e 1772

Intolerable Acts

1774

1st Continental Congress

1774

Quebec Act 1774

Lexington & Concord

1775

2nd Continental Congress

1775

Bunker Hill June 1775

Declaration of

Independence