Causes of The American Revolution

Mr. CummingsUS History

Historical background

1. 1776-17832. War between 13 colonies +

Britain1. Eventually involves France and

Spain

3. Land and sea war fought mostly in America

Causes of the American Revolution

• The French and Indian War– Colonies vs. French/Indians– French defeat in 1763 give Britain

most of north America– Leaves Britain w/huge debt

“The Death of General Wolfe” by Benjamin West (1770)

Causes of the American Revolution

• Proclamation of 1763– No colonists

allowed west of the Appalachian Mountains

– Colonists felt betrayed- ignored the order

Causes of the American Revolution

• Stamp Act (1765)– Britain collects taxes to

pay for Fr./Ind. War debt

– “Stamp” required on all official documents

– “No Taxation without Representation” is a common protest

“If this be treason, make the most of it!”

Patrick Henry at The Virginia House of Burgesses May 1775

“Oh, did I say ‘disloyal?? I’m

sorry!!”

“Uh, bro… you threw me on the floor…that’s raw,

dog!”

Causes of the American Revolution

• The Boston Massacre (1770)– Five colonists die after crowd throws

snowballs at soldiers– Accidental firing by one soldier starts

massacre– John Adams defends soldiers at trial

to ease tensions

One View of the Massacre…

Who Made This?

PAUL REVERE!

Causes of the American Revolution

• The Tea Act (1773)– Tax placed on all

tea purchases– Angered colonists

b/c tea was essential to culture (milk, bread)

“The Bostonians Paying the Excise-Man” (1774)

Causes of the American Revolution

• The Boston Tea Party (1774)– Colonists dressed as

Mohawks raid ships/destroy 342 chests of tea

– 23,000 lbs– Cost British billions

of dollars

• Intolerable Acts (1774)– Closed Boston’s port

to all ships– British soldiers could

live in anyone’s home for any reason

…A Change of opinion

• Public opinion changes with Thomas Paine’s book

• Common Sense Released January 10, 1776

• Wrote in a common sense style that appealed to the colonists

Effects of Events

• 1774: Colonial Representatives meet in Philadelphia

• 1774: Colonies ban British goods • 1775: “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” at

Lexington• 1776: Declaration of Independence

signed- WAR DECLARED

“Declaration of Independence,” Douglas Trumbull (1817)

The “Committee of Five” presents their draft on June 28, 1776. This is NOT the actual “signing” of

the Declaration!

Do Historical Inaccuracies take away from its importance?