The American Revolution

Why did the Colonists

revolt against the British?

Changes in British Policy

French and Indian War Proclamation of

1763 – closed settlement west of Appalachian Mountains

Changes in British Policy Sugar Act Quartering Act Stamp Act Townshend Acts Tea Act

Colonial Responses

Boycotts Stamp Act Congress Sons & Daughters of Liberty Boston Massacre Committees of Correspondence Boston Tea Party

Road to Independence

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Persuades colonists to revolt

Second Continental Congress Olive Branch Petition (11/1775)

People like John Dickinson wanted to make amends with Britain

Declaration of Independence

A. InfluencesEnlightenment Thinkers

John Locke Natural Rights

English History Magna Carta

B. ResultsDeclaration of Independence listed grievances against King and announced creation of new government based on democracy and natural rights.