American Revolution! 1776-1781 The Shot heard round the world!
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Transcript of American Revolution! 1776-1781 The Shot heard round the world!
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