The American Revolution

1
The American Revolution

• Chapter 6.4

2
The American Revolution

• Enlightenment ideas help spur the American
  colonies to shed British rule and create a new
  nation

3
Britain and its American Colonies

• American Colonies Grow
• American colonies grow large and populous during
  1600s and 1700s
• Colonial Economy thrives through trade

4

• Britains Navigation Act restricts trade
• Other trade laws add restrictions and taxes

5

• Colonists begin to feel a separate identity from
  other British Subjects
• American Identity is starting to flow through the
  colonies

6
War for Independence

• Britain, with the help of the American colonies
  win the French and Indian War in 1763

7

• Britain taxes American Colonists to help pay for
  the war
• Colonists argue no taxation without
  representation

8

• Colonists protest tea tax with the Boston Tea
  Party in 1773
• Colonists meet in Philadelphia to address British
  policies in 1774

9

• British and Americans exchange fire at Lexington
  and Concord in 1775

10
Americans win Independence

• Colonial leaders push for independence, rely on
  enlightenment ideas
• Declaration of Independence Document justifying
  colonial rebellion

11

• Thomas Jefferson writes declaration, uses ideas
  of Locke

12
Colonial Advantages

• British have military might but colonists have
  advantages
• Motivated by cause of freedom
• French assistance
• Wars expense for Britain

13
Britain Surrender

• British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, colonists
  win the war

14
The American Republic

• Weak start
• Articles of Confederation set government plan
• Articles create legislature only, no executive or
  legislative branch

15

• Results in a weak national government that fails
  to provide unity and order

16
Constitution

• Leaders call Constitutional Convention in 1787 to
  revise articles
• Group decides to rewrite from the beginning

17

• New Constitution is based on many Enlightenment
  ideas

18
Federal System

• Constitution creates three branches of government
• Provides checks and balances

19

• Promotes the power being divided between national
  and state governments federal system

20
Bill of Rights

• Many upset that it does not provide for
  individual rights
• Bill of Rights added to appease dissenters
• 10 Amendments to protect personal freedom