Chapter Two Section Two

1
Chapter Two Section Two
2
The Birth of a Democratic Nation
3
American Ideas vs. British Control

• For almost 100 years, American colonial
  governments enjoyed relative self -government
  from Britain.
• In 1760, King George III takes the throne and
  demands more control over America

4
King George III (1760 1820)
5
French Indian War
6
French Indian War

• The French Indian War (1754-1763) made things
  worse.
• The war was extremely expensive for the British
  government, leading to increased taxes in
  America.

7
No Taxation Without Representation

• American colonists resented these new taxes by
  the British.
• Since they had no representation in the British
  Parliament, they felt they should not have to pay
  taxes.

8
No Taxation Without Representation

• Today, citizens of Washington DC do NOT have
  voting representation in the U.S. Congress.
• Is this the same thing as it was in 1765?

9
Boston Tea Party
10
First Continental Congress (1774)
11
King Georges Response
12
Second Continental Congress (1775)
13
Declaration of Independence
14
Declaration of Independence

• Independence self reliance and freedom from
  outside control.
• Written by Thomas Jefferson

15
Declaration of Independence

• Part I Preamble
• This explains why the Continental Congress drew
  up this declaration.

16
Declaration of Independence

• Part II Declaration of Natural Rights
• This lists the rights of the citizens, explaining
  that in a republic, the people form the
  government to protect their rights.

17
Declaration of Independence

• Part III List of Grievances
• This lists the colonists complaints against the
  British government (singling out King George for
  the blame).

18
Declaration of Independence

• Part IV Resolution of Independence
• This declares that the colonies are Free and
  Independent States with full power to make war,
  form alliances, and trade with others.

19
Uncertain Future??
20
Uncertain Future??

• Benjamin Franklins drawing from the 1750s.
• Franklin stressed that the colonies must be
  united if they are to prevail against Great
  Britain.