Relationships During the latter part of the 17 th Century,
Britain had a few domestic issues to deal with that caused them to
overlook their colonies While they still commanded a great deal of
authority over the colonies, they cared little for the day to day
operations of them, so long as the money and raw materials kept
coming in The colonies thrived under this situation because it
forced them into becoming somewhat self sufficient This is known as
benign or salutary neglect
Slide 3
The Birth of an American Identity As Colonial development
progressed, the colonies developed their own identity A main
instigator in this was the Great Awakening, which saw a renewed
religious fervor in the colonies and in Britain While it began in
Europe, it also sparked an intellectual revival amongst the
colonists. People began reading more, and in turn took the
knowledge gained from these readings and applied it to their
environment.
Slide 4
The Great Awakening One of the first American movements was the
Great Awakening because the first small revivals began in the
colonies The main revival began in Europe and spread throughout the
colonies, causing people to return to church The hook that got
peoples attention was that God was angry and you need to repent
Important results of the Great Awakening were the creation and
expansion of colleges and universities here in the colonies and it
took on a life of its own that differed from Europe.
Slide 5
Enlightenment While the Great Awakening swept across much of
Europe and the colonies, another more secular movement had impact
on the educated elite The Enlightenment began in Europe with
philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and
Voltaire. They emphasized our ability to think for ourselves, using
reason to guide us. Soon their writings appeared in colleges in the
colonies, and many of the upper class colonists were greatly
influenced by their ideas
Slide 6
French and Indian War War waged between the British and French
with French Indian Allies 9 year war which was also waged in Europe
after the first two years In Europe it is referred to as the 7
years war. May 1754 British built a Fort (stronghold) in the Ohio
Valley of Southwest PA called Fort Necessity Ohio Valley claimed by
British and French
Slide 7
Causes of the War Washingtons men ambushed a French Scouting
party in 1754 French Army returned and with superior numbers easily
defeated the British and Washington retreated back to Virginia
French and English had been rivals in the area since the beginning
of exploration in the region English had settled along the coast
while the French explored farther inland along the St Lawrence
river, Great Lakes, and Mississippi River
Slide 8
Causes of War In Settling, British cleared land for planting
crops and the French built forts to protect their land interests.
As a result, the French had better relationships with the Native
Americans French and English had been battling since the 1600s.
Their battles often spread to the Colonies.
Slide 9
The Albany Plan of Union Delegation of 7 Northern Colonies
sought to devise a union similar to the Iroquois League. Another
goal was to work out a unified war effort in the Northern Colonies
Led by a delegate from Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin. Plan called
for a grand council of delegates elected by colonial legislature
with a president general appointed by the crown. Delegates saw that
the Iroquois nation had strengthened itself by forming the Iroquois
league and they wanted to do the same. The delegates approved the
plan but colonist rejected it feeling that they didnt want to
surrender that much power to a centralized government Albany plan
of Union was the first notion of Unionized colonies
Slide 10
Early Stages of War Early in the war the French held early
advantage. In 1755 they won a decisive battle in Western
Pennsylvania with about 900 French troops and Native Americans who
defeated the British. British no match as they used old fashioned
tactics of fighting in straight lines in open spaces British
General was Edward Braddock and an aide George Washington.
Washington aided the British defeat and noted the bravery of
colonial Militia (armed citizens who serve as soldiers in an
emergency).
Slide 11
Turning Point and British Victory 1756 British officially
declare war on France (thus beginning the Seven Years War) 1757
William Pitt becomes British Prime Minister (highest ranking
official in British Parliamentary govt) and feels that the entire
British Empire is at stake. Pitt persuaded Parliament to raise
taxes and borrowed huge sums of money to finance the war.
Slide 12
The Turning of the Tide Soon the British overwhelmed French in
Western Pennsylvania and Canada They won the important battle of
Louisbourg which was an important port on the gulf of St Lawrence
and then worked their way down the St Lawrence River towards the
great lakes At the same time, they won Fort Duquesne (which was
later named Fort Pitt and then later the city of Pittsburgh) and
then Fort Niagara.
Slide 13
The Fall of Quebec Quebec seen as prize to the English City
Surrounded by stone cliffs and a path about 3 miles south of the
city. British General James Wolfe and French General Marquis de
Montcalm. British 9,000 troops and French 7,500. First British
direct attack failed. British tried a siege which meant they would
trap the French in their positions although Wolfe only had limited
time for this to work.
Slide 14
Fall of Quebec Montcalm brought his troops out of the city to
fight the British which was a terrible blunder. British won battle
and won Quebec as both Wolfe and Montcalm are killed. 1760 British
also take Montreal and develop a stronghold in Canada 1761 British
seized Fort Detroit and French posts in the Great Lakes.
Slide 15
The Treaty of Paris Treaty of Paris in 1763The French and
Indian War ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763 Under the Treaty
of Paris; France turned Canada over to Britain and gave up all land
claims East of the Mississippi River. France kept the city of New
Orleans British gave Cuba to Spanish in exchange for Florida Spain
had been an ally to France in the War Proclamation of 1763The most
important facet of the Treaty of Paris was the Proclamation of 1763
As per the proclamation, no American colonist could claim land west
of the Appalachian Mountain range.
Slide 16
Consequences Policy of benign neglect came to an end The
relationship between the colonies and Great Britain soon soured
over the now ever present British army and officials Of course, the
British officers treatment of colonial militiamen had done damage
already What had begun as a positive sign of Britains care of the
colonies soon caused the colonists angst because they could no
longer relate to each other
Slide 17
Issues Behind the Revolution
Slide 18
Britains Financial Problems John Stewart, Earl of Bute had
replaced William Pitt as Prime Minister Bute was replaced by George
Grenville in 1763 Britain had increased costs to maintain its
empirecider tax in the apple growing region of England had caused
riots Colonies in North America were prospering Britain had decided
to draw on its prospering colonies and impose new taxes and enforce
old duties
Slide 19
The Sugar and Quartering Acts Sugar Act 1764 lowered the tax on
imported molasses and encouraged colonists to buy more imported
molasses rather than smuggle in molasses illegally Anyone caught
smuggling molasses would be tried in British court rather than
colonial courts Quartering Act 1765 Required colonists to provide
housing and supplies to any British Troops who stayed behind after
the French and Indian War never was a real problem Reaction against
these acts was mild compared to future acts
Slide 20
The Stamp Act - 1765 Stamp Act required a tax on all
newspapers, pamphlets, legal documents, and most other printed
materials Marked the first time colonists had been taxed for the
express purpose or raising money for England Reaction would be
widespread The Stamp Act Congress would be formed in 1765 with
delegates meeting from 7 colonies in New York
Slide 21
The Stamp Act Congress Organizer James Otis of Massachusetts
Otis, as early as 1761 had claimed that the British had no right to
tax the colonists because the colonists had no representation in
Congress In 1764, he again used the argument of No Taxation without
representation. Stamp Act Congress sent resolutions (official
letters) to the King and Parliament but to no avail.
Slide 22
The Sons of Liberty BoycottAnother way to show their
displeasure over the stamp act was to Boycott British goods The
group that started the initial group was formed in Boston and
called the Sons of Liberty and was led by Samuel Adams The Sons of
Liberty threatened violence (they also followed through on some
occasions) against British officials British merchants became angry
at the loss of money due to the boycott and the Stamp Act was
repealed in 1766
Slide 23
Declaratory Act - 1766 The Stamp Acts repeal was but a
temporary victory for the colonists Almost immediately, the
parliament passed the Declaratory Acts, which pretty much said that
they could pass any law in regards to the colonies without their
consent. Already displeased at the notion of taxation without
representation, this act served only to increase tensions in the
colonies
Slide 24
The Townshend Acts - 1767 Parliament placed import taxes on
lead, paint, tea and glass Revenue from these duties went directly
to supporting British troops, royal governors and royal judges.
Power of the purse was very much lost to the colonists A customs
commission was created New York assembly was suspended for failing
to comply with the acts This further angered colonists who again
boycotted British goods.
Slide 25
The Boston Massacre Britain placed extra troops in Boston as a
result of the protest of the Townshend acts (Sons of Liberty).
March 5, 1770 an unruly crowd threatened a group of British
soldiers who opened fire on the crowd 5 colonists including one
African American Crispus Attucks died. As a result, Parliament
cancelled the Townshend taxes and left only a duty on Tea as a
reminder of their authority. Colonists still boycotted British
Tea
Slide 26
Two Views of the Massacre Take 5 minutes to discuss the
difference between these two depictions of the Boston Massacre How
do they differ in their portrayal of the colonists?
Slide 27
The Real Boston Massacre
Slide 28
The Boston Tea Party 1772 John Adams and Sam Adams along with
James Otis formed the Committee of Correspondence to alert Citizens
of the wrongdoings of British Government in a seemingly quiet time.
Committees were formed in most colonies. 1773 Parliament passed the
Tea Act granting the East India company the right to sell tea in
America without paying normal tax. This made their tea much cheaper
than the smuggled in tea of American merchants
Slide 29
Boston Tea Party Colonists forced agents of the East India
Company to resign which most did. The tea was still shipped
although most of the ships were not allowed to dock in American
harbors December 16, 1773 a group of colonists disguised as Native
Americans broke in to one of the ships in Boston Harbor and dumped
the tea into the harbor
Slide 30
Intolerable Acts - 1774 Also called the Coercive Acts, these
acts were passed to directly punish the colony of Massachusetts.
Colonists deemed them intolerable Boston Harbor would be closed
until the price of the destroyed tea was paid back. This was called
the Port Bill Canadas border was extended to below the Ohio river
British General Thomas Gage was named governor of
Massachusetts.
Slide 31
First Continental Congress The Committees of Correspondence
urged a response to the Intolerable Acts The result was the
formation and meeting of the First Continental Congress which met
in Philadelphia in September of 1774 56 delegates came from every
colony except Georgia Leading figures included George Washington,
Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. Samuel Adams was
the most rebellious of the delegates although there were moderate
delegates such as John Dickinson of Pennsylvania and John Jay of
New York
Slide 32
The First Continental Congress Several measures were passed by
the congress: Renewed boycott Call to all the people of the
colonies to arm themselves and form militias Congress also made a
direct appeal to the King with grievances and asking for
understanding Congress agreed to not meet again if the crisis was
resolved Kings response: There is rebellion in New England and
blows must decide.
Slide 33
Lexington and Concord The King had labelled them rebels
although they called themselves patriots Massachusetts formed a
militia and had a stockpile of weapons stored in the town of
Concord, about 20 miles from Boston The British were ordered to
seize this stockpile but patriots heard of this and Paul Revere, Dr
Samuel Prescott, and William Dawes were sent to ride on Horseback
and warn he militia on April 18 1775. Revere got to Lexington,
about 5 miles from Concord around midnight
Slide 34
Lexington and Concord The British arrived at Lexington close to
dawn on April 19. The British ordered the colonists to lay down
their weapons which at first they did. Then a shot was fired and
the British returned the fire and killed 8 colonists within minutes
As the British marched on to Concord, some 4,000 patriots shot at
them from trees and behind stone walls. What had seemed like an
easy British Victory at dawn turned into a costly defeat.
Slide 35
The Battle of Lexington and Concord 70 British Soldiers were
killed and 170 wounded before the British found safety in Boston
Battle of Lexington and Concord officially began the Revolutionary
war
Slide 36
Ideas Behind the Revolution The American Revolution took place
on two levels; Struggle for power between the American Colonists
and Great Britain Settled on the battlefield Colonists rethinking
of the role of citizens, government, and the relationship between
the two. It was during this time that Americans learned to demand
that government respect citizens rights
Slide 37
The Second Continental Congress Met in May 1775 in
Philadelphia, PA A month before, troops had fought at the battle of
Lexington and Concord Some important new faces appeared; Benjamin
Franklin of PA; John Hancock of MA Thomas Jefferson of VA At first,
delegates were deeply divided over what the fighting was about.
Samuel Adams, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee
favored independence while moderates led by John Dickinson favored
compromise
Slide 38
Second Continental Congress Olive Branch Petition1775 the
Congress, led by Dickinson drafts the Olive Branch Petition which
urges King George III to halt the fighting in order to attempt some
kind of compromise. Document expressed colonists loyalty and desire
for compromise November 1775 King Refuses petition and fighting
continues
Slide 39
Common Sense Common Sense was a 47 page pamphlet written by
Thomas Paine which first appeared in Philadelphia in January of
1776 Written in a simplified manner which made it easier to
understand Position clearly in favor of a separation with Britain
Sold over 100,000 copies in the first few months after its
printing, which steered more people towards favoring
independence.
Slide 40
Declaration of Independence June, 1776, congress appoints a
committee to draft a document explaining the reasons for separation
Members: Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson: VA planter and Lawyer
John Adams John Adams: Boston Lawyer Roger Sherman Roger Sherman:
CT Judge Robert Livingston Robert Livingston: NY, lawyer and son of
wealthy NY family Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin: PA
Slide 41
Declaration of Independence Committee chose Jefferson to draft
the document Jeffersons ideas based on the Enlightenment, which
emphasized science and reason as the key to improving society
Writing influenced by earlier political thinkers, the most notable
being John Locke Declaration itself was divided onto four
parts.
Slide 42
Declaration of Independence Four Sections: 1.Introduction
Jefferson explains the purpose of the declaration natural rights
2.Jefferson explains the political ideas on which the document is
based. The belief is that people had natural rights, a notion
important in the writings of John Locke. inalienable rights -These
are rights that people have simply because they are human and not
because a government gave these rights to them. Jefferson refers to
these as inalienable rights that could never be taken away. These
rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Slide 43
Declaration of Independence 2. C ontinued: according to Locke,
people formed governments to protect their natural rights. If the
government failed to act in the best interest of the people, then
the people had the right to revolt and replace the government with
a new one. 3. In the third section was a long list of wrongs the
colonists had been delivered by the British King. For example,
taxation without representation 4. The fourth and final section was
titled Resolution of Independence by the United States..these
United Colonies are and of Right ought to be Free and Independent
States.
Slide 44
Declaration of Independence Document adopted and ratified by
the Congress on July 4, 1776 Document defined the basic principles
upon which American government and society would be based. Citizens
would have a voice in their own government.
Slide 45
Revolutionary War Throughout the meetings of the Second
Continental Congress and the drafting of the Declaration of
Independence, there was still fighting as the war had already
begun. The Siege of Boston After Lexington and Concord, the British
retreated to Boston and were surrounded by 20,000 patriots British
had about 6,000 troops in Boston. The patriot presence prevented
them from being more mobile and crushing the rebellion
Slide 46
The Siege of Boston Keeping the British in Boston was important
to the colonial militia. Unfortunately they lacked ammunition and
supplies. In May, Colonial Militia under the command of colonel
Ethan Allan crossed Lake Champlain and surprised the British Troops
at Fort Ticonderoga, NY. The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga helped the
Patriots gain supplies and ammunition
Slide 47
Battle of Bunker Hill June 1775, Americans occupied two hills
north of Boston, Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill British attacked in
their formal formations at Breeds Hill first. They were repelled by
the patriots and came again only to be repelled again By the third
attempt, the Americans had run out of ammunition and the British
overtook the hill The British then easily captured Bunker Hill
which was defended in a far more weaker fashion. Costly to British
as they lost 1,100 out of 2,400 men. Americans only lost 400
troops.
Slide 48
British Leave Boston Gage wanted to leave Boston but Howe
advised against it. Gages Army remained pinned down in Boston Gage
planned to invade Rhode Island and New York. Washington arrived
from Philadelphia where he had been named commanding general of the
patriot forces by the continental congress. Washington turned the
militia groups into the Continental Army.
Slide 49
British leave Boston January 1776 General Henry Knox brings
patriot forces and the cannons that had been seized at Fort
Ticonderoga. Washington placed these guns on Dorchester Heights
south of Boston. From there the patriots could shell Boston and
Boston Harbor forcing the British to retreat to Canada. They took
1,000 l ll loyalists with them. Loyalists were colonists still
loyal to the British throne who felt threatened if they stayed
behind.
Slide 50
Strengths and Weaknesses British Strengths: Well Equipped, well
trained and organized army. 50,000 loyalists who fought for British
African Americans fought with British as the British promised
slaves if they fought they would be freed. Native Americans fought
for British, mostly Iroquois British hired mercenaries foreign
troops paid to fight for them. Colonists referred to them as
Hessians as most of these troops were German.
Slide 51
Strengths and Weaknesses British weaknesses: War not popular in
Great Britain Many British citizens resented paying taxes to pay
for the war and sympathized with the Americans British had to fight
in hostile territory Commanders resisted adapting to new
tactics
Slide 52
The Leaders British Thomas GageThomas Gage Would have
suppressed the intolerable act rebellion and returned to England.
If there was more trouble, he would return with an army of 10,000
and crushed the rebellion William HoweWilliam Howe Numerous chances
to defeat Washington Henry ClintonHenry Clinton overly cautious
John BurgoyneJohn Burgoyne hesitant at start which was costly
Colonies George Washington Lousy tactician Good at putting good
people in key roles Benedict Arnold: Excellent General, would later
switch to the British side
Slide 53
Strengths and Weaknesses Americans: Strengths: Opposite of
British weaknesses Familiar terrain Used tactics from French and
Indian War Weaknesses: Washington never absolutely sure of numbers
as troops would leave after their term was up. New troops would
arrive but it was uncertain as to how many. Americans lacked a well
supplied resources in troops
Slide 54
Fighting in the North Summer of 1776; British strategy was to
concentrate on the middle colonies. British attacked and captured
New York Continental Army driven from New York to PA Congress fled
Philadelphia as they were afraid for their own safety.
Slide 55
Trenton and Princeton Traditionally Armies did not fight during
the winter which was an unwritten rule. At Trenton and Princeton in
Dec 1776, and Jan 1777 Washington broke this rule. On Christmas
Night 1776, Washington took some 2,400 troops across the Delaware
River to Trenton and captured about 1,400 Hessians nearly the
entire force. This was the Battle of Trenton He left fires burning
in his camp to let the British think that his army was still
there.
Slide 56
Princeton A few days after the Battle of Trenton, Washington
marched his troops (approximately 5,000) on a cold and icy night
time march They were attacked by the British the next morning by
the British under general Charles Cornwallis The Americans repelled
the attack. Victories at Trenton and Princeton served to greatly
boost the troops morale and convinced more colonist to join the war
effort.
Slide 57
British Attack from the North July 1777, Howe moves his 15,000
troops south from NY to Philadelphia to attack the Continental Army
British win battles of Brandywine (outskirts of Phila) and
Germantown At the time Howe attacked Philadelphia, Burgoyne brought
troops out of Canada that included English, Canadian, Native
American and foreign troops.
Slide 58
Saratoga Burgoyne, with about 8,000 troops attacked and
recaptured Ticonderoga with a plan to move southeast to Albany. By
doing this, they would cut off New England from the rest of the
colonies In retreating, the colonists downed trees and destroyed
bridges making the journey slow for the British As the British
retreat was slowed, the Continental Army was gaining numbers. In
Mid-September 1777, The Americans under the command of Horatio
Gates attacked the British These attacks took place near Saratoga,
New York and was won by the Americans in October.
Slide 59
European Allies France had secretly aided the Americans
throughout the war Despite this, the continental congress sent
Benjamin Franklin to Paris to gain open alliance from France Feb
1778, France signed the Treaty of Alliance with the Colonies France
would supply money, troops, naval help, and supplies. In fighting
France, Britain would now have to defend itself in Europe. Spain,
and the Netherlands also joined the fight against the British.
Slide 60
Other Europeans had volunteered to fight for the colonies or
help them before the Treaty of Alliance Marquis de Lafayette and
Johan de Kalb of France both became generals in the American army.
Polish military engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko helped build defenses
German Baron Friederich von Steuben successfully trained forces in
the Continental army.
Slide 61
Winning the War While the British were able to occupy almost
every colonial city, Washington knew that the colonies could still
win the war They had to simply continue fighting and outlast the
British The Winter of 1777-1778 was a winter of hardship for the
Americans. While the British were in Philadelphia, well fed and
warm, the Continental Army was at Valley Forge PA Colonial Army had
little food, shelter, or supplies. Many did not even have
shoes
Slide 62
Financing the War Part of the reason for the hardship was money
States were asked to help finance supplies but they had no ability
to raise money through taxation Paper money was made but was not
backed by gold. Should the British win the war, the money would be
worthless In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania farmers sold to the British
in gold as it was more money than the paper the colonial army could
pay.
Slide 63
Colonists Hardships British set blockades to prevent American
imports and exports Since even necessities were scarce, many
colonists took advantage and engaged in profiteering, selling basic
and scarce items at unusually high prices. This combination of
hardships caused inflation, which is a steady increase in prices
over time which reduces the consumers ability to spend.
Slide 64
War in the South 1779 focus of the war shifted to the south
British seized Savannah, GA in 1778 and Charleston SC in 1780 War
in the South was brutal because many who fought for the British
were tories. The Patriots won the battle of Kings Mountain on the
Carolina border, and Cowpens in the same area. The British, led by
Cornwallis headed Northeast and won the battle of Guilford
Courthouse in NC in March of 1781
Slide 65
Yorktown Washington brought troops to the south from NY The
French Navy set up a blockade of the coast of Virginia and
successfully drove off the British Cornwallis, on the peninsula of
Yorktown, now faced an army twice his size. In October fighting
broke out at the Battle of Yorktown Cornwallis was trapped on the
peninsula with no escape; There were no reinforcements from the
British Navy who had been driven off by the French On October 18,
1781, Cornwallis surrendered to Washington
Slide 66
Treaty of Paris Treaty signed nearly two years after the
surrender at Yorktown Included 4 countries: England, France, Spain
and the United States 6 major provisions: 1. Great Britain
recognized the independence of the United States of America 2. The
northern border between the United States and Canada extended from
New England to the Mississippi river and primarily along the Great
Lakes 3.The Mississippi River was established as a boundary between
the United States and the Spanish territory to the West 4. Florida,
gained from the British after the French and Indian war was
returned to the Spanish 5. Great Britain would withdraw its troops
from United States territory 6. Congress pledged to recommend to
the states that the rights of American Loyalists be restored and
that no future action be taken against them. Persecution of the
Tories continued long after the war.