The Thirteen Colonies

American Revolution began in 1775

thirteen colonies vs. Great Britain

• Americans felt they deserved all the rights of Englishmen. • The British, felt that the colonies were created to be used in the way that best

suited the crown and parliament.

The distance of the colonies from Great Britain created an independence that was hard to overcome.

“No Taxation Without Representation”

The existence of colonial legislatures allowed the colonies to experience some independence from the crown.

The legislatures were allowed to levy taxes, recruit militias, and pass laws. However, King George III put an

end to some of the powers assumed by the colonial legislatures.

Many of the revolutionary leaders had studied major writings of the Enlightenment thinkers.

Seven Years War England and the colonies vs.

French and the Native Americans. This war ended with the British winning but

deeply in debt. To pay off the debt, King George III decided to

start to tax the colonists.

The Proclamation of 1763

This prohibited settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

While Britain did not intend to harm the colonists, many colonists took offense at this order.

In 1774, the First Continental Congress was held. Twelve of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia and agreed to boycott of British goods.

A year later, in 1775, the Second Continental Congress was held. All 13 colonies were represented at this meeting in Philadelphia beginning May. George Washington was named the head of the Continental Army.

The Battle of Bunker Hill In 1775, the Battle of Bunker

Hill took place. This major victory for the

Colonists resulted in George III admitting that the colonies were in rebellion against his empire. During the Revolution, only

one-third of the colonists were in favor of rebellion.

One-third continued to side with the British.

The last third were neutral concerning the rebellion and break from Great Britain.

The Colonies Get Their Independence

The American Revolution ended in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

This treaty granted the colonies their independence from England.