American Revolution

Bell Ringer – page 13This cartoon was created by Benjamin Franklin before the American Revolution. By looking at this cartoon, what can you tell about Franklin’s attitude toward the colonial involvement in the war?

Objective: Today, we will be discussing the American Revolution. Some of this information may seem very familiar to you (that’s a good thing), while some may be completely new (that’s a good thing, too). By the end of the class period, you should be able to answer the following questions:

Why were the American colonists growing unhappy with England and how did they vent this anger?

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Which philosopher was he greatly influenced by?

Why was the Battle of Saratoga so important to the Americans? What ideas from Enlightenment-era philosophers helped shape the

United States Constitution? What is the Bill of Rights? Why is it important? Who was it’s main

proponent?

Background - 13 English Colonies

• Prosperous (wealthy)– Bountiful natural resources– Part of global trade ($$$)

• Part of British Empire– Colonists = British citizens– Independent-minded

Colonies vs. Britain

• British treasury running low due to wars.

• Parliament begins taxing the 13 colonies, upsetting the colonists– “No taxation without

representation”

Events leading to warBoston Massacre (1770)Boston Tea Party (1773)

Lexington & Concord (1775)

The Declaration of Independence• Written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson• Declares independence from Britain• Greatly influenced by John Locke• People have natural rights• Right to “alter or abolish” revolt• Popular sovereignty – government’s

power comes from citizens• Adopted July 4th, 1776

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Important Points During the War

• 1777 – Battle of Saratoga• Americans win, France decides

to join War with Americans• Americans get supplies,

training and ships• Washington proves to be excellent

leader

American Victory and Aftermath• 1781 – Victory at Yorktown• Last major battle

• 1783 – Treaty of Paris• War officially ends, independence recognized

• Original government too weak – new constitution needed

United States Constitution• Important ideas from US Const.• Social Contract btwn peeps and gov’t (Locke)• People elect gov’t – not hereditary• Federal Republic• Power split btwn federal gov’t and states

• Separation of Powers (Montesquieu)• Legislative, Executive, Judicial• Checks and Balances• Branches have power over each other

United States Constitution cont.

US Bill of Rights - 1789

• Proposed by James Madison

• First 10 Amendments• Recognized the “basic

rights” all people had• Government MUST

protect rights

RightsFreedom of:

ReligionSpeechPress

Right to keep/bear armsTrial by juryPrivate property

BTW…On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions regarding the information in your notes.

Why were the American colonists growing unhappy with England and how did they vent this anger?

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Which philosopher was he greatly influenced by?

Why was the Battle of Saratoga so important to the Americans?

What ideas from Enlightenment-era philosophers helped shape the United States Constitution?

What is the Bill of Rights? Why is it important? Who was it’s main proponent?