Causes of the American Revolution1763-1775

I. What Gradual Steps Steer Colonists Toward a Desire for American

Independence & Unity? (pre-1754)

• Original colonists have “alternative” mindset from beginning

• Traditions of colonial courts & law making bodies

• Frequent disregard for mercantilist policy (mid 1600’s to mid 1700’s)

• Failure of Dominion of New England (1686)

• Great Awakening (1730’s)

• Albany Congress proposal for “Plan of Union” (1754)

• Enlightenment Ideas

• Salutary Neglect fosters independence

II. What was the Significance of The Seven Years War—“French & Indian

War” or “Great War for Empire”—(1754 – 1763) on the Quest for American

Independence?

Results of Seven Years War

• England dominates territorial holdings in N. America

• Spain & France much weaker presence• England amassed great financial debts• King George III brings new attitude about role of

colonies• Americans see Redcoats up close & in action • England ends “Salutary Neglect” mainly for

financial reasons

III. New Policies:Tightening Control, 1763-1775

• Proclamation of 1763• Taxes imposed: Stamp

Act, Sugar Act• Quartering Act• Townshend Acts

IV. Colonial Unrest Intensifies1763-1775

•Protests Begin: Boycotts/Homespun•Boston Massacre•Sons/Daughters of Liberty•Boston Tea Party•Coercive (aka “Intolerable”) Acts

V. Enlightenment Influences

•John Locke & “social contract”•Thomas Paine’s Common Sense•Deism/natural laws•Declaration of Independence

VI. Themes from Pre-Revolution

• Was this a conservative or radical revolution?

• Debate between philosophies of government: “Taxation Without Representation” vs. “Virtual Representation” Debate Begins

• Debate on “Rights of Englishmen”

Patriots (Whigs) &Loyalists (Tories), Lexington & Concord (1775)

Minutemen Fire “Shot Heard Round the World”

Comments on EssaysTo Add

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