The American Revolution

Britain and Its American Colonies

• How were the colonies governed?• 1700s: British colonies grew in population

and wealth, much trade with Europe• 13 colonies basically self-governed• See themselves less and less as British

subjects• BUT! Parliament still passed laws to govern

colonies…even passed a law to ban trade with any nation other than Britain.

(DISCUSSIONQUESTION)

How did the colonists’ image of

themselves clash with

their status as colonists?

What caused Britain and America to grow apart?

• French and Indian war cost $$$$• Parliament passed laws to tax colonists.• Colonists became very angry.• Had never before

paid taxes directly to British government. They had always paid to their local governments where they had been represented and consented to the taxes.

• Believed the British violated their rights!

“We’re Angry! … now what?”1765 –

Americans boycott (wont buy) British goods

“Take back your tea and taxes or we’ll tar and feather you and shove them down your throat!”

It WORKED! Britain lost too much money in trade.• Result? Parliament repealed (took back) the law

Fine! Okay! We’re losing too much $$ - we will stop our taxes!

• Britain and America continue to grow apart.

(DISCUSSIONQUESTION)

Name some of the steps that

led to the American Revolution

• 1776: Colonists announce they are independent of Britain.

• DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE!• Based on

Enlightenment ideas:• All Men Created

Equal• Life, Liberty, Pursuit

of Happiness• Written by Thomas

Jefferson.

• 1775 – 1781 Revolutionary War•Colonists: poorly equipped army but home turf and France helps in the end

Vs.

•Britain: one of most powerful nations in world

Oh… It’s ON!Americans Fight for Independence

American RevolutionariesBritish Redcoats

WINNER?

•1783 Britain signs a treaty to recognize the independent United States of America

COLONISTS / AMERICANS!

United States Constitution -Important ideas from the Enlightenment used in its creation:

Montesquieu: Separation of powers: System of checks and balances.

Each branch able to prevent other branch from abusing power.

Executive branch– enforces laws (President)

Legislative branch – makes laws (Congress)

Judicial branch – interprets laws (Courts/Judges)

Federal System: power divided between national and state governments.

(DISCUSSIONQUESTION)

How does the Constitution

DividePower?

- There are TWO different ways!

United States Constitution -Important ideas from the Enlightenment used in its creation:

Locke: power comes from the consent of the people.

“We the people”

Voltaire• Freedom of speech &

religious tolerance

Beccaria:The accused have rights

No torture

Rousseau:

Direct Democracy: Public Election of President and Congress