We the People, Lesson #7

What experiences led to the American Revolution?

French & Indian War ends

British win, French lose their colony in N. America

See map p. 150, Creating America

British #1 world power in Western Hemisphere

Have a huge war debt after 7 Years War

Colonists Viewpoint

We went to war for

that land—we’re

moving anyway!!

1763

Proclamation of 1763:

colonists must not move

W. of Appalach.

Mtns.

British Viewpoint

Need to keep colonists safe

from Indian attacks, but

can’t afford to keep soldiers in the West—just don’t go

there!

Colonists Viewpoint

“No taxation w/o

Representation”

Colonists boycott

British goods; Parliament

would repeal tax law, but later issued

another

1764-1773

Various tax laws passed by

Parliament:• Sugar Act• Stamp Act• Tea Act

British Viewpoint

You are British

citizens and should help to pay for

your defense!!

Colonists Viewpoint

This is a violation of our natural

rights!!

1764

writs of assistance:

Permanent search

warrants given to customs officials to search for smuggled

goods

British Viewpoint

You have to follow tax

laws passed by Parliament—smuggling

will not be tolerated!!

Colonists Viewpoint

This is a violation of our natural

rights to our

property

1765

Quartering Act:

Colonists forced to

house, feed, & supply British

soldiers

British Viewpoint

You made us do this b/c you didn’t obey the

Proc. of 1763 & moved W of

Appalach. Mtns.

Colonists Viewpoint

The British government continues to violate

our natural rights

1765

Colonists form Sons of

Liberty & Daughters of Liberty to help

organize protests in all

colonies

British Viewpoint

You are British

citizens—Parliament

has authority to pass laws anywhere in

British empire

Colonists Viewpoint

We are victims of tyranny at the hand of King &

Parliament!

We don’t feel like

we’re part of England anymore

1765

Colonial protests grow

violent:• tarring &

feathering tax

collectors

• violent riots in the

streets

British Viewpoint

This behavior must be

stopped! You have now begun to commit treason!

Colonists Viewpoint

We hate these guys!

many colonists

believe the British will

use military

force against them

1770

Boston Massacre:

5 colonists shot after they

attacked a group of soldiers

British Viewpoint

The crown will not tolerate

attacks upon its soldiers

Colonists Viewpoint

The Tea Act goes too far—destroys the tea trade in colonies

=loss of jobs and income

1773

Boston Tea Party:

Sons of Liberty disguise

themselves, board British ship in night, and destroy

tea (+$1MILL)

British Viewpoint

This is treason!

the entire city of Boston will be punished unless the guilty men

are identified

Colonists Viewpoint

The King has sent soldiers here to

hurt us—we will attack

them first!

1775

Lexington & Concord:

British soldiers ambushed by colonial militia

British Viewpoint

We will not allow

colonists to stockpile weapons

We will capture Sam

Adams & John

Hancock

Colonists Viewpoint

1776

Declaration of Independence:

Continental Congress writes this

document in effort to get

more colonists to fight British

British Viewpoint

This means war against the rebelling

colonists

The whole world will

know that we will fight against abusive

government!