The Revolution BeginsCh. 4 Section 2

The Gaspee Affair

In the spring of 1772, the British government introduced several new policies that angered American colonists. Britain sent customs ships to patrol North

American waters in order to intercept smugglers.

In 1772 the British customs ship, the Gaspee, ran aground and was seized by colonists and burned.

The British took suspects to England for trial.

The Gaspee Affiar

Colonists felt this was a violation of their right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Thomas Jefferson suggests Committees of

Correspondence▪ Colonies should communicate to each other about

British activities▪ Unifies colonies

Gaspee Affair

Tea and the Colonies

British East India Company – Almost bankrupt. Lord North, England's Prime Minister, helps them by passing the Tea Act of 1773. Made the price of Tea from the Company lower

than the cost of smuggled Dutch tea.▪ Angered American merchants

Boston Tea Party

In December 1773, tea ships from the East India Company arrived in Boston Harbor. Colonists boarded the ship and dumped the tea into the

harbor. ▪ Boston Tea Party.

The Boston Tea Party led to the British passing four new laws called the Coercive Acts.

Propaganda “Tea Act”

Boston Tea Party

Boston Tea Party

Coercive Acts

The Coercive Acts No right to trial by jury of your peers No law against quartering troops in your

home The Quebec Act

Stated that a governor and council appointed by the King would control Quebec.▪ No elections=>colonists angery.

The Intolerable Acts

The Quebec Act and the Coercive Acts became known as the Intolerable Acts. The First Continental Congress met in

Philadelphia in 1774. ▪ Wrote a Declaration of Rights and

Grievances▪ Expressed loyalty to King, but condemned the

Intolerable Acts.▪ Also expressed that the colonies were forming a non

importation association. (Boycott British goods)

The Revolution Begins

Summer of 1774 – British lost control of the colonies Colonists raided military outposts for

ammo. Concord creates a special militia, called

Minutemen. ▪ Trained and ready for attack at a minutes

warning.

Minuteman Statue

Loyalist vs. Patriot

The war for independence will not only be between British and English, but also Loyalist and Patriot groups. Loyalist – Loyal to King ▪ Rich and powerful

Patriot – AKA Whigs, British are tyrants▪ Poor and without power

Loyalists=Loyal to King George III

Patriot

The Revolution Begins

On April 18, 1775, British General Gage and his troops set out to seize the militia’s supply depot at Concord. To get there, they had to pass through Lexington. Patriots Paul Revere and William Dawes were sent to

Lexington to warn the people that the British were coming.

When the British arrived in Lexington, about 70 minutemen were waiting for them. ▪ The British fired at the minutemen, killing 8 and wounding 10.

The British moved on to Concord where they found 400 minutemen waiting for them. ▪ British Retreat

William Dawes

The Revolution Begins

After the battles at Lexington and Concord, Second Continental Congress created. Create Continental Army, appoint

George Washington as head.

Continental Army

George Washington

Battle of Bunker Hill

The Battle at Bunker Hill resulted in turning back two British advances. The colonial militia only retreated due

to a lack of ammunition. It was a huge boost to American confidence that the

untrained colonials could stand up to the feared British army.

Bunker Hill

Independence

After Bunker Hill, patriots call for American Independence. In July 1775, the Continental Congress sent a document

known as the Olive Branch Petition to the king. It stated that the colonies were still loyal to King George

III and asked the king to call off the army while a compromise could be made.

▪ King George refused to look at the Petition.

Olive Branch Petition

Independence

Two Loyalist armies were organized to assist the British troops in Virginia. White Loyalists – feared they would lose their land to

patriots. Enslaved Africans – Promised freedom if they fought for

loyalists In December 1775, the king shut down trade with

the colonies and ordered the British navy to blockade the coast. British begin recruiting mercenaries from Germany.

Common Sense and Independence

In January 1776, the persuasive pamphlet called Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, caused many colonists to call for independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, a committee of Patriot leaders approved

a document written by Thomas Jefferson that became known as the Declaration of Independence.

The American Revolution had begun.

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence