6.4 American Revolution A look at how the Enlightenment transformed a Nation.
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Transcript of 6.4 American Revolution A look at how the Enlightenment transformed a Nation.
6.4 American Revolution
A look at how the Enlightenment transformed a
Nation
Atlantic Coast Colonies• Population and
Economy:– 1700 = 250,000– 1770 = 2,150,000– Thriving economy
through trade
New Identity
• 150 years of existence• All the colonies had their own
government• Start to identify less with being
British
British Control Over Colonies
• Navigation Acts– Colonies can only sell the high
value exports to Britain– Place high tax on imports from
the Dutch and French
• If you did not want to pay a tax what would you do?
• What did the colonist do?
New Taxes• A key event happens that the British
use to justify new taxation on a booming colonist economy.
• What is it?
New Taxes• The French and Indian War (1754-
1763)
New Taxes• The war runs up a huge debt• British think the colonists should
“foot” the bill• Create the Stamp Act (1765)
Stamp Act• A stamp needs to be placed
on official documents, for a charge.
• This is the first form of direct taxation on the colonies
• The colonist boycott…and win!
What Would You Do?• If you felt that something was truly
unjust what would you do?• Would you peacefully boycott like the
colonist?• Would you take up arms?
Other Taxation• When the Stamp Act failed…• The British started taxing other
goods• TEA is the straw that broke the
camels back
America is Mad and Shows it!
• Boston Tea Party• First Continental
Congress• Violence breaks
out (Lexington and Concord MA)
• Second Continental Congress
Enlightenment to Blame• Patrick Henry, John Adams, and Ben
Franklin– Enlightened thinkers– Called for war–Want the same political rights– King said “no”– The right to overthrow a tyrant (Locke)
Declaration of Independence
• Thomas Jefferson
• Inspired by John Locke’s idea of government
America’s Republic• 13 states see a need
for a National Government
• Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation• National government• Voted in by the people (who does this
sound like?)• Weak national gov.• Only have Congress• Congress could not tax
Need for a Stronger National Government
• Used Locke, Rousseau and Montesquieu
• Take note of page 186