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”
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