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