the road to independence

The Road to The Road to IndependenceIndependence

1754-17831754-1783

The French and Indian The French and Indian WarWar

CausesCauses Rivalry Between the French and the Rivalry Between the French and the

BritishBritish British British

built their settlements on the coastbuilt their settlements on the coast founded townsfounded towns poor relations with Native Americans poor relations with Native Americans

French French settled further inlandsettled further inland established fortsestablished forts good relations with Native Americansgood relations with Native Americans

Britain and France both claimed the Britain and France both claimed the Ohio River Valley.Ohio River Valley.

1754 A small force of British 1754 A small force of British colonists built Fort Necessity in colonists built Fort Necessity in western Pennsylvania.western Pennsylvania. French forces surrounded the fort and French forces surrounded the fort and

forced a surrender.forced a surrender. The French and Indian War had begun.The French and Indian War had begun.

The Course of the WarThe Course of the War The colonies provided militia men The colonies provided militia men

and also made attempts at unity, and also made attempts at unity, such as the Albany plan of Unionsuch as the Albany plan of Union

Initially the British did poorly in the Initially the British did poorly in the war losing because the French and war losing because the French and Indians used guerrilla warfare.Indians used guerrilla warfare.

William PittWilliam Pitt Became British Prime Minister in 1757Became British Prime Minister in 1757 Believed the war would determine the Believed the war would determine the

future of the empirefuture of the empire Persuaded Parliament to raise taxes Persuaded Parliament to raise taxes

and borrow money to fight the war.and borrow money to fight the war. His efforts will pay off.His efforts will pay off.

William Pitt

British forces begin to turn the tide:British forces begin to turn the tide: Seize LouisbourgSeize Louisbourg Capture Fort Duquesne in PennsylvaniaCapture Fort Duquesne in Pennsylvania 1759 General James Wolfe laid siege to 1759 General James Wolfe laid siege to

Quebec (capital of New France) and Quebec (capital of New France) and captured it.captured it.

1759 seized Montreal1759 seized Montreal 1761 All of Canada was under British 1761 All of Canada was under British

ControlControl

General James General James WolfeWolfe

Treaty of Paris 1763Treaty of Paris 1763 Ended the warEnded the war France turned over Canada to France turned over Canada to

Britain and surrendered all land Britain and surrendered all land claims east of the Mississippi River claims east of the Mississippi River except New Orleans.except New Orleans.

Britain returned Cuba to Spain in Britain returned Cuba to Spain in return for Florida.return for Florida.

Effect on the ColoniesEffect on the Colonies British thought the colonies did not British thought the colonies did not

provide enough support for the war.provide enough support for the war. Colonists were shocked by the Colonists were shocked by the

weakness of British military tactics.weakness of British military tactics. Colonists began to believe that the Colonists began to believe that the

British did not share the same values British did not share the same values or treat them with respector treat them with respect

Issues Behind the Issues Behind the RevolutionRevolution

British Policy ChangesBritish Policy Changes The Proclamation of 1763The Proclamation of 1763

Tensions between the British and the Tensions between the British and the Indians rose as colonists began to settle Indians rose as colonists began to settle more land.more land.

Pontiac’s RebellionPontiac’s Rebellion Ottawa, Huron, Potawatomi, and other Indians Ottawa, Huron, Potawatomi, and other Indians

rebelled destroying every British fort west of the rebelled destroying every British fort west of the Appalachians except Ft. Detroit and Fort PittAppalachians except Ft. Detroit and Fort Pitt

King George declared the region west of King George declared the region west of the Appalachians closed to settlement.the Appalachians closed to settlement.

Financial PolicyFinancial Policy The cost of fighting wars to maintain The cost of fighting wars to maintain

the empire was high.the empire was high. The British people were among the The British people were among the

most highly taxed in the world.most highly taxed in the world. The colonists were not heavily taxed The colonists were not heavily taxed

and many like finance minister George and many like finance minister George Grenville believed they should share Grenville believed they should share more of the burden.more of the burden.

George Grenville

The Sugar and Quartering ActsThe Sugar and Quartering Acts Sugar ActSugar Act

Cut the tax on molasses to discourage Cut the tax on molasses to discourage smuggling.smuggling.

Enforced by Royal Navy ships and violators Enforced by Royal Navy ships and violators were tried by a judge in a British court, not a were tried by a judge in a British court, not a jury in a colonial court.jury in a colonial court.

Quartering ActQuartering Act Required colonies to provide housing and Required colonies to provide housing and

supplies for British troops.supplies for British troops.

The Sugar Act

Stamp Act CrisisStamp Act Crisis March 1765 Parliament passed the March 1765 Parliament passed the

Stamp Act placing a tax on printed Stamp Act placing a tax on printed materials in the colonies.materials in the colonies. The first time that Parliament had taxed The first time that Parliament had taxed

the colonists for the clear purpose of the colonists for the clear purpose of raising money.raising money.

The law touched everyone, especially The law touched everyone, especially printers, merchants, and lawyers.printers, merchants, and lawyers.

Stamp Act CongressStamp Act Congress 1765 Representatives of 7 of the 1765 Representatives of 7 of the

colonies met in New Yorkcolonies met in New York James Otis said, “No taxation without James Otis said, “No taxation without

representation.”representation.” Issued a series of resolutions claiming Issued a series of resolutions claiming

that colonists should have the same that colonists should have the same rights and liberties that the people of rights and liberties that the people of Great Britain had.Great Britain had.

James James OtisOtis

The Sons of LibertyThe Sons of Liberty Merchants and others organized a boycott of British goods.Merchants and others organized a boycott of British goods. The Sons of Liberty groups were organized to enforce The Sons of Liberty groups were organized to enforce

boycotts and resist the British.boycotts and resist the British. Boston Sons of LibertyBoston Sons of Liberty

Most famousMost famous Samuel Adams was one of the foundersSamuel Adams was one of the founders Warned the stamp tax collector that unless he resigned, “his Warned the stamp tax collector that unless he resigned, “his

House would be immediately Destroyed and his life in Continual House would be immediately Destroyed and his life in Continual Danger.”Danger.”

By Nov 1765, when the act took effect most of the tax By Nov 1765, when the act took effect most of the tax collectors had resigned or fled.collectors had resigned or fled.

March 1766 Parliament repealed the Stamp ActMarch 1766 Parliament repealed the Stamp Act

Samuel AdamsSamuel Adams

Colonial Tensions RiseColonial Tensions Rise Declaratory ActDeclaratory Act

1767 Parliament declared it did have 1767 Parliament declared it did have the authority to pass laws that the authority to pass laws that applied to the colonists.applied to the colonists.

Townshend ActsTownshend Acts Colonists were angered at being Colonists were angered at being

taxed without their consent.taxed without their consent. The boycotts were renewed.The boycotts were renewed.

Boston MassacreBoston Massacre Fearing a rebellion, Britain had sent troops Fearing a rebellion, Britain had sent troops

to Boston.to Boston. March 5, 1770, a crowd or unruly colonists March 5, 1770, a crowd or unruly colonists

threatened a group of British soldiers. threatened a group of British soldiers. Fearfully the soldiers fired shots killed five Fearfully the soldiers fired shots killed five

Bostonians.Bostonians. The soldiers were arrested and later tried in The soldiers were arrested and later tried in

a colonial court.a colonial court. Parliament canceled the Townshend taxes.Parliament canceled the Townshend taxes.

The Boston Massacre

The Boston Tea PartyThe Boston Tea Party May 1773, Parliament passes the Tea Act May 1773, Parliament passes the Tea Act

to help the British East India Company.to help the British East India Company. This threatened colonial tea merchants.This threatened colonial tea merchants. December 16, 1773, a group of colonists December 16, 1773, a group of colonists

disguised as Indians boarded three tea disguised as Indians boarded three tea ships in Boston and threw all the tea ships in Boston and threw all the tea onboard into the harbor.onboard into the harbor.

The Intolerable ActsThe Intolerable Acts Passed by Parliament as the Coercive Acts in Passed by Parliament as the Coercive Acts in

1774 to punish Boston and all of 1774 to punish Boston and all of Massachusetts.Massachusetts.

Closed Boston Harbor until the tea was paid Closed Boston Harbor until the tea was paid forfor

Eliminated self-government in Massachusetts Eliminated self-government in Massachusetts and appointed Thomas Gage as governor.and appointed Thomas Gage as governor.

Stripped Massachusetts of its claims to Stripped Massachusetts of its claims to western lands.western lands.

First Continental CongressFirst Continental Congress Sept. 5, 1774, fifty-six delegates from the colonies Sept. 5, 1774, fifty-six delegates from the colonies

(except Georgia) met in Philadelphia.(except Georgia) met in Philadelphia. Leading figures--Georgia Washington, Patrick Leading figures--Georgia Washington, Patrick

Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and Samuel Adams.Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and Samuel Adams. The Congress:The Congress:

Renewed boycottsRenewed boycotts Called on the colonists to form militiasCalled on the colonists to form militias Made a direct appeal to the King stating their Made a direct appeal to the King stating their

grievancesgrievances George III responded by saying, “The New England colonies are George III responded by saying, “The New England colonies are

in a state of rebellion, blows must decide.”in a state of rebellion, blows must decide.”

First Continental First Continental CongressCongress

Patrick Patrick HenryHenry

Richard Henry Richard Henry LeeLee

The Battles of Lexington The Battles of Lexington and Concordand Concord

Massachusetts Patriots had stored a Massachusetts Patriots had stored a large stockpile of weapons at Concord.large stockpile of weapons at Concord.

April 18, 1775, 700 British troops left April 18, 1775, 700 British troops left Boston late at night to take the arsenal.Boston late at night to take the arsenal.

Paul Revere and others rode all night to Paul Revere and others rode all night to warn the Patriots.warn the Patriots.

At Lexington, on April 19, 70 minutemen At Lexington, on April 19, 70 minutemen blocked the British advance. blocked the British advance.

Paul ReverePaul Revere

During the standoff someone fired a shot.During the standoff someone fired a shot. The minutemen were defeated and the The minutemen were defeated and the

British marched on to Concord and burnt British marched on to Concord and burnt the arsenal.the arsenal.

On the route back, some 4,000 Patriots On the route back, some 4,000 Patriots shot at the British from behind trees all shot at the British from behind trees all along the road home.along the road home.

The British took heavy losses.The British took heavy losses. The Revolutionary War had begunThe Revolutionary War had begun

Ideas Behind the Ideas Behind the RevolutionRevolution

Common SenseCommon Sense January 1776January 1776 Written by Thomas PaineWritten by Thomas Paine 47 Page pamphlet designed to convince 47 Page pamphlet designed to convince

colonists that a break with Great Britain was colonists that a break with Great Britain was the only answer to the problems they facedthe only answer to the problems they faced

““The period of debate is closed. Arms as the The period of debate is closed. Arms as the last resource decide the contest. . . . Every last resource decide the contest. . . . Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation . The blood of the slain, the separation . The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature Cries, ‘TIS TIME TO weeping voice of nature Cries, ‘TIS TIME TO PART.’ ” —Common SensePART.’ ” —Common Sense

Thomas Paine

Declaring IndependenceDeclaring Independence First Continental CongressFirst Continental Congress

1775 Met in Philadelphia after the fighting 1775 Met in Philadelphia after the fighting of Lexington and Concordof Lexington and Concord

Drafted the Olive Branch Petition which Drafted the Olive Branch Petition which expressed loyalty to the King and asked for expressed loyalty to the King and asked for peace.peace.

1776 Second Continental Congress1776 Second Continental Congress After a year of war began to debate After a year of war began to debate

declaring independencedeclaring independence June 1776 the Congress appointed a 5 man June 1776 the Congress appointed a 5 man

committee to draft a declaration.committee to draft a declaration.

Writing the DeclarationWriting the Declaration Committee Members: Thomas Jefferson Committee Members: Thomas Jefferson

(primary author), John Adams, Roger (primary author), John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin.Franklin.

Heavily influenced by Enlightenment Heavily influenced by Enlightenment Thinkers:Thinkers:

John LockeJohn Locke Two Treatise of GovernmentTwo Treatise of Government Natural RightsNatural Rights

Thomas HobbesThomas Hobbes LeviathonLeviathon Social Contract TheorySocial Contract Theory

Jean Jacques RousseauJean Jacques Rousseau Tabula Rasa / Natural RightsTabula Rasa / Natural Rights

Thomas Thomas JeffersonJefferson

John Adams

Roger Roger Sherman

Sherman

Robert Livingston

Benjamin Benjamin FranklinFranklin

John

Locke

Thomas Hobbes

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Structure of the DeclarationStructure of the Declaration PreamblePreamble

Stated the purpose of the DeclarationStated the purpose of the Declaration RationalizationRationalization

Explained the basis for the right to declare Explained the basis for the right to declare independenceindependence

List of ComplaintsList of Complaints Injustices committed by King George against the Injustices committed by King George against the

coloniescolonies Resolution of IndependenceResolution of Independence

Formal statement of independence from Great BritainFormal statement of independence from Great Britain

Adopting the DeclarationAdopting the Declaration July 2, 1776, the Second Continental July 2, 1776, the Second Continental

Congress adopted Richard Henry Lee of Congress adopted Richard Henry Lee of Virginia’s resolution that independence Virginia’s resolution that independence should be sought.should be sought.

July 4, 1776, SCC voted to adopt the July 4, 1776, SCC voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence.Declaration of Independence.

Adoption would either be an act of Adoption would either be an act of heroism or an act of treason, depending heroism or an act of treason, depending upon the outcome of the war.upon the outcome of the war.

Signing of the Declaration of Independence

The Fight for The Fight for IndependenceIndependence

Once these rebels have felt a smart Once these rebels have felt a smart blow, they will submit . . . —King Georgeblow, they will submit . . . —King George

Strengths / WeaknessesStrengths / Weaknesses British:British:

StrengthsStrengths Well equipped, disciplined, and trained armyWell equipped, disciplined, and trained army World’s finest navyWorld’s finest navy Support of the LoyalistsSupport of the Loyalists Support of the IndiansSupport of the Indians Use of Hessians (mercenaries)Use of Hessians (mercenaries)

WeaknessesWeaknesses War was not popular in BritainWar was not popular in Britain Fought in a hostile territory unknown to themFought in a hostile territory unknown to them Resisted changing military tacticsResisted changing military tactics

Patriots:Patriots: StrengthsStrengths

Fighting for their homelandFighting for their homeland WeaknessesWeaknesses

For much of the war lacked a well-supplied, stable, and For much of the war lacked a well-supplied, stable, and efective fighting force.efective fighting force.

Boston Under SiegeBoston Under Siege 6,ooo British troops under Gen. Thomas 6,ooo British troops under Gen. Thomas

Gage controlled Boston.Gage controlled Boston. Battle of Bunker HillBattle of Bunker Hill

April 1775—20,000 Patriots surrounded April 1775—20,000 Patriots surrounded Boston and positioned themselves on two hillsBoston and positioned themselves on two hills—Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill.—Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill.

June 17, 1775, the British attacked Breed’s June 17, 1775, the British attacked Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill. Despite strong Hill and Bunker Hill. Despite strong resistance the British took both positions.resistance the British took both positions.

The British suffered 1100 casualties and the The British suffered 1100 casualties and the colonists suffered only 400.colonists suffered only 400.

Gen. Thomas

Gen. Thomas

GageGage

Battle of Bunker Hill

Boston LiberatedBoston Liberated The Congress named George The Congress named George

Washington commander of the Washington commander of the Continental Army.Continental Army.

January 1776, Gen. Henry Knox brought January 1776, Gen. Henry Knox brought Washington the cannons he had taken Washington the cannons he had taken from Fort Ticonderoga.from Fort Ticonderoga.

Washington placed these guns on Washington placed these guns on Dorchester Heights south of Boston.Dorchester Heights south of Boston.

The Patriots now had the ability to shell The Patriots now had the ability to shell the city and the harbor.the city and the harbor.

March 1776, the British left Boston.March 1776, the British left Boston.

Gen. Gen. Henry

Henry KnoxKnox

British ReturnBritish Return Summer 1776—General Howe and a large Summer 1776—General Howe and a large

British force appeared off the coast of New British force appeared off the coast of New York.York.

By October they had captured New York and by By October they had captured New York and by winter had taken Philadelphia.winter had taken Philadelphia.

The Patriot’s Cause seemed doomedThe Patriot’s Cause seemed doomed ““These are the times that try men’s souls. The These are the times that try men’s souls. The

summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” —Thomas Paine, triumph.” —Thomas Paine, The American CrisisThe American Crisis

General General HoweHowe

Trenton and PrincetonTrenton and Princeton TrentonTrenton

1,400 Hessian troops were stationed in 1,400 Hessian troops were stationed in Trenton, New JerseyTrenton, New Jersey

Against tradition, Washington chose to Against tradition, Washington chose to attack on Christmas night, 1776.attack on Christmas night, 1776.

2,400 Patriot troops crossed the ice choked 2,400 Patriot troops crossed the ice choked Delaware in small boats and surprised the Delaware in small boats and surprised the Hessians.Hessians.

Almost all the Hessians were captured and Almost all the Hessians were captured and the Americans only suffered 5 casualties.the Americans only suffered 5 casualties.

PrincetonPrinceton A few days later Washington attacked nearby A few days later Washington attacked nearby

Princeton, New Jersey.Princeton, New Jersey. Washington left the campfires burning and flanked Washington left the campfires burning and flanked

the British force who thought they hadn’t moved.the British force who thought they hadn’t moved. ““The horses attached to our cannon were without The horses attached to our cannon were without

shoes, and when passing over the ice they would shoes, and when passing over the ice they would slide in every direction. . . . Our men, too, were slide in every direction. . . . Our men, too, were without shoes or other comfortable clothing; and as without shoes or other comfortable clothing; and as traces of our march towards Princeton, the ground traces of our march towards Princeton, the ground was literally marked with the blood of the soldiers’ was literally marked with the blood of the soldiers’ feet” —Soldier at the Battle of Princeton”feet” —Soldier at the Battle of Princeton”

The Battles of Trenton and New Jersey were The Battles of Trenton and New Jersey were both a great boost to American morale.both a great boost to American morale.

The months that followed held no great The months that followed held no great successes for the Americans until Saratoga.successes for the Americans until Saratoga.

Turning Point: The Battle Turning Point: The Battle of Saratogaof Saratoga

British Gen. John Burgoyne was British Gen. John Burgoyne was ordered to northern New York to cut ordered to northern New York to cut New England off from the rest of the New England off from the rest of the Colonies.Colonies.

September 1777—Americans led by September 1777—Americans led by Gen. Horatio Gates attacked Burgoyne Gen. Horatio Gates attacked Burgoyne near Saratoga, New York.near Saratoga, New York.

On October 17, 1777, Gates On October 17, 1777, Gates surrounded Burgoyne and Burgoyne surrounded Burgoyne and Burgoyne surrendered his entire army.surrendered his entire army.

Gen. John Gen. John BurgoyneBurgoyne

Gen. John Burgoyne

Gen. Horatio

Gates

France Enters the WarFrance Enters the War The Continental Congress had sent The Continental Congress had sent

Benjamin Franklin to France after Benjamin Franklin to France after declaring independence.declaring independence.

Franklin’s mission was to convince the Franklin’s mission was to convince the French to enter the war on our side.French to enter the war on our side.

The Battle of Saratoga convinced the The Battle of Saratoga convinced the French that the colonies could win.French that the colonies could win.

February 6, 1778, France and the US February 6, 1778, France and the US signed a treaty of alliance.signed a treaty of alliance.

The alliance meant supplies, money, The alliance meant supplies, money, troops, naval support, and another front troops, naval support, and another front in the war.in the war.

Winning IndependenceWinning Independence“The British might capture territory, but they will never “The British might capture territory, but they will never win the war as long as Americans are willing and able to win the war as long as Americans are willing and able to

continue fighting them. . . .”—George Washingtoncontinue fighting them. . . .”—George Washington

American HardshipAmerican Hardship MilitaryMilitary

Washington’s troops were very ill-equipped.Washington’s troops were very ill-equipped. The winter of 1777-1778 spent at Valley Forge, The winter of 1777-1778 spent at Valley Forge,

Pennsylvania, was very brutal and many froze.Pennsylvania, was very brutal and many froze. GovernmentGovernment

The Continental Congress had little real power, and The Continental Congress had little real power, and could not raise all the money needed to properly could not raise all the money needed to properly fight the war.fight the war.

CiviliansCivilians The British naval blockade devastated the economy.The British naval blockade devastated the economy. Shortages of goods were rampant.Shortages of goods were rampant. Inflation sky rocketed.Inflation sky rocketed.

Battle of YorktownBattle of Yorktown Months of fighting led British Gen. Months of fighting led British Gen.

Cornwallis to need reinforcements. He Cornwallis to need reinforcements. He placed his troops on the Yorktown placed his troops on the Yorktown Peninsula between the York and James Peninsula between the York and James rivers to wait for the Royal Navy.rivers to wait for the Royal Navy.

Patriots under the command of Gen. Patriots under the command of Gen. Marquis de Lafayette were positioned to Marquis de Lafayette were positioned to block an overland escape from the block an overland escape from the peninsula.peninsula.

Washington saw an opportunity to win a Washington saw an opportunity to win a decisive victory.decisive victory.

Washington moved his combined Washington moved his combined French and American force to the French and American force to the Peninsula to join Lafayette.Peninsula to join Lafayette.

The French Navy blockaded the The French Navy blockaded the peninsula and kept the British from peninsula and kept the British from reinforcing Cornwallis.reinforcing Cornwallis.

After days of being pounded, After days of being pounded, Cornwallis surrendered to Washington Cornwallis surrendered to Washington on October 18.on October 18.

The Treaty of Paris 1783The Treaty of Paris 1783 Provisions:Provisions:

Great Britain recognized the independence f the Great Britain recognized the independence f the United States of America.United States of America.

The northern border of the US was established.The northern border of the US was established. The Mississippi River was established as the The Mississippi River was established as the

boundary between the US and Spanish territory to boundary between the US and Spanish territory to the west.the west.

Florida was returned to Spain.Florida was returned to Spain. Great Britain agreed to withdraw its remaining Great Britain agreed to withdraw its remaining

troops from US territory.troops from US territory. Congress agreed to recommend to the states that Congress agreed to recommend to the states that

the rights and property of American Loyalists be the rights and property of American Loyalists be restored.restored.

The Legacy of the The Legacy of the RevolutionRevolution

The greatest effect of the Revolution The greatest effect of the Revolution was to spread the idea of liberty was to spread the idea of liberty here and abroad.here and abroad.