American Revolution

1
American Revolution

• Ch 11 Sec 5

2
Imperial Control

• The French Indian War left the British Gov. in
  debt.
• The British expected the colonist to help pay for
  the cost of the war.
• Many of the policies that the British enforced
  were a threat to the colonist.
• Did not allow the colonist to settle in the
  Appalachians.
• Imposed a Sugar Act -- taxed all sugar and other
  imports from non-Brtish colonies.
• 1765 the Stamp Act. Taxed special documents,
  mainly paper.
• Colonist opposed the tax and the British repealed
  it
• Colonist started to argue with parliament No
  taxation without represention.

3
Intensified Conflict

• King George III was determined to force the
  obedience of the colony.
• Many colonist were coming to believe independence
  was necessary.
• About 1/3 of the colonies wanted freedom
  (Patriots).
• Another 1/3 were supportive of King (Loyalist).

4
Declaration of Independence

• Delegates met from 12 of the 13 colonies.
• Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the
  document.
• It declared that all men were created equal and
  have the right to Life, Liberty and Pursuit of
  Happiness.
• All power of government should come from the
  people.
• Summary of many of the ideals of the
  Enlightenment in Europe.
• http//www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/inde
  x.htm

5
War for Independence

• American forces were poorly trained and did not
  do well in battle.
• The British were the most powerful nation in the
  world at the time.
• Turning point in the war was the American victory
  at Saratoga,NY.
• War ended with Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown.

6
Articles of Confederation

• Articles of Confederation was adopted in 1777.
• It set up a central governement and one-house in
  Congress.
• It was a weak governement.
• Government could not levy taxes or coin money.
• Gov. could not regulate trade with other
  countries.
• No Chief Executive Officer.
• Power was in the hands of individual states.

7
Constitution

• By 1787 many were unhappy with the Articles of
  Confederation.
• Delegates met to create a new governement.
• Created a Federal System of Government.
• Gov. was given important powers.
• Declare war, raise army, regular trade and make
  treaties.
• Three branches of Gov. were created.
• Executive, Legislative and Judicial.
• Not all liked the new government.
• Idividual rights were not protected.
• A Bill of Rights was added to guarentee these
  freedoms.