What does the word

“revolution” mean to you?

 American
Revolution
 America is inspired
Ideas from the Enlightenment inspired colonists.

● Ideas challenged the role of government

● Montesquieu

● John Locke

● The English Bill of Rights

● Growing Middle Class

A quick Flashback
In England, Parliament and the Monarchy share power.
● Levy taxes
● Pass budget requests

Growing trade and industry led to an increase of the middle class.

● Britain is a world empire.

Britain owned and controlled Canada and the 13 colonies.

 The seven years war (French & indian war)
A global conflict ---In North America, the conflict was between the French and
British

British leaders wanted to get new revenue from the colonies.

● The money could fund wars.

● Defend the colonies.

● A debt was owed

 The Stamp ACt (1765)
Parliament imposed a tax on the colonies.

● Printed materials (legal doc,

newspapers, etc.) needed a stamp.

● People were furious.

● Stamp act was repealed.

 Townshend Acts (1767) & Tea Act
Taxation of important essentials were to be taxed.
● Glass, paper, lead, tea, etc.

Colonist are still unsatisfied - Boston Massacre

occurs
● Street brawl turns into a battle between
Americans and British soldiers.

Tea Act is imposed.

● Boycott of British goods

Boston Tea Party occurs - The Sons of Liberty have a

mission.
 Questions
● Why are colonists against taxation?

● Why are the British imposing so many

taxes?

● How did the Boston Massacre impact

colonists? What did they end up doing?
 Reaction in the Colonies
The colonies organized the First Continental
Congress.

● Members encouraged colonists to organize

militias.

● Fighting erupted between colonist and the

British army (1775).

● Lexington and Concord.

“The Shot Heard Round the World”

 Second Continental Congress
Lexington and Concord changed
everything.

Second Continental Congress convenes.

Continental Army is created.

● George Washington becomes
Commander in Chief.

Olive Branch Petition - tried to resolve

issues with the British
 The Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1176 the Second Continental
Congress approved of the Declaration of
Independence

● Written by Thomas Jefferson.

● Inspired by Enlightenment ideology.

● Formally began the American

Revolution.
The author of the Declaration of
Independence Thomas Jefferson
● Founding Father, American
Revolutionary, & Politician.

● Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers;

John Locke, Francis Bacon, and Isaac
Newton.

● Disliked a strong central government &

favored republicanism.

● Believed in religious freedom &

separation of church and state.
 Declaration of Independence
The document contained legal and political ideas

● These formed a legal foundation for equality

before the law. This was for the law and
individual rights.

● United States was ready to interact with other

nations as equals.

● The government only existed because of popular

sovereignty.

● If the government fails, the people have the right

to overthrow it.
 Questions
● What events occured in the First
Continental Congress?

● What occurred during the Second

Continental Congress?

● Where did Thomas Jefferson get his ideas

from?
American Revolution in 9 minutes
Thomas Paine And Common sense
Use the slides below for additional help