American Independence

1. American Independence

2. Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson • “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal” = all humans should have same rights& opportunities • “they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights” = God gave all people permanent rights • “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” = John Locke’s natural rights: to live, be free & to seek a fulfilling life

3. Key points of Dec of Independence • “to secure these rights, Governments are instituted” = governments were created to protect people’s rights • “deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” = people give govt. permission to have powersto govern

4. Key points of Dec of Independence • “Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it” = people have right to overthrow a government that abuses power • “and to institute new Government.” = people are to replace it w. a government that DOES protect their rights.

5. Colonial Government • Parliament governed American colonies, • but in practice colonists had their own colonial legislatures • Caucasian, land-owning males elected their representatives to the legislatures.

6. FRANCE VS BRITAIN :Cause of Independence • French North America = Canada & Louisiana Territory, vast trading area, sparsely populated • England’s 13 colonies = densely populated. British colonists wanted to settle west, but French forts prevented.

7. Seven Years War/French and Indian War) • Britain & France fought control N. American continent. • Britain’s P M William Pitt used British navy to defeat weaker French fleet. • British forces defeated French near Quebec, Canada. • 1763 Treaty of Paris granted Canada & French land east of the Mississippi to Britain. • British Empire was largest in world but in Debt • (Tax the Colonist)

9. British Taxes • Parliament imposed 1765 Stamp Act on colonies (repealed a year later due to protest.) • Parliament placed tariffs on non-British made goods, • American smuggling & British searches of American homes w/o warrants. • Declaratory Act = Parliament stated that Parliament alone had right to tax and make decisions for colonies. • undermined colonial govt’s authority, colonists outraged, “No taxation without representation!”

10. Colonist React to Taxes • Boston Massacre resulted in 5 deaths, but huge anti-British propaganda campaign (Paul Revere.) • 1773 Tea Act gave British East India Co. a monopoly on tea market and decreased colonist profits. • Thomas Jefferson encouraged communication amongst colonies • Boston Tea Party = Samuel Adams & other patriots dressed as Indians, boarded ship & dumped British tea.

11. Kings reaction • King George III ordered Parliament to pass Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) to punish MA. & end colonial rebellion • No trial by jury, forcing people to “quarter” British troops, etc.)

12. 1774 First Continental Congress in Philadelphia • “I am not a Virginian, but an American” Patrick Henry Congress called : • repeal Intolerable Acts • boycott of British goods • form colonial militias, • sent a Declaration of Rights & Grievances to king, • but still claimed loyalty to the “Crown.”

13. Colonist Fight British • April, 1775 British troops sent to seize arms & supplies of militias. • Lexington & Concord, first time fighting broke out between British & American forces, “the shot heard round the world!”

14. May, 1775 Second Continental Congress • Gen. George Washington organize Continental Army • Olive Branch Petition. Of peace King refused. Sent 30,000 German troops instead! • Jan, 1776 Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” widely circulated = demanded American independence

15. Independence • July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence proclaimed & colonies celebrated. American Revolution had begun. • Big gamble: signers signed their own death warrant! Patriots vs. world’s best military force & richest nation.

16. Patriot advantages • fighting on home turf, fighting for freedom • Early success of guerilla tactics • support from France (Lafayette) & Spain • Help Colonist because enemy was Britain • Both sides thought war would be short, but itlasted 7 years!

18. Saratoga October 1777 • British made two attempts to break through American defenses, but failed. • British withdrew to Saratoga, where they were surrounded by American troops. • The British had to surrender on October 13, 1777. • One quarter of the British forces in North America thus surrendered, • Major turning point and victory for Colonist

19. Valley Forge-winter 1777-1778 • British Army secure in Philadelphia • The American army settled into winter quarters at Valley Forge. • winter of hardship and suffering for the troops. • It was also a winter of training, in which the American troops were taught how to be professional soldiers.

20. York Town May 1781 • General Cornwallis and British forces began preparing a naval base in York Town • General Washington moved south and, together with French ground and naval forces, surrounded the British army • Assault forced British to surrender • This victory ended the war and guaranteed independence

21. Americans gain independence • Gen. Cornwallis surrendered to Americans & French at Yorktown in 1781. • 1783 Treaty of Paris recognized U.S. independence & expansion west to the Mississippi (doubled in size!)