Causes of the American Revolution

1. Causes of the American Revolution • Why did the colonists in America revolt against the British government? vs

2. British Government vs. American Colonists • British-America was divided into 13 colonies • Each colony had its own government but still had to obey British law • American colonists did not like that they had no representation in Parliament (not enlightened) & feel King George III was a tyrant • Ex: Navigation Act - colonies had to sell their materials to Britain, who sold it to other countries, colonies had to pay tax on imports • 1754: France & Britain fight French & Indian War (Seven Years War) • 1763: American colonies help Britain win war but British Govt runs up a huge debt fighting • King & Parliament expect colonists to pay for war – fought in America We agree! Why us? You guys pay for this war!!

3. Cause #1: 1764: Sugar and currency acts: Lower tax on sugar (no smuggling) Colonists can’t print or use their own money. Causes of the American Revolution Cause #2: 1765: Stamp act: tax on all stamped documents Colonists say violates natural rights, no taxation w/o representation! Effect: Colonists boycott British goods

4. Cause #3: 1770: Boston Massacre - British troops open fire on colonists who are protesting the new taxes Cause #4: 1773:Tea Act & Boston Tea Party, colonists dump British tea into Boston Harbor to protest. King George closes Boston Harbor Cause #5: 1774: Intolerable Acts – 1.Quartering Act forces citizens to house British troops. 2. Administration of Justice Act –Boston Massacre trial moved from Boston to London

5. Effect: 7/4/1776: The Declaration of Independence is ratified Which leads to the American Revolution!