The American Revolution

1. The American Revolution

2. Hanoverian Dynasty • Queen Anne died without an heir • In 1714 the throne was given to her closest relative- a Protestant German ruler of the state of Hanover • George I did not speak English and did not know the British system well • His chief ministers dealt with Parliament

3. Robert Walpole • Head of cabinet, which would later become the position of Prime Minister • Desired a peaceful foreign policy • Middle class wanted expansion of trade and the empire • They benefited from growing trade and industry

4. Problems from the Seven Years War • British leaders wanted to get revenue from the colonies • Cover war costs and pay for the army to defend the colonies • Heavy taxes led to opposition and violence • Opposition of British rule led to desire for independence

5. Revolution • George Washington served as commander in chief • Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson • The French supplied arms and money to the American rebels • French soldiers also served in the army

6. A New Nation • Federal System- the national government and the state government shared power • Federal government separated into three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial • All had power to restrain the other branches • Based on Montesquieu’s ideas • Bill of Rights • Derived from the natural rights proposed by the 18 century philosophes

7. Pick a American Revolutionary • Thomas Paine • Thomas Jefferson • Sam Adams • John Adams • Benjamin Franklin • John Hancock • Paul Revere • Crispus Attucks • Write a paragraph including their contribution to the American Revolution