Colonial Empires and the American Revolution

1. Colonial Empires and the American Revolution Chapter 10, Section 4

2. Colonial Empires in South America • Primarily dominated by Portugal and Spain • Treaty of Tordesillas • French, Dutch, and British also own lands in South America • Multicultural society • Mestizos– Offspring of Spanish and Native Americans • Mulattoes – Offspring of Europeans and African slaves

3. Colonial Empires in South America Cont’d • Economic boost • Goods from the Americas were sold across Europe • Gold, silver mines produced immediate finances • Religious reasoning • Church built missions, cathedrals, hospitals, schools, and orphanages • Education • Taught reading, writing, and arithmetic to Native peoples • Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz fought for women to be educated

4. British American Colonies • By 1750, over 1 million people present in British North American colonies • Colonies were “run” by Parliament, the Royal Council, and the British Board of Trade, but acted independently • Britain was responsible for protection of the colonies…even in war • French and Indian War

5. The American Revolution • Sparked by taxes imposed due to French and Indian War • First Continental Congress • Urged colonists to support militias • First shots fired in 1775 in Lexington and Concord • Second Continental Congress • Approve the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 • Foreign support • French, Spanish, and Dutch enter the war against the British • War ends in 1781

6. A New Nation • Articles of Confederation • America’s first constitution, approved in 1781 • Delegates met in 1787 to revise • The Constitution • Proposed a federal system, splitting power between federal and state governments • The Bill of Rights • First 10 amendments to the Constitution