American Revolution Study Guide

TJnyxre
timer Asked: Apr 29th, 2016

Question Description

I need the study guide completed ASAP!

Unformatted Attachment Preview

Name: ______________________________ Class Period: _______ Score: _____ American History I: Unit 4 The American Revolution AH1.H.2.1 and AH1.H.2.2: Analyze key political, economic, and social turning points before and during the American Revolution in terms of causes and effects and their lasting impact AH1.H.3.2: Explain how environmental, cultural, and economic factors influenced the patterns of migration and settlement within the US immediately after the American Revolution AH1.H.3.3: Explain the roles of various ethnic groups in the settlement and expansion of the US prior to the Revolution AH1.H.4.1 / AH1.H.4.2 / AH.1.H.4.4: Analyze the political, economic, and cultural issues and conflicts that impacted the United States before and during the American Revolution and the compromises that resulted AH1.H.5.1: Summarize how the philosophical, ideological and/or religious views on freedom and equality contributed to the development of American political and economic systems before, during and immediately after the Revolution AH1.H.5.2: Explain how judicial, legislative, and executive actions have affected the distribution of power between levels of government before, during, and immediately after the American Revolution AH1.H.6.2: Explain the reasons for involvement in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution and the influence each had on international affairs AH1.H.7.1 / AH1.H.7.2/ AH1.H.7.3: Explain the impact of wars on American politics, economics, society, and culture before, during, and immediately after the American Revolution AH1.H.8.3: Evaluate the extent to which a variety of groups and individuals have had opportunity to attain their perception of the “American Dream” before, during, and immediately after the American Revolution AH1.H.8.4: Analyze multiple perceptions of the “American Dream” in times of prosperity and crisis leading up to the American Revolution .1 The French and Indian War and its Effects on the Colonies (1754-1763) France and England were competing for dominance in Europe sand had fought three major wars from 1689-1748. In 1740, both nations became interested in the Ohio River Valley in North America, eventually lead to a fourth war between the nations. Causes of the French and Indian War: The French wanted to use the Ohio River Valley to connect to the Mississippi River, which would allow them to travel easily from New France (Canada) to Louisiana. They also had valuable trade relationships with the Native Americans in the area. The British wanted the territory due to the popularity of the beaver fur trade and the valuable land in the region. To block the British claims to the Ohio River Valley, the French built a chain of forts from Lake Ontario to the Ohio River. After several altercations between the French and British in the area, the British governor of Virginia sent George Washington, a young army officer in the Virginia militia, to expel the French. Washington built a stockade known as Fort Necessity in the Ohio River Valley; however a large French force surrounded him and forced him and his men to surrender. This incident began the French and Indian War, which would spread to Europe where it was known as the Seven Year’s War. Most Native American tribes sided with the French due to their popular trade relationships; however one of the most powerful groups – the Iroquois controlled French access to the Ohio River and were undecided in their support. An Attempt at Colonial Unity: In June of 1754, delegates from seven colonies met with the leaders of the Iroquois tribe of New York in a meeting known as the Albany Conference. The conference accomplished several things: the Iroquois agreed to remain neutral in the war, the colonies agreed to have the British appoint one supreme commander of all British troops in the colonies, and Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union. The Albany Plan proposed that the colonies unite to form one central government to help fight the French, however the colonies rejected the plan. Despite its rejection, the plan proved that many colonial leaders were beginning to think about joining together for security. .2 The following is a cartoon that Benjamin Franklin drew urging the colonists to adopt the Albany Plan of Union. To the right of the cartoon is a famous quote by Franklin after the plan failed. Use these and your knowledge of the colonies to answe the questions below: ““The crown disapproved it as having too much weight in the democratic part of the constitution, and every assembly as having allowed too much to prerogative; so it was totally rejected.” Benjamin Franklin 1) According to the cartoon, why do you believe Benjamin Franklin thought it was necessary for the colonists to unite under the Albany Plan of Union? 2) Based on Franklin’s qoute, what was the difference in why the British government rejected the plan and why the colonies rejected the plan? 3) What were both some advantages and disadvantages to the Albany Plan of Union? Outcome of the French and Indian War: For the first two years of the war, France defeated the British. The French and their Native American allies used more guerilla warfare (utilizing surprise attacks and ambushes) whereas the British used gentlemen’s warfare (typically lining up in a straight line and fighting against the enemy in an organized fashion). Two years into the war, however, the British cut off the French supply lines and forced France’s Native American allies to give up. In 1759, the British captured Quebec, the capitol of New France and sealed their victory. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, 1763 in which France lost a large amount of their power in North America. According to the above map of North Ameria after 1763, what were the results of the Treaty of Paris? .3 Effects of the French and Indian War: Shattered Idea of British Invincibililty • Because the French beat the Brtish for the first two years of the war, the colonists saw that the British army, given the right fighting strategy, were not the supreme fighting power in the world Colonists Experienced Discrimination within British Military • During the war, the British military would not recognize any colonial rank higher than captain, causing the colonials to feel viewed as inferior British citizens Britain Became Angered By the Lack of Colonial Support for the War Effort Colonists Began to Discover a Shared Identity Less Colonial Reliance on Britain for Protection Increased Colonial Desire to Expand Increased British Taxation • During the war, some colonial shippers were sending war materials to Spain and France, Britain's enemies • Many colonies also refused to provide troops and money for the war effort • Colonists from throughout the Americas met for the first time and realized their many common characteristics • Without a French threat in the colonies, colonists did not feel they needed to rely on Britain for protection • With the French out of the Ohio River Valley, the colonists began to expand westward, creating problems with Native Americans in the area • The British had accumulated a massive debt while fighting the French and Indian War, in what they saw as an attempt to protect the colonists from the French. Once the British gained the Ohio River Valley, they also had to send troops there to protect it. They felt the colonies should foot the bill. Analyze the chart to the left. What is the approximate change in the British debt over these nine years? What conclusions can you draw from this chart? What are some solutions the British might find to their problem? Change in British Debt Due to the French and Indian War £150 £125 £100 £75 £50 British British Debt Debt Prior to After 1754 1763 .4 Proclamation of 1763: In the spring of 1763, Pontiac, the chief of the Ottawa tribe, united several Native American tribes in the Ohio River Valley, attacked forts along the frontier, and burned down several towns in what became known as Pontiac’s Rebellion. Pontiac and other Natives were angry that colonists were moving into the region of western Pennsylvania that had been promised to Native Americans. British leaders did not want to bear the burden of another war and did not want to disrupt the fur trade in the region. So, in October of 1763, King George III of Britain issued the Proclamation of 1763 which drew a line from north to south along the Appalachian Mountains and stated that colonists were no longer able to move west of that line. This proclamation deeply enraged colonists, who had fought the French and Indian War in order to expand into new lands. One group of colonists, the Paxton Boys, angered that Britain would not assist them in fighting off the Native American led an attack in December of 1763 on a group of peaceful Native Americans, slaughtering twenty men, women and children. Colonists continued to move across the Appalachian Mountains in violation of the British law. French and Indian War Homework Questions: 1) What were the overall causes of the French and Indian War? 2) How did the competition between the French and British Empires lead to colonial involvement in the French and Indian War? 3) How did the Albany Plan of Union represent both unity and division among the colonies? 4) How did the French and Indian War end and how did this impact the colonies? .5 5) How did the political and economic relationship between the colonists and England change after the French and Indian War, ultimately lead to the colonial desire for self-government? 6) How did the Proclamation of 1763 help increase tensions between the colonists and Britain? Stirrings of Rebellion: The Colonies Become Restless Major Concepts Daily Review: Interpret the significance of each term/ concept connection from the previous lesson 1) Ohio River Valley 2) Fur Trade 3) Albany Plan of Union 4) Gentlemen’s Warfare v. Guerilla Warfare 5) Treaty of Paris, 1763 6) Pontiac’s Rebellion 7) Proclamation of 1763 8) Paxton Boys 9) Impact of the French and Indian War on British/Colonial Relationship .6 Britain Tightens its Grip: Following the French and Indian War, the British government was heavily in debt for two main reasons: 1) the cost of fighting a war for seven years and 2) the cost of keeping a standing British army in the colonies for protection. The British naturally felt that since both benefited the colonies, they should pay the bulk of the debt. Once the French and Indian War ended, Britain swiftly ended its period of salutary neglect and began to actively enforce the Navigation Acts, only allowing the colonies to trade with Britain. The British government also began to place heavy customs duties (taxes) on designated goods. Colonists, angered by the enforcement of long-ignored rules, as well as the increased costs of goods, began to smuggle goods in and out of the colonies in order to avoid paying taxes. Parliament passed a law that allowed smugglers to be tried in a court run by naval officers, where they would be tried without a jury. The British government also created writs of assistance, which allowed British officials to search suspected smugglers without an official warrant. Read the following excerpt from a speech given before the Boston Colonial Court by James Otis in protest of writs of assistance and answer the attached questions: “A man's house is his castle; and whilst he is quiet, he is well guarded as a prince in his castle. This writ, if it should be declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege. Customhouse officers may enter our houses when they please; we are commanded to permit their entry. Their menial servants may enter, may break locks, bars, and everything in their way; and whether they break through malice or revenge, no man, no court may inquire. Bare suspicion without oath is sufficient.” 1) What rights of British citizens does Otis feel are being violated by the writs of assistance? 2) What are his arguments against the writs of assistance? The Sugar Act: In 1764, Parliament passed the Sugar Act, which raised the taxes on imports of raw sugar and molasses. The act also placed taxes on silk, wine, coffee, and indigo. Merchants throughout the colonies were furious, arguing that the new taxes would devastate trade. Under the new act smugglers were also presumed guilty until proven innocent and those accused of smuggling could have their goods seized without due process of law. Massachusetts lawyer, James Otis published a pamphlet in which he argued that Parliament had no right to tax the colonies because the colonies lacked representation in Parliament. This gave rise to the popular expression heard throughout the revolutionary era, “no taxation without representation”. Britain claims that the colonists have virtual representation, believing that every member of Parliament represents ALL British citizens. Colonists want actual representation, where they have an actual colonist representing their needs in Parliament. What rights of British citizens are being violated by the Sugar Act? _____________________________________________________________________ .7 The Stamp Act: To raise more money to pay off the British debt, in 1765 Britain passed perhaps its most controversial tax – the Stamp Act. This act required stamps to be placed on most printed materials, including newspapers, pamphlets, posters, wills, mortgages, deeds, licenses, diplomas, and playing cards. The stamp act was a DIRECT TAX and the first to affect ALL COLONISTS. In the same year, Britain also passed the Quartering Act, requiring colonists to house and care for British soldiers in peacetime. The passage of these acts led to protests throughout the colonies and led many colonial legislatures to pass resolutions against such taxes. The most well-known and effective protest organization that developed in America was the Sons of Liberty. Started in Boston and created by John Adams and Samuel Adams, the Sons of Liberty organized boycotts of British goods and intimidated tax officials using tactics such as tar and feathering. In October of 1765, nine colonies sent delegates to a meeting in New York known as the Stamp Act Congress, where colonists passed a resolution only allowing their own colonial representatives to tax them and passed a nonimportation agreement, refusing to buy any British goods until the Stamp Act was repealed. The boycott had a powerful effect on the British workforce, as thousands lost their jobs due to cancelled colonial orders. As protests grew in Britain and America, Parliament finally agreed to repeal the Stamp Act in 1766. Immediately after the repeal of the Stamp Act, however, Britain passed the Declaratory Acts, which became a face-saving measure by Parliament by reminding the colonies that Britain still had the power to tax them in whatever way it saw fit. The map to the left displays all of the towns where protests against the Stamp Act occurred from 1765-1766. Based on this map, what trends can you see in the protests? The Regulator Movement: In the midst of protests, a movement began to grow in Carolina, known as the Regulator Movement, protesting the corruption of local royal government officials and the discrimination that central and western North Carolinians felt existed in the government in favor of the wealthy. The movement began in 1764 when members of the backcountry of North Carolina began to believe that .8 royal government officials were charging them excessive fees, falsifying records, and engaging in other mistreatments. The movement's name refers to the desire of these citizens to regulate their own affairs. From 1764 to 1770, the movement mainly consisted of organized protests. However, in 1771 when Regulators requested a public meeting with colonial officials to discuss the abuses they felt were evident, NC Governor William Tryon and the general assembly refused. Tryon organized a state militia and marched to the western frontier of the state, where regulators once again requested a meeting in Hillsborough, NC. Tryon agreed to meet with them, but only if they would give up their arms. The Regulators refused and the ensuing Battle of Alamance began, ultimately ending the Regulator movement in a crushing defeat. Some historians consider the movement a catalyst to the American Revolution, while others say it demonstrates the problem of class division in the colonies. The Townshend Acts: In an effort to pay for the increase in British troops in America, Britain passed the Townshend Acts in 1767. These acts taxed glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea. Anyone who failed to pay the taxes would be presumed guilty until proven otherwise and would lose their property without due process of law. In the winter of 1767-1778, John Dickinson published a series of essays called Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania. In the essays, he reasserted the argument of no taxation without representation and called the colonies to become “firmly bound together” to “form one body politic” to resist the Townshend Acts. Following the release of these essays, colonies began another series of boycotts, supported by both the Sons and Daughters of Liberty. In the fall of 1768, violence began to increase against tax collectors in Boston. The British government sent in over 1,000 troops to the city to maintain order. On March 5, 1770, a group of colonists began harassing and throwing snowballs at a British soldier guarding a customs house. Soon, a squad of soldiers descended on the area. They opened fire into the crowd, killing five people. The event became known as the Boston Massacre. A few weeks later, Britain repealed the majority of the taxes under the Townshend Acts, except the tax on tea. What rights of British citizens are being violated by the Townshend Acts? _____________________________________________________________________ The picture to the right is an engraving of the Boston Massacre by Paul Revere entitled The Bloody Massacre The text below it begins: "Unhappy Boston! See thy Sons deplore, Thy hallowed Walks besmeared with guiltless Gore." Based on the engraving, who is to blame for the event and why? Do you agree with this interpretation? Why or why not? .9 The Gaspee Affair: After the repeal of the Townshend Acts, trade between Britain and the colonies resumed as usual, as did the smuggling of goods to avoid paying taxes. In order to stop smuggling, the British sent customs ships to patrol the waters. One of the most unpopular of these customs ships was the Gaspee. Its commander was infamous for searching ships without warrants and for coming ashore to seize food from colonists. In June of 1772, the Gaspee ran aground outside of Rhode Island. Over 150 colonists seized and burned the ship. The British ordered a full investigation. They offered a reward to anyone identifying the people responsible. No one came forward, and no one was ever charged for the offence. This event led the colonies to create what were known as committees of correspondence, which were groups of colonists that regularly exchanged letters about suspicious or threatening British activity throughout the American colonies. These committees helped unify the colonies, shape public opinion, and plan resistance. Tensions Build in Boston In May of 1773, Parliament passed the Tea Act. Under the Tea Act, Parliament gave the British East India Company a monopoly over tea in the colonies. The act reduced the taxes on tea coming from the British East India Company, making it cheaper than tea that had been smuggled in from the Dutch. It also allowed the company to sell their tea directly to the shopkeepers, bypassing American merchants who usually distributed the tea. Colonial merchants feared that the British were trying to put them out of business. On December 17, 1773 members of the Sons of Liberty, disguised as American Indians, boarded ships belonging to the British East India Company, broke crates open with their tomahawks, and threw 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. By today’s standards, millions of dollars of tea was thrown into the harbor in what became known as the Boston Tea Party. The Boston Tea Party began a series of events that forever changed the course of history. King George III got Parliament to pass a series of laws called the Coercive Acts, which the colonists called the Intolerable Acts. These laws were intended to punish Massachusetts. They closed the port of Boston until the city paid for the lost tea, replaced elected officials with royal officials, shut down town meetings, required colonists to keep soldiers in their homes, and placed Boston under military rule. As colonists throughout America became aware of the issues in Boston, the fires of rebellion grew. What rights of British citizens are being violated by the Coercive Acts? Do you think the British had a right to do so? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ . 10 Stirrings of Rebellion Homework Questions: 1) In what way did the British policy of salutary neglect lead to a desire for independence in the colonies? 2) Why did the new policies of the British government lead to colonial discontent and protest? 3) How did colonists protest British economic policies leading up to the American Revolution? 4) How did cultural conflicts like the Regulator Movement lead to open rebellion and set the stage for the American Revolution? 5) Who were famous colonists that began to share ideas about liberty and independence and how did they communicate these ideas? 6) What were three specific acts Britain used to limit the rights of colonists and how did each limit these rights? The Rebellion Begins Major Concepts Daily Review: Interpret the significance of each term/ concept connection from the previous lesson 1) Violations of the English Bill of Rights 2) Writs of Assistance 3) Sugar Act and Protests . 11 4) Stamp Act and Protests 5) Quartering Act 6) Regulator Movement 7) Townshend Acts and Protests 8) Tea Act and Protests First Continental Congress: Following the Coercive Acts in Massachusetts, people throughout the colonies began to sympathize with the plight of Boston. Proposals came from a number of colonies, including Virginia, to send delegates to a colonial congress to discuss what action to take next. In the March of 1775, Patrick Henry delivered a speech to the Virginia House of Burgesses, which would be dissolved two months later. Read the excerpt below and answer the questions. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament… If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending, if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! … They tell us, sir that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British, shall be stationed in every house? …. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come… Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace… The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! . 12 What is the main idea of Patrick Henry’s speech? _____________________________________________________________________ What problems does he address that the colonists may face? _____________________________________________________________________ What imagery does he use to support his ideas? _____________________________________________________________________ The committees of correspondence coordinated the different proposals and decided on a meeting of the colonies in September 1774. The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, with 55 delegates and all but the Georgia colony attended. The majority of the delegates wanted to avoid war and favored a more economic approach to the issue. They met for seven weeks and completed two main tasks. They agreed to meet again in May of 1775 if the crisis was not over. Action of Continental Congress Adopted a Declaration of Rights and Grievances Details of Action Expressed colonial loyalty to the King Asked the King to respect their rights and end oppression Agreed to establish the Continental Association Organized a boycott of all British goods throughout the colonies (nonimportation, nonconsumption, nonexportation) Responses to Action King George rejects the Declaration Colonists begin to form own militias and train Each colony creates a Committee of Safety to ensure that all colonists obeyed boycotts Based on the above chart, how would you describe the colonial efforts at making peace? What is your opinion of the Committees of Observation and Safety? Battles of Lexington and Concord: Following King George’s rejection of the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, many Committees of Safety began forming their own militias, drilling and practicing for combat. These soldiers were known as minutemen because they were expected to be ready to “stand at a minute’s warning in case of alarm.” These minutemen were needed in Massachusetts in April of 1775. The British government ordered its army to arrest the rebels in Massachusetts and to take over their arsenal in Concord. Patriot leaders heard about the plan and sent Paul Revere, William . 13 Dawes, and Samuel Prescott to sound the alarm that the British were coming. On April 19th, when British troops arrived in Lexington, they were met by a force of 70 colonial minutemen. The British asked the militia to disperse. As the militia backed away, a shot was fired from an unknown source. The British began to open fire and left 18 colonial casualties. This became known as the “shot heard round the world” and the start of the American Revolution. After Lexington, the British headed toward Concord to take over the arsenal. When they arrived, all the weapons had already been removed and they burned some supplies nearby. The militias believed they were burning their homes and lined up along the North Bridge at Concord. As the British crossed, the militia opened fire from behind trees, barns and houses. By the time the British reached Boston, they had lost 99 men and 174 were wounded. The militia then surrounded the city of Boston, trapping the British troops. What do you think the next steps for the colonists should be? ___________________________ Second Continental Congress Begins: In May of 1775, three weeks after Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress began meeting in Philadelphia. All colonies were in attendance, yet there was still no clear consensus for independence. Most hoped to keep fighting Britain until the King and Parliament would agree to address their grievances. The first action taken by the Second Continental Congress was to create and raise money for an army. They agreed to add to the current militia that surrounded Boston and appointed George Washington, a Virginian, as the head of this new Continental Army. Congress chose Washington to command the largely New England army to rally support from the South. His largest task in leading the Continental Army would be finding a way to discipline the new army, which was largely untrained and lacked respect for both sanitation and authority. One historian in the textbook, The American Pageant (Twelfth Edition - page 142) wrote the following about Washington’s selection as commander of the Continental Army: “George Washington was gifted with outstanding powers of leadership and immense strength of character. He radiated patience, courage, self-discipline, and a sense of justice. He was a great moral force rather than a great military mind – a symbol and a rallying point. People instinctively trusted him; they sensed that when he put himself at the head of a cause, he was prepared, if necessary, to go down with the ship. He insisted on serving without pay, though he kept a careful expense account amounting to more than $100,000. His selection, in truth, was largely political. Americans in other sections, already jealous, were beginning to distrust the large New England Army being collected around Boston. Prudence suggested a commander from Virginia, the largest and most populous of colonies.” According to this excerpt, give two main reasons why the Second Continental Congress chose Washington as the leader of the Continental Army? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Do you believe these were justifiable reasons to select him? _____________________________________________________________________ . 14 Battle of Bunker Hill: In June of 1775, the colonists took over a hill overlooking Boston from which they harassed the British troops in Boston. Then known as Breed’s Hill, it has become more commonly known historically as Bunker Hill. The British decided to use a full frontal attack on the colonists, where they charge straight up the hill in an effort to beat back the colonists. The attack became a massacre for the British. The king’s army charged the hill three times, taking heavy casualties with each attempt. However, upon their third and final attempt to take the hill, the colonists ran out of ammunition and were forced to retreat. At the end of the day, the British had suffered over 1,000 casualties to the colonists’ 400, making this battle ultimately the bloodiest battle of the revolution. This battle not only showed that the colonists were a force to be reckoned with, but also ended all possibility of a peaceful reconciliation with an angered Britain. Second Continental Congress Sends Out Olive Branch Petition: In July of 1775, the Second Continental Congress made one final attempt at peace with Britain known as the Olive Branch Petition. In this document written by John Dickinson, the colonists professed their loyalty to King George III and begged him to prevent future hostilities. King George’s response, however, was to pass the Prohibitory Acts, which declared that the colonies were now in a state of rebellion. He then hired thousands of German troops to go to the colonies and assist the British in crushing the rebellion. These Germans were mercenaries (soldiers for hire) and were known as Hessians. Do you think there was any hope for peace when the colonists sent the Olive Branch Petition? Why or why not? _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Influence of Common Sense: Despite King George’s rejection of the Olive Branch Petition, many colonists still felt a close tie to the monarch. They tended to blame Parliament for the problems between Britain and the colonies. In January 1776, however, Thomas Paine published his famous pamphlet Common Sense and forever changed the colonial outlook. Paine had moved from Britain to Philadelphia in 1775. He argued that Parliament did not act on anything without the consent of King George III and that monarchies in general were set up to seize power from the people. He believed instead that America should have a republic, where all government officials would get their power from the people. He also stated that it made no sense for a small island to control a vast land such as America. Common Sense sold over 100,000 copies in only three months of publication. Within a few months, each colonial legislature had told their representatives in the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence. . 15 Read the two excerpts below and compare the ideas of each of these revolutionary thinkers. Then, answer the questions below. Thomas Paine From Common Sense John Dickinson From Letters of Delegates to Congress “It is the good fortune of many to live distant from the scene of present sorrow;…But let our imaginations transport us for a few moments to Boston…The inhabitants of the unfortunate city who but a few months ago were in ease and affluence, have now no other alternative than to stay and starve, or turn out to beg… Men of passive tempers look somewhat lightly over the offenses of Britain and, still hoping for the best, are apt to call out ‘Come, come we shall be friends again for all this.’ But examine the passions and feelings of mankind; Bring the doctrine of reconciliation to the touchstone of nature, and then tell me whether you can hereafter love, honor, and faithfully serve the power that hath carried fire and sword into your land.” “Even those delegates who are not restrained by instructions (from their legislatures) have no right to establish an independent separate government for a time of peace…without a full and free consent of the people plainly expressed…We are now acting on a principle of the English Constitution in resisting the assumption or usurpation of an unjust power. We are now acting under that Constitution. Does that circumstance support is dissolution? But granting the present oppression to be dissolution, the choice of …restoring it or forming a new one is vested in our constituents, not in us. They have not given it to us. We may pursue measures that will force them into it. But that implies not a right so to force them. What are the main ideas in Paine’s argument? In Dickinson’s argument? _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Why does Dickinson believe that Congress had no right to form a new government? _____________________________________________________________________ Which argument do you think is the most logical and why? _____________________________________________________________________ The Rebellion Begins Homework Questions: 1) What attempts did the colonists make to keep peace with Britain through the First and Second Continental Congresses? 2) What actions did the colonists take that decreased the probability of a peaceful resolution with Britain? . 16 3) How did Britain react to the attempts at colonial reconciliation? 4) How did the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill serve as turning points in the relationship between the colonies and Britain? 5) How and why did Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense encourage revolution and independence? The Declaration of Independence Major Concepts Daily Review: Interpret the significance of each term/ concept connection from the previous lesson 1) Actions of the First Continental Congress 2) Battles of Lexington and Concord 3) Creation of the Continental Army 4) Battle of Bunker Hill 5) Olive Branch Petition and British Reaction 6) Influence of Common Sense . 17 Declaring Independence: On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Second Continental Congress, made the motion that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.” The motion was debated and finally passed on July 2, 1776, with twelve colonies voting for independence and New York abstaining. Technically, this vote was all that the colonies needed to cut their ties with Britain. However, the delegates believed a more formal explanation was necessary if they were to get the support of foreign nations. Congress appointed a five-man committee to write an official document explaining the reasons for independence. The task of the actual writing went to Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. He presented his document on July 2nd following the vote. Several sections were edited out, including one large section that condemned the slave trade. South Carolina and Georgia refused to sign the document and all mention of slavery was removed from the declaration. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted and signed the Declaration of Independence, each man committing treason with his signature. War with Britain was now a certainty. The Declaration would become a source of inspiration to countless revolutionaries in the future Watch the clip of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the film adaptation of the award winning Broadway Musical 1776. After viewing the clip, answer the following questions. What problems did the signers and their new government face? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ What stands out to you about the attitudes and circumstances of these men? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Concepts in the Declaration: Thomas Jefferson took many of the ideas he used in the Declaration of Independence from Enlightenment philosophers. The Declaration can be divided into four main parts: the Preamble, the Statement of Rights, the List of Grievances, and the Resolution of Independence. The Preamble is the introduction and states why the Continental Congress drew up the document. In the Statement of Rights, Jefferson takes his ideas from those of John Locke. He first states that people have certain inalienable rights, or rights that they possess simply because they are human beings. According to Jefferson, those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson then uses Locke’s Social Contract Theory, arguing that government gets its power from the consent of the people and that its job is to protect their rights. If government fails to protect those rights, the people have the power to rebel against the government. The third part of the declaration, the list of . 18 grievances, expresses all of the colonists’ complaints with British rule. The final portion of the document declares that the colonies are now free and independent states. Looking at the chart of the Social Contract Theory discussed in the Declaration of Independence, fill in the correct information where asked. What rights did the colonies expect Britain to protect? _______________________________________ How did colonists believe Britain was misusing its power? _____________________________________ Below are excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. Read each section to the left and then summarize, in your own words, what it says to the right. When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected tem with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. Preamble: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to Statement of Rights: . 19 reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. List of Grievances: …He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people… He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures…He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:…For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences… He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation… In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren…We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of . 20 Resolution of Independence: this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. A Divided America: The American colonists were much divided on independence. One-third of colonists remained Loyalists, meaning that they remained supportive of a colonial relationship with Britain. These colonists were often wealthy, well-educated conservatives who had much to lose if the British were to lose the revolution. However, many were also poor backcountry farmers who were new to the colonies and still strongly tied to the Crown. There was a large population of Loyalists is New York and in the Southern colonies of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Patriots made up about onethird of the population as well. These were the individuals who sought independence from Britain. They were largely from the New England colonies and Virginia and tended to be generations removed from their British heritage. The last one-third of colonists was undecided. They did not know which route was the best for their future. Many of those that were undecided eventually sided with the Patriots, both due to British atrocities and Patriot bullying. The Declaration of Independence Homework Questions: 1) How did the signing of the Declaration of Independence represent a political turning point for the United States? 2) How did the ideas of John Locke influence the writing of the Declaration of Independence? 3) To what extent did the Declaration of Independence establish freedom and equality for the colonists? 4) How did the Declaration of Independence split the British colonists into Patriots and Loyalists? How did this split affect American society? Who tended to be on either side? . 21 5) According to the Declaration of Independence, why did the colonists declare independence? The American Revolution Major Concepts Daily Review: Interpret the significance of each term/ concept connection from the previous lesson 1) Richard Henry Lee 2) Thomas Jefferson 3) Problems with Approving the Declaration 4) Parts of the Declaration of Independence 5) John Locke’s Influence on the Declaration 6) Patriots v. Loyalists Forming the First National Government: Now that the thirteen colonies had declared their independence from Britain, they had to create a new government to lead them. Most Continental Congress delegates favored a loose union of autonomous states rather than a strong central government. In November of 1777, Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation. This first national constitution created one branch of government, Congress, in which each state had a single vote. Congress was given the powers to conduct foreign affairs, handle war and peace, and maintain armed forces. It could also raise loans, issue bills of credit, and establish a coinage. However, the Articles did not give Congress the power to tax the citizens directly. Instead, Congress was to ask each state for funding based on the amount of land each possessed. To ratify (approve) or to change this constitution, all thirteen colonies had to agree. It took three years for the Articles of Confederation to be approved by the states. It was not officially ratified until March of 1781. Until that point, Congress worked under the Articles without any official standing. Do you see any potential problems with the Articles of Confederation and the new national government it sets up? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ . 22 Forming State Constitutions: During the Revolution, several states began to draft their own state constitutions in an attempt to limit the government’s power over the people. Most of these new constitutions established a government with three branches. The legislative branch, or the group that made the laws, was usually led by an assembly of elected officials. The executive branch, or the group that enforced those laws, was usually led by a governor. The judicial branch, or the group that made sure the laws were fair, was led by a court system. Many of these states also attached a list of rights to their constitutions, to ensure that the government could not restrict their basic rights. Financing the War: The Continental Congress financed the Revolution through grants and loans from friendly foreign nations and by issuing paper currency, known as Continental currency. The problem, however, was that the loans from other nations were not sufficient enough to back up the vast amount of paper currency being printed by the national government. Most states began to print their own paper currency. Slowly, Continental currency began to lose its value and inflation (an increase in prices) became rampant. In May of 1781, a new secretary of finance, Robert Morris, came to office. He convinced Congress to create a Bank of North America, deposited large amounts of gold and silver obtained through loans from Holland and France and private citizens. By January of 1791, debts from the American Revolution amounted to over $75 million. Colonial Strengths and Weaknesses: American Strengths American Weaknesses British Strengths British Weaknesses Patriotism – people were willingly giving their lives to defend their liberty and homes Small army – Continental Army was always short on men and Washington never had more than 20,000 troops in one place at a time. Large army – professional army of 50,000 troops and hired mercenaries; Also had help of loyalists, slaves, & Native Americans Distance – sending troops and supplies across the Atlantic was slow and costly; news was also slow to reach Britain Help from overseas – the French and Spanish secretly helped the Patriots Poorly trained and disciplined – most colonists could not shoot as well as British soldiers and lacked respect for military authority Well-trained army – knew European battle tactics, excelled in large battles, and had experience in firing large artillery Morale – King George could not convince English citizens that war was vital to Britain’s future. British taxpayers become angry about war. Leaders – George Washington was a military leader who inspired courage and confidence Shortages – guns, gunpowder, food, uniforms very hard to come by (new nation could not tax and get money for goods) Well-supplied – Hostile Fighting seldom lacked for food, Conditions – Fighting in uniforms, weapons, or predominantly unfriendly ammunition and unfamiliar territory . 23 Home-field Advantage – Fighting on their own land, know territory and can get help from friendly colonists Desertion – after fighting for only a few months, many soldiers packed up and went home Strong Navy – Possessed the world’s strongest navy at the time Inability to Adapt – British military leaders were unable to adapt their fighting style to that of the colonists Which of the colonial advantages or British weaknesses do you think is most vital to a Patriot victory? _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Which of the British advantages or colonial weaknesses will hurt the colonists most? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Based on the chart to the left, what group makes up the bulk of the British forces? Which groups grow the most in number over the years? Early Revolutionary War: At the beginning of the American Revolution the British were winning. The British wanted to isolate New England (the colonies that are causing them the most problems). If they could make New England obey the laws, they could make the rest of the colonies follow them, too. The British captured New York (Dec. 1776), and several other major port cities, including Philadelphia, Boston, and Charleston. In this way, they could control what came into and out of the colonies. Washington was desperate for a win. His first two wins came at Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey (Dec-Jan. 1776-1777), where he took several prisoners and artillery and, most importantly, boosted Patriot morale. . 24 Based on the map to the left, what conclusions can you make about early British battle tactics and victories? Where do most of the major battles occur and why? The Turning Point of the Revolution: In October 1777, British General Burgoyne, leaves from Canada with 4,000 Redcoats, 1000 Mohawk, and 3000 mercenaries to attempt to cut New England off from the rest of the colonies. The Americans found out where he was, and they surrounded and captured his army outside of the New York town of Saratoga. This battle becomes known as the turning point of the Revolution. This was the first decisive victory for the colonists and boosts their morale and reputation in the world. After Saratoga, the French decide to openly help the colonists. The French would send money, supplies, and warships, primarily in an effort to weaken their greatest enemy, Britain. In 1778, Spain and Holland would begin to openly support the colonists as well. Winter at Valley Forge: After Saratoga, Washington’s army had to find a winter campsite. The British military had occupied all of the homes, hotels, and taverns in Pennsylvania, so Washington set up a campsite near Valley Forge. At Valley Forge, Washington’s men endure hunger (there is no food), extreme cold (they have very little clothing), and sickness (smallpox). Of the 10,000 men at Valley Forge, 2000 die. In that time encamped at Valley Forge, two foreign leaders helped the Continental Army. The Marquis de Lafayette of France and Prussian leader Freidrich von Steuben trained and disciplined Washington’s men. Those who survived Valley Forge would leave as a stronger fighting force than they were before. “To see men without clothes to cover their nakedness, without blankets to lay on, without shoes….marching through frost and snow…and submitting to it without a murmur, is a mark of patience and obedience which in my opinion can scarcely be paralleled.” George Washington at Valley Forge According to this quote, what were conditions like at Valley Forge and how did men react? ____________________________________________________________________ . 25 Britain’s Southern Campaign: Following the winter of 1777-1778, the British changed their war strategy. Instead of just isolating New England, they attempted to divide the colonies into North and South by sending British General Cornwallis to invade the South. Cornwallis invaded through Charleston, South Carolina. By 1780, Cornwallis had captured Georgia and South Carolina. Using guerilla tactics, the Southern colonial militia engaged in several battles with British forces in South Carolina and North Carolina. One of the final battles happened in North Carolina at Guilford Court House. In this battle, the British won, but lost ¼ of their troops. They needed rest and reinforcements—they needed to get to the coast. Cornwallis was on his way to the Virginia coast, but was forced to leave some troops throughout the South to maintain order, thus spreading his army thin. Why do you think Cornwallis decided to take the war to the southern part of the colonies? What advantages did he have there that he did not have elsewhere? _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ The War Ends: The British pressed on to Yorktown, Virginia in an effort to rest and reinforce their army. When they moved toward the coast, the Americans followed them, trapping them along the coastline. The British hoped they could escape via the Atlantic Ocean. The British did not know that the French had finally shown up to help. The French had destroyed the British fleet, and were blocking a British escape by sea. Now trapped by the French and Americans, the British were forced to surrender at Yorktown. This surrender would be the last of the American Revolution. In 1783, the British and Americans signed the Treaty of Paris of 1783, officially ending the American Revolution and recognizing America as an independent nation. Based on the map to the left, who had the advantage at the Battle of Yorktown and why? Does Britain have any other options for retreat? . 26 The Revolution’s Effect on American Society: The American Revolution not only granted colonists their independence from Britain and created the United States of America, but also changed American society and culture. The experience of fighting side by side with people from every social class and region in America increased the belief in equality. As a result, in almost every new state constitution it became easier for people to vote. However, to serve in an elected position people had to own property. At the end of the Revolution, many veterans were given land grants, thus increasing the number of people who owned land and who could hold office. The new American states also became to disassociate from the Anglican Church and begin to advocate a separation of church and state, particularly in Virginia where they adopted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Women and African Americans made some small gains during and after the Revolution. During the war, women took over family farms in the absence of their husbands, traveled with the army as cooks and nurses, and served as spies and couriers. Once the Revolution ended, women also gained greater access to education, with the founding of many schools for girls within the new nation. African Americans were offered their freedom by both the British and Patriot militaries in exchange for their military service. Following the American Revolution, many northern states began gradually emancipating (freeing) slaves, believing that the ideals of freedom and equality professed during the Revolution were contrary to the practice of slavery. Although many northern slaves were freed, they still faced discrimination and were mostly relegated to jobs that only included manual labor. Those African Americans who did gain higher social status began to build their own distinct culture, which centered largely on the new AME (African Methodist Episcopal) church. Following the Patriot victory in the American Revolution, Americans were united by strong nationalistic feelings due to shared experiences. Artists began to emerge and create uniquely American works, such as portraits of Patriot leaders and battle landscapes. American education also began to blossom with the creation of the first state university in 1795 (University of North Carolina) and the revision of curriculum that focused on republican ideals. Which of the post-Revolutionary changes in America do you think was the most significant and why? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ The American Revolution Homework Questions: 1) How did the creation of the Articles of Confederation affect the distribution of power between the states and the national government? 2) How did America’s relationship with Britain impact its writing of the Articles of Confederation and its state constitutions? . 27 3) What were the problems America experienced in trying to finance the America Revolution and what problems did it reveal within the new government? 4) What were some of America’s biggest obstacles to winning the American Revolution? 5) How did the split between Patriots and Loyalists in America affect both the war and American society? 6) Why was the Patriot victory at Saratoga considered a turning point in the war? 7) How was the American Revolution a turning point in United States History, both politically and socially? 8) How did independence and the revolutionary spirit influence various cultural groups and define what it meant to be an American? Timeline and Review Day Major Concepts Daily Review: Interpret the significance of each term/ concept connection from the previous lesson 1) Powers of the National Government under the Articles of Confederation 2) Commonalities in State Constitutions 3) Problems of Financing the War 4) Colonial Strengths and Weaknesses . 28 5) Battles of Trenton and Princeton 6) Battle of Saratoga 7) Winter at Valley Forge 8) Importance of the Southern Campaign 9) Battle of Yorktown 10) Increased Rights after the Revolution Refer to the timeline and unit study guide on a separate paper for your final review before the test. . 29
User generated content is uploaded by users for the purposes of learning and should be used following Studypool's honor code & terms of service.

This question has not been answered.

Create a free account to get help with this and any other question!

Related Tags

Brown University





1271 Tutors

California Institute of Technology




2131 Tutors

Carnegie Mellon University




982 Tutors

Columbia University





1256 Tutors

Dartmouth University





2113 Tutors

Emory University





2279 Tutors

Harvard University





599 Tutors

Massachusetts Institute of Technology



2319 Tutors

New York University





1645 Tutors

Notre Dam University





1911 Tutors

Oklahoma University





2122 Tutors

Pennsylvania State University





932 Tutors

Princeton University





1211 Tutors

Stanford University





983 Tutors

University of California





1282 Tutors

Oxford University





123 Tutors

Yale University





2325 Tutors