"No taxaction without Representation" by James Ottis important
1. Background: European Migration to North America
When: From the 16th century onwards Why: To exploit natural resources and establish trade
2. The Thirteen British Colonies
England established 13 colonies along the eastern coast of North America, organized into three regions:
New England Colonies
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
Middle Colonies
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
Southern Colonies
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
3. British Economic Policy: Mercantilism
Definition: A policy where colonies existed only to benefit the mother country (Britain)
Purpose:
- Colonies provided raw materials for British industries
- Colonies served as markets for British finished products
Key Mercantilist Laws Imposed on Colonies: Important
- Navigation Acts: Only British ships could carry goods to/from colonies
- Export Restrictions: Colonial products (sugar, wool, cotton, tobacco) could only be sold to England
- Stamp Act: British stamps required on all legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, licenses
- Quartering Act: Colonies had to provide food and housing for British soldiers
- Import Taxes: Taxes on tea, glass, paper, and other imported goods
4. Intellectual Influences
Key thinkers who inspired colonial resistance:
John Locke: "Everyone has fundamental rights that no government can take away"
Thomas Paine: "It's absurd for a continent (America) to be governed by a foreign power (England)"
5. Colonial Response and Continental Congresses
First Continental Congress (1774) Important
- Location: Philadelphia
- Participants: Delegates from all colonies except Georgia
- Purpose: Protest British policies
- Action: Sent petition to King of England demanding:
- End to restrictions on industry and commerce
- No taxation without colonial approval
- Result: King sent military forces instead
Second Continental Congress (1775)
- Location: Philadelphia
- Key Decision: Appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief
- Important Publication: Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" pamphlet encouraged breaking ties with Britain
6. Declaration of Independence
Date: July 4, 1776 Main Authors: Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin Significance: Formally declared American independence from Britain
7. The War and Its End
Duration: 1776-1781 Result: American victory
Treaty of Paris (1783)
- Britain officially recognized independence of the 13 colonies
- Formal end to the war
8. Formation of New Government
Constitutional Convention
- Location: Philadelphia
- Leader: James Madison
- Result: Created the American Constitution
First President
George Washington became the first President of the United States
9. Global Impact of American Revolution
The American Revolution had worldwide significance:
- Inspiration for Freedom: Motivated independence movements and revolutions globally
- Republican Government: Introduced the concept of government by elected representatives
- Written Constitution: Created the world's first written constitution
- Federal System: Developed a system balancing national and state powers
Key Terms
- Mercantilism: Economic policy benefiting the mother country
- Continental Congress: Meetings of colonial representatives
- Declaration of Independence: Document declaring American freedom (July 4, 1776)
- Treaty of Paris: Agreement ending the war (1783)
- Federal System: Government system sharing power between national and state levels
Important Dates
- 1774: First Continental Congress
- 1775: Second Continental Congress; George Washington appointed commander
- July 4, 1776: Declaration of Independence
- 1781: War ends
- 1783: Treaty of Paris signed