American Revolution: General Knowledge

When did the American revolution begin and end?

1775-1783

When was the seven year war

1756

What was the seven years war

-War between the great powers of Europe, specifically Great Britain and France.
- Great Britain and France both had land claims in North America.
- Great Britain's naval dominance helped them win

What were the effects of the seven years war?

- Great Britain gains all French territory
- Great Britain incurred a large debt
- Strained relations with colonists due to taxation
- Proclamation line of 1763

When did the stamp act occur?

1765

Describe the Stamp Act

- Implemented to help reduce debt from Seven Years war.
- Parliaments first serious attempt to assert government authority over the colonies
- Made legal documents and such require a stamp to be valid, which they began putting a tax on stamps

When did the Townshend Act occur?

1767

Describe the Townshend Acts

- Implemented to help reduce debt from seven years war.
-Placed an importation fee on paper, glass, paint, led, and tea

When did the Tea Act happen?

1773

Describe the Tea Act

- Occurred in 1773
- Created to save the failing East India Company.
- Allowed the company to sell its surplus tea in the American colonies, gaining a monopoly

When did Britain colonise the America's?

1600's

What are some examples of legislation imposed on America?

- Stamp Act
- Townshend Acts
- Tea Act

What were changes in American perception of British rule?

- After the 7 year war
- Felt that Britain was trying to have complete control over colonies despite being self-regulating
- Realised large distance between the two socially/culturally
- Many had no ties to England/GB, some had never even visited, and this happened as time went on

What was enlightenment in the American colonies with two examples ?

- Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' 1776: An easily accessible, easy-to-read pamphlet. Pamphlet issued ideas like the king as illegitimate, the legitimacy of the English constitution, and he praised the idea of a new world and Americans as god's chosen people
- Declaration of Independence 1776: written by multiple communities, basically the right of liberty and pursuit of happiness, and asserting the right to a government of their own choice

Boston Massacre date

1770

What was the Boston Massacre?

British troops fired on an angry crowd of Boston colonists, killing five and wounding six.