AmRev

• Key Elements of the Preamble:

  • Establishes the purpose of the Constitution and the values it represents.

  • Begins with "We the People of the United States," emphasizing popular sovereignty.

  • Goals outlined:

    • Form a more perfect Union

    • Establish Justice

    • Insure domestic Tranquility

    • Provide for the common defense

    • Promote the general Welfare

    • Secure the Blessings of Liberty for ourselves and our Posterity

• Values Represented:

  • Unity among states

  • Justice and fairness in governance

  • Peace and stability

  • Protection of citizens and interests

  • Welfare and well-being of the populace

  • Liberty and rights for future generations

French and Indian War (Page 3)

• Background:

  • Conflict between Britain and France over the Ohio River Valley (1750s).

  • Native American tribes participated on both sides.

• Colonial Response:

  • Colonies met in 1754 to discuss unifying against French threats.

  • Benjamin Franklin proposed colonial unity, which was dismissed.

• Outcome:

  • Treaty of Paris (1763) signed, granting Ohio River Valley to Britain.

Early Taxation Acts (Page 4)

• Sugar Act (1764):

  • British Parliament taxed American colonists to offset war costs.

  • Taxed sugar, coffee, cloth, indigo, and wine.

Stamp Act (Page 5)

• Stamp Act (1765):

  • Tax imposed on all printed materials.

  • Spike in colonial unrest led to later taxation acts including Tea Act and Townshend Acts.

Colonial Reaction to Taxation (Page 6)

• "No Taxation Without Representation!":

  • Colonists opposed taxation imposed by Parliament without local representation.

  • Patrick Henry denounced the Stamp Act, rallying support among colonists.

  • Famous quote: "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Boston Massacre (Page 7)

• Incident Overview:

  • March 5, 1770: British soldiers face colonists' anger in Boston.

  • Confrontation led to British soldiers firing into the crowd, killing five colonists.

Public Sentiment Towards Government Action (Page 8)

• Reflection Prompt:

  • Consideration of individual responses to government violence against peaceful protests.

Boston Tea Party (Page 9)

• Event Description:

  • December 16, 1773: Colonists, disguised as Mohawk Indians, dumped tea into Boston Harbor in protest of British tea tax.

First Continental Congress (Page 10)

• Meeting Details:

  • December 5, 1774: Delegates from the colonies convened in Philadelphia.

  • Drafted a letter asserting colonists' rights as similar to British citizens.

  • Demanded removal of taxes and restrictions; met with British military response.

Moving Toward War (Page 11)

• Patriot Movement:

  • Growing dissatisfaction with British rule led to increased calls for independence.

  • Militias formed as preparations for conflict began.

Results of the War (Page 12)

• Post-War Period (1776 - 1789):

  • American colonies fought against Britain with French and Spanish support.

  • Creation of the US Constitution in 1789 established a new government structure.

Legacy of the Revolution (Page 13)

• Impact on Rights and Governance:

  • Initially limited rights for many groups, but signaled a step toward Enlightenment ideals.

  • Inspired subsequent revolutions, including the French Revolution, and democratic movements worldwide.