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.